The Sound of Nucleya: A Journey Through Indian Electronic Music
For someone who has significantly impacted the Indian electronic music landscape, Nucleya eschews grandiosity and myth-making in favor of a more genuine approach. He embodies a creator who has followed his instincts, prioritizing personal vision over mainstream expectations. “I always wanted to make the sort of music that I wanted to make,” he shares, reflecting on his path from the early days of Bandish Projekt to his current identity as Nucleya. This seemingly simple statement uncovers the complexity and passion that fuel his artistry.
The Genesis of Nucleya
Long before “Desi Bass” became a cultural phenomenon, Nucleya was deep in the throes of experimentation. His early project, Bandish Projekt, was a launching pad for his subsequent evolution into Nucleya. This phase was marked by an honest exploration of sound that was often messy but deeply authentic. The journey wasn’t about perfection; it was about trying new things and following creative impulses.
Reframing the Narrative of Struggle
Often, the narrative surrounding Nucleya’s transition is framed as a struggle. However, he presents a different perspective. “I don’t see it as a struggle,” he asserts, citing financial challenges as the only real obstacles. Rather, those years became a fertile, creatively liberated time. With no market pressures demanding chart-topping hits, he focused solely on the music that resonated with him. He credits the support of his wife during this time, who managed the financial aspects while he pursued his passion. This acknowledgment reveals the quieter, often unseen ecosystems that nurture an artist’s journey.
A Distinctive Sound
Today, Nucleya’s sound is a unique blend of Indian folk melodies, street sounds, and bass-heavy electronic music, distinctly his own. Initially, his musical offerings were eclectic, ranging from house and hip-hop to Bollywood-style tracks. However, an external perspective helped him hone in on his unique strengths. “When I got managed, they told me, out of everything you’ve played to us, these few tracks are very unique. There’s no one else doing this. You should concentrate on this,” he recalls. This strategic focus transformed into a genre that would go on to define the landscape of Indian electronic music.
The Artistic Process: Music as Exploration
Nucleya’s approach to music-making is grounded in curiosity. For him, being an artist isn’t just about creating; it’s about exploration and experimentation. “I see it as a palette that has infinite colors,” he explains, noting the richness of India’s cultural landscape. This multitude of inspirations serves as a launchpad for his creativity, enabling him to layer traditional sounds with modern electronic beats.
Rather than viewing challenges as roadblocks, he sees them as opportunities for growth. “The problem is not ‘Oh my God, what will I do?’ It’s like, cool, I have a challenge. I’ll figure this out,” he says. This mindset underscores Nucleya’s philosophy that exploration breeds innovation.
Balancing Creativity with Control
In recent years, Nucleya’s work has veered towards being more experimental and personal. He unapologetically admits, “I’ve been very selfish. If I personally don’t like it, I don’t take that idea forward.” For him, collaboration can sometimes dilute the essence of the idea, and he prefers to maintain clarity in his vision. “I want to exclude as many people in the creative aspect as possible because they’ll blur my vision,” he explains, emphasizing his commitment to artistic integrity.
Negotiating Bollywood and Style on His Own Terms
Nucleya’s influence extends beyond the electronic realm, as he has contributed music to mainstream cinema. However, he remains selective about such projects, seeking complete creative freedom. He recalls a fascinating exchange with filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who proposed the idea of creating a film around Nucleya’s album, allowing him artistic autonomy. This understanding reiterates Nucleya’s belief that emotional authenticity is paramount, irrespective of genre.
In terms of personal style, Nucleya prioritizes comfort and confidence over luxury. “I like comfort,” he states. He believes that if you’re confident in what you wear, it becomes your style. “I’d rather buy something cheap and wear it with flair,” he quips, dismissing the idea that expensive items define personal fashion.
Food, Family, and Groundedness
Outside of his musical pursuits, food takes precedence in Nucleya’s life. “I live to eat food,” he says, half-seriously. For him, the hierarchy of priorities is clear: food, family, and then music. Cooking with his 14-year-old son has become one of his cherished activities, adding a familial dimension to his identity as an artist.
Despite having made a significant mark in the industry, Nucleya remains focused on the core of his artistic identity: curiosity. He’s less concerned with building a legacy and more interested in exploring the depths of what feels right to him, irrespective of prevailing trends or market demands.
In essence, Nucleya is a creator whose sound resonates authentically because it is rooted in personal exploration rather than commercial ambition. His journey reflects a dedication to art that eschews superficiality in favor of genuine expression and emotional connection, making him a pivotal figure in the world of Indian electronic music.
