Akshai Sarin
Encyclopedia
Akshai Sarin is an India
n composer, producer, performer, and DJ. He has expanded his participation in music to starting a record label Rebirth and 360 degree music management through his AXYZ Music International group of companies. An Indian citizen, he has also lived in the Philippines
, United States
, Egypt
, and the UK
. He is now conceptualizing energy-drink and lifestyle brand Red Bull
's Culture Program for India.
Sarin's notable works include his collaboration titled "Anoni" with Israeli DJ Yahel and remix of "Suraj Hua Madham" which appears on Klub K3G, an album of remixes of music from the soundtrack of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
; the song also appears on the soundtrack of Karan Johar
's 2005 film Kaal
. His self-released tracks have also received airplay on BBC Radio 1
's Alternative Asia and the BBC Asian Network
.
In 2006, Akshai provided the music for Hard Kaur's follow-up to her hit single "Ek Glassy, Do Glassy"—a song called "Sexy Boy". He has also worked with Kitchie Nadal
and percussionist Bo Razon. That same year, Sarin coordinated the Shalom Peace Concert, which took place in New Delhi (with artists like Karsh Kale
and MIDIval Punditz
). Also in 2006, Sarin was one of the finalists in the India's Creative Future 2007 program conducted by the British Council
and Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
. The program had a total of 20 delegates and was won by fashion designer Priya Patil.
In 2007, Sarin performed at the newly opened Ministry of Sound
franchise in New Delhi
with MC Shamik. He also sat on the planning committee for the Indian edition of that year's Indian Electronica Festival.
He is a part of the Asian Massive/Asian Underground
; his track "Reborn" appears on the Indian Electronica Vol. 1 compilation, alongside DJ Spooky
and Talvin Singh
, Transglobal Underground
, Jalebee Cartel
, and others.
In 2008, Akshai co-wrote and co-produced DJ Yahel's "Anoni". The duo also toured India previewing Akshai's upcoming album Connected.
In 2009, Akshai played at Singapore F1 Rocks, a music festival that hosted Beyoncé
, The Black Eyed Peas
, N.E.R.D, ZZ Top
and No Doubt
.
We just want fans to feel what our artistes do when they (re) birth something new."
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
n composer, producer, performer, and DJ. He has expanded his participation in music to starting a record label Rebirth and 360 degree music management through his AXYZ Music International group of companies. An Indian citizen, he has also lived in the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
, and the UK
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. He is now conceptualizing energy-drink and lifestyle brand Red Bull
Red Bull
Red Bull is an energy drink sold by the Austrian Red Bull GmbH, created in 1987 by the Austrian entrepreneur Dietrich Mateschitz. In terms of market share, Red Bull is the most popular energy drink in the world, with 3 billion cans sold each year. Dietrich Mateschitz was inspired by an already...
's Culture Program for India.
Biography
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. When Sarin was 19, an animated video using his music was nominated for an award at the Flash Film Festival, Barcelona.Sarin's notable works include his collaboration titled "Anoni" with Israeli DJ Yahel and remix of "Suraj Hua Madham" which appears on Klub K3G, an album of remixes of music from the soundtrack of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... is a Bollywood film released in India and countries with large NRI populations on 14 December 2001....
; the song also appears on the soundtrack of Karan Johar
Karan Johar
Karan Johar is an Indian film director, producer, screenwriter and Television host. He is the son of Hiroo Johar and Yash Johar. He is one of the most successful filmmakers in Bollywood. He is most known for directing and producing some of Bollywood's highest grossing films in India and the...
's 2005 film Kaal
Kaal
Kaal is a Bollywood Horror film, released in India on 29 April 2005. The movie is directed by Soham Shah, who also wrote its dialogue and screenplay. Karan Johar and Shahrukh Khan produced the movie...
. His self-released tracks have also received airplay on BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
's Alternative Asia and the BBC Asian Network
BBC Asian Network
BBC Asian Network is a British radio station serving those originating from and around the Indian subcontinent. The music and news comes out of the main urban areas where there are significant communities with these backgrounds. The station has production centres in Birmingham, Leicester and London...
.
In 2006, Akshai provided the music for Hard Kaur's follow-up to her hit single "Ek Glassy, Do Glassy"—a song called "Sexy Boy". He has also worked with Kitchie Nadal
Kitchie Nadal
Anna Katrina Dumilon Nadal , more commonly known as Kitchie Nadal, is a singer and songwriter from Manila, Philippines, formerly the lead vocalist for the alternative rock band, Mojofly. Kitchie's popularity in the female OPM niche grew after she released a self-titled solo album featuring her...
and percussionist Bo Razon. That same year, Sarin coordinated the Shalom Peace Concert, which took place in New Delhi (with artists like Karsh Kale
Karsh Kale
Karsh Kale is an Indian American musician, producer and composer, and is considered one of the pioneering figures in defining the Asian Underground genre by mixing disparate genres of music such as Indian classical and folk with electronica, rock, pop and ambient music...
and MIDIval Punditz
MIDIval Punditz
MIDIval Punditz is an Indian fusion group consisting of two Delhi-based musicians, Gaurav Raina and Tapan Raj. Their style revolves mostly around changer, jungle, electronica, and North Indian classical music...
). Also in 2006, Sarin was one of the finalists in the India's Creative Future 2007 program conducted by the British Council
British Council
The British Council is a United Kingdom-based organisation specialising in international educational and cultural opportunities. It is registered as a charity both in England and Wales, and in Scotland...
and Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore is a business school located in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. It was established in 1973 by the Government of India, and is the third Indian Institute of Management to be established .It offers several Post Graduate and Doctoral programmes, as well as...
. The program had a total of 20 delegates and was won by fashion designer Priya Patil.
In 2007, Sarin performed at the newly opened Ministry of Sound
Ministry of Sound
Ministry of Sound London, commonly referred to as simply Ministry of Sound or MoS, is a nightclub based in London, United Kingdom and an associated record label. It was ranked fourth in the 2010 DJ Magazine top 100 clubs poll 2010. As well as the nightclub in London, there is another in Egypt and...
franchise in New Delhi
New Delhi
New Delhi is the capital city of India. It serves as the centre of the Government of India and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. New Delhi is situated within the metropolis of Delhi. It is one of the nine districts of Delhi Union Territory. The total area of the city is...
with MC Shamik. He also sat on the planning committee for the Indian edition of that year's Indian Electronica Festival.
He is a part of the Asian Massive/Asian Underground
Asian Underground
Asian Underground is a term associated with various British Asian musicians who blend elements of western underground dance music and the traditional Asian music of their home countries in South Asia...
; his track "Reborn" appears on the Indian Electronica Vol. 1 compilation, alongside DJ Spooky
DJ Spooky
Paul D. Miller , known by his stage name DJ Spooky, That Subliminal Kid, is a Washington DC-born electronic and experimental hip hop musician whose work is often called by critics or his fans as "illbient" or "trip hop". He is a turntablist, a producer, a philosopher, and an author...
and Talvin Singh
Talvin Singh
Talvin Singh Matharoo , is a producer and composer and tabla player, known for creating an innovative fusion of Indian classical music and drum and bass...
, Transglobal Underground
Transglobal underground
Transglobal Underground is a London-based music collective who specialise in a fusion of western, oriental and African music styles...
, Jalebee Cartel
Jalebee Cartel
Jalebee Cartel is one of the most successful live electronic actsfrom New Delhi, India and is often credited for single-handedly putting India on the international "EDM" map. Formed in 2004 Jalebee Cartel boasts of numerous releases with various independent record companies from all over the world...
, and others.
In 2008, Akshai co-wrote and co-produced DJ Yahel's "Anoni". The duo also toured India previewing Akshai's upcoming album Connected.
In 2009, Akshai played at Singapore F1 Rocks, a music festival that hosted Beyoncé
Beyoncé Knowles
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles , often known simply as Beyoncé, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she enrolled in various performing arts schools and was first exposed to singing and dancing competitions as a child...
, The Black Eyed Peas
The Black Eyed Peas
The Black Eyed Peas are an American pop group , formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1995. The group includes rappers will.i.am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo, and singer Fergie. Since the release of their third album Elephunk in 2003, the group has sold an estimated 56 million records worldwide...
, N.E.R.D, ZZ Top
ZZ Top
ZZ Top is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "That Little Ol' Band from Texas". Their style, which is rooted in blues-based boogie rock, has come to incorporate elements of arena, southern, and boogie rock. The band, from Houston Texas, formed in 1969...
and No Doubt
No Doubt
No Doubt is an American rock band from Anaheim, California that formed in 1986. The ska-pop sound of their first album No Doubt , failed to make an impact...
.
ReBIRTH Records
Rebirth label is affiliated with the AXYZ Music International setup and works with the motto "No overpriced CDs. No disproportionate royalties.We just want fans to feel what our artistes do when they (re) birth something new."
Albums
- "Peter Kruder presents Rebirth Vol.1/G-Stone India Sessions 2009" (of Kruder & DorfmeisterKruder & DorfmeisterKruder & Dorfmeister, named after members Peter Kruder and Richard Dorfmeister, is an Austrian duo most known for their downtempo-dub remixes of pop, hip-hop and drum and bass songs.-Style:...
) - "DJ Yahel - Xport" (also known as Yahel Sherman)
- "Janaka Selekta - Pushing Air"
Upcoming Albums
- "Surinder Sandhu - The Saurang Orchestra" (featuring collaborations with Steve VaiSteve VaiSteven Siro "Steve" Vai is a three time Grammy Award-winning American guitarist, songwriter and producer who has sold over 15 million albums. Steve Vai is widely known as a flamboyant guitar virtuoso....
and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic OrchestraRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic OrchestraThe Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society is a society based in Liverpool, Merseyside, England, that organises concerts and other events mainly in the field of classical music. The society is the second oldest of its type in the United Kingdom and its orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic...
) - "Akshai - D.A.W.N"
- "Chris McGuinness - Old School"
AXYZ Music International
AXYZ Music International is a vertically integrated, globally active group of companies involved in all stages of the music economy from development, to delivery. Its partner offices in India, Egypt, Philippines and Australia encompass brand consulting, music marketing, artiste management, artiste/dj booking agency, digital music distribution, physical distribution, record labels, music production, events & venue management services.Artiste Bookings & Management
- AXYZmusic represents world/jazz artist Surinder SandhuSurinder SandhuSurinder Sandhu is a sarangi player and composer. He is a student of Sabri Khan of the Senia Rampur Moradabad gharana.Sandhu composes in multiple genres. His compositions combine jazz, western classical and Asian fusion music. Guests performers on Sandhu's albums include rock guitarist Steve Vai to...
's Saurang Orchestra. - The Kitty Girls & Chris McGuinnessChris McGuinnessChris McGuinness is a Northern Irish sportsperson. He plays hurling with his local club O'Donovan Rossa and has been a member of the Antrim senior inter-county hurling team since 2011.-References:...
.
Events
- The company was involved in producing charity awareness & fundraiser event "The Sound of Music featuring the Vienna Chamber Orchestra" in New Delhi.
- The DUGDugDug may refer to:* Doug Pinnick - Bass player / singer for King's X* An alien race in Star Wars* A character in the video game The Incredibles: Rise of the Underminer Robot* A talking dog in the Pixar movie Up* Scots for dog...
Delhi Underground Festival featuring international bands, visual artists & DJs Paul Woolford (UK), Chris McGuinness (New York), DJ Stella Nutella (Sweden) & AX/AI (Philippines). - They also have toured DJ Stella Nutella with Rolling Stone Magazine.
- They were onground promoters for the Armin Van Buuren event at Indochine in New Delhi.
Concept Club Nights
- AXYZ Old School is a monthly clubnight featuring Chris McGuinness
- Goddess of Sound/White Sound Project features a different female DJ every month (Stella Nutella, Jasmine, Super Cozi so far). Lounge, ambient and electro sounds take over the place, with visuals that take you to a utopia far far away from the lights.
- DUG: Delhi Underground provides a platform for Indian DJs to share the stage with top international DJs.
Music Distribution
- In November 2008 AXYZ Music International announced that it had entered into a digital music license agreement with The Art of Living Foundation (AOLF) – the worlds largest voluntary NGO founded by spiritual and humanitarian leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 1982.
Songs
- "Wired for Distortion" (1997, internet download) (as Rebirth of DuB)
- "Birdsong" (2006, in the play Birdsong) (as Akshai Sarin)
- "Tandava" (2006, DubplateDubplateA dubplate is an acetate disc – usually 12, 10, or 7 inches in diameter – used in mastering studios for quality control and test recordings before proceeding with the final master, and subsequent pressing of the record to be mass-produced on vinyl. The "dub" in dubplate is an allusion to...
(as Akshai and Critikal) - "3 Amigos" (2007, white labelWhite labelWhite label records are vinyl records with adhesive plain white labels affixed. Test pressings, usually with Test Pressing written on the label, with catalogue number, artist and recording time or date, are produced in small quantities to evaluate the quality of the disc production...
promo) (as Akshai) - "Kuchh Kehna Hai" (2007, white label promo) (as Akshai Sarin ft. Priya & Chinku)
- "Reborn" (2007, on Indian Electronica Volume 1 compilation) (as Akshai Sarin feat. Greenissimo)
Remixes
- "Oriental Twilight" remix of "Suraj Hua MadhamSuraj Hua Madham"Suraj Hua Maddham" is a song from the Bollywood film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, directed by Karan Johar.The music was composed by Sandesh Shandilya with lyrics authored by Anil Pandey. It is sung by Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik...
" by Alka YagnikAlka YagnikAlka Yagnik is an Indian singer who is ranked among the best Hindi playback singers of all time. She is a seven-time winner of the Filmfare Best Female Playback Award as well as a two-time recipient of the prestigious National Film Awards...
and Sonu NigamSonu NigamSonu Nigam is an Indian playback singer whose songs have been featured in numerous Hindi movies, as well as films in Assamese, Punjabi, Bengali, Marathi and Kannada language. He has also released numerous Indi-pop albums and acted in a few Hindi feature films...
- 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 (2006, SonyBMG) Hard Kaur's "Sexy Boy" (music)
- DJ Yahel: Xport (2008) (song: "Anoni") (co-writer, co-producer)
- DJ Yahel: Worldwide Trance Sounds Vol 3. (2008, Armada MusicArmada MusicArmada Music is a Dutch record label that specializes in releasing electronic dance music, primarily trance and house, co-founded by Armin van Buuren....
) Yahel featuring Omer & Akshai, "Anoni" (co-writer, co-producer) - Moonbeam: Around the World. (2010, Black Hole RecordingsBlack Hole RecordingsBlack Hole Recordings B.V. is a Dutch record label founded by Tijs Verwest and Arny Bink in 1997. The label is currently distributed by E1 Entertainment Distribution, known as Koch Entertainment Distribution until January 22, 2009...
) Moonbeam with Akshai feat. Avis Vox, "Elephant Ride" (co-writer, co-producer)