KSHMR talks about his record label Dharma Worldwide and his latest track “Alone”
Indo-American DJ and producer Niles Hollowell-Dhar also goes by the name KHMR (pronounced Kashmir). He was ranked at 23rd on DJ Mag’s 2015 Top 100 DJs and was awarded “The Highest New Entry”. By 2016 he rose to number 12th in the Top 100 DJs of 2016 and was kept in the same spot in 2017. In the interview below, AsiaLive365 have managed to talk KSHMR’s on his own label, “Dharma Worldwide”. Read below for more!
ASL365: You were a part of the production duo The Cataracs and have released a bunch of successful songs like “Like a G6”, “Bass Down Low”. How does EDM scene compare to the pop world?
KSMHR: I like the EDM scene more, I find it to be more loyal and welcoming to experimentation
ASL365: What prompted your transition into your solo work?
KSMHR: My partner David left The Cataracs, that was a big turning point. I began testing the waters in EDM and had a vision of what KSHMR could be — music that a more honest reflection of me than what I was making in the pop world.
ASL365: Have you ever thought about trying out some other genres under different aliases?
KSMHR: Yes, in fact there is one in the works now.
ASL365: Has your music changed over time?
KSMHR: Of course — as KSHMR, I started with a strong focus on dark and cinematic sounds, mostly instrumental. Recently I’ve started to introduce more world sounds and put a focus on songwriting.
ASL365: What’s the secret for your record label “Dharma Worldwide” to have success in the long term? How you balance running a label with touring and recording?
KSMHR: I have a great team — without them, there simply wouldn’t be enough time. The goal for Dharma is two part: 1) great songs with influence from all over the world and 2) creating an online home for producers to learn and get the resources they need.
ASL365: You just released your latest track “Alone” with Anjulie and Jeffrey Jey. Tell us a little about the song and how you guys came to start working on it?
KSMHR: I started “Alone” long ago, before KSHMR even, with my friend Anjulie. I revisited the idea this year and sent it to Marnik — they loved it and got Jeffrey Jey to add vocals as well. It’s a song about loneliness, something we all feel from time to time.
ASL365: Your shows are always full of surprises including snow machines, fire bowls and 4D special effects. This year you brought us a totally different type of experience: orchestral performance titled KSHMR LIVE. Can you tell us a little about it?
KSMHR: It’s my favorite type of show to play — we have live instrument players and dancers, which suits a lot of the music I make quite well.
ASL365: With the new changes to your live performances, how would you gauge the reception you received from the audience?
KSMHR: The reception has been excellent — most fans have seen many EDM shows and it’s nice to give them something new.
ASL365: Do you prefer to play at clubs or music festivals?
KSMHR: Generally I prefer festivals, they’re more suited for the cinematic, storytelling type of show I play.
ASL365: What are your plans for the rest of the year and going into 2020?
KSMHR: I’ll finish off the year strong with shows and begin 2020 with big plans — new music, new side projects.
Check out KSMR’s latest song with Lost Stories below.
KSHMR will be performing in Creamfields Hong Kong on December 28th.
