Akshai Sarin

Akshai Sarin is a media entrepreneur, composer, producer, performer, and DJ. At 24, he was the youngest Indian producer to have his music played on BBC Radio 1's Alternative Asia program. Akshai Sarin (a.k.a. ax/ai, Rebirth of DuB, Dj AX) is the founder of AXYZmusic International & Rebirth Records, developing operations in four countries globally. He also has exclusive representation for bands like world/jazz artist Surinder Sandhu's The Saurang Orchestra - featuring collaborators Steve Vai, George Brooks and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

One of India's Top 20 young creative entrepreneurs - India's Creative Future 2007 program conducted by The British Council and Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B).

Sarin was involved in co-ordinating the 2006 Shalom Peace Concert, which took place in New Delhi (with artists like Karsh Kale and MIDIval Punditz). He's currently on the planning committee for the Indian EDition of the Indian Electronica Festival 2007, a series of shows being held in Toronto, London, New York, New Delhi, and Mumbai.

Biography

With tracks on radio shows internationally, and having lived in the Philippines, USA, Egypt, UK and India, Akshai has performed all over the globe. He has performed at Calvin Klein fashion shows in Paris and clubs like Ministry of Sound

Akshai is an ex-member of Shiva Soundsystem UK, who has shared the stage with artists like Aphex Twin and Sasha and Digweed, and hosted club NiGHTS with artists like Sam Zaman from State of Bengal appearing.

In 2005 he participated in the Laptop-jams art performance at the Triptych Music Festival in Edinburgh.

Akshai's music

Akshai’s technology-driven set uses interactive techniques such as live recording, laptops and live remixing. Akshai's music encompasses influences from his travels around the world, combining different styles.

Akshai got his first keyboard at age 8, began training on the tabla at 11, and was experimenting with new sounds and making his own turntables and mixer at the age of 14. By the time he turned 16, Akshai was composing songs for his first album Soundscapes, which made it to the Top 10 chart at Mp3.com. His track Wired for Distortion was ranked alongside tracks by well-known bands Korn & Limp Bizkit.

Akshai’s numerous collaborators include Hard Kaur, the singer on the Indian hit "Ek Glassy, Do Glassy" Kitchie Nadal, and percussionist Bo Razon, who has played with legendary acts such as Santana and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Some of Akshai's notable releases include his remix of "Suraj Hua Madham" which appears on the soundtrack of the Karan Johar film Kaal and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (a.k.a. K3G)

He is a part of the growing Asian Massive/Asian Underground movement, his track Reborn is slated to appear on the forthcoming compilation Indian Electronica Vol. 1 alongside Talvin Singh, DJ Spooky, Transglobal Underground, Jalebee Cartel, and others.

Media

Akshai has been featured in the media, both internationally and at home, including BBC Radio, Time Out New Delhi , and Virgin Radio. Indian media like the The Times of India, TimesNOW, Hindustan Times, The Indian Express, The Economic Times, MidDay, The Hindu, The Deccan Chronicle and Go92.5FM have covered him as well.

Discography

Albums

  • Soundscapes (1998, internet download and CD on MP3.com) (as Rebirth of DuB)

Songs

  • "Wired for Distortion" (1997, internet download) (as Rebirth of DuB)
  • "Birdsong" (2006, in the play Birdsong) (as Akshai Sarin)
  • "Tandava" (2006, white label promo) (as Akshai & Critikal vs. Awasthi)
  • "3 Amigos" (2007, white label promo) (as Akshai)
  • "Kuchh Kehna Hai" (2007, white label promo) (as Akshai Sarin ft. Priya & Chinku)

to be released soon:

  • "Reborn", on the forthcoming compilation Indian Electronica Volume 1 (2007, Indian Electronica) (as Akshai Sarin feat. Greenissimo)

Remixes

  • "Oriental Twilight" remix of "Suraj Hua Madham" by Alka Yagnik and Sonu Nigam
    • appears on Klub K3G (2002, Sony Music India) and Kaal soundtrack (2005, Sony Music India)
  • "Push the Tempo" remix of "You Are My Soniya" Alka Yagnik and Sonu Nigam
    • appears on Klub K3G (2002, Sony Music India) and Let the Music Play Volume 2 (2006, Sony Music UK/India)

Collaborations

  • Poonam Sareen : The Ultimate Ahah (2000, Sony Music India) (music, vocals)
  • Poonam Sareen : Ayurveda—A Way of Life (2003, Punarnava) (keyboards and "music execution")
  • various artists : Friction Re-loaded (2004, SonyBMG) Hard Kaur's "Sexy Boy" (music)