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Sickflip, a boundary-pushing force in India’s electronic music scene, uses his genre-blending beats to champion unity, inclusivity, and self-expression. Known for his seamless mix of serene melodies and bass-driven energy, Sickflip reveals in this interview how music can break barriers and bring people together.
Sickflip discusses the power of inclusivity on the dance floor, his collaborations with Smirnoff’s ‘We Do We’ campaign, and how global influences shape his genre-defying sound.
In the ever-evolving world of electronic music, few artists are as dynamic and boundary-pushing as Sickflip. Known for his genre-defying beats and a sound that blends serene melodies with festival-shaking bass, Sickflip has carved out a unique space in India’s indie music scene. But for this artist, music is about more than just catchy rhythms or innovative soundscapes—it’s a platform for unity, inclusivity, and self-expression.
As he joins forces with Smirnoff’s “We Do We” campaign and platforms like The Lab, Sickflip is on a mission to use the power of music to break down social barriers and bring people together. With a musical style influenced by his global travels and an ear tuned to both traditional folk and modern electronica, Sickflip’s work resonates with listeners from all walks of life. In this exclusive interview, Sickflip opens up about his journey, his artistic vision, and the values that drive his music. From his legendary Ladakh Project—where he captured the ethereal landscapes of Ladakh through sound—to his high-energy performances that captivate audiences across India, he shares what makes his music a unifying force.
In an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, Sickflip explores the essence of music, the power of a dancefloor, and the future of India’s electronic scene. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of his eclectic beats or new to his musical journey, this interview offers a glimpse into the creative mind of an artist whose work is as inclusive and adventurous as it is unforgettable.
Here are the excerpts:
Q: The “We Do We” campaign aims to celebrate inclusivity and unity. How does this align with your vision as an artist and your approach to music?
Sickflip: The music I love to create and play out at my shows celebrates self-expression, freedom, inclusivity, and diversity. The most primal need for us humans when we listen to music is to express ourselves, dance, belong, and feel a sense of unity with one another. It’s my responsibility to amplify these values through the vessel of music and movement. The dance floor is the one unifying place where everyone can belong, beyond the ways society keeps us apart.
Q: How do you think platforms like ‘The Lab’ and partnerships like Smirnoff Lemon Pop can foster a more inclusive and diverse electronic music scene in India?
Sickflip: It’s encouraging to see brands like Smirnoff finding merit in associating with global platforms like ‘The Lab’ coming to India. As I mentioned earlier, the dance floor creates a unifying place where everyone feels like they belong, and with the support of brands like Smirnoff, we can ensure these spaces are not only sustainable but also here to stay.
Q: As an artist known for creating eclectic beats, how do you see your music contributing to a movement that transcends cultural and social boundaries?
Sickflip: I believe a few of my tracks have done that in the past. The Sickflip DNA is all about travel and music, which I try to convey through my productions. ‘Mehmaan’ is a perfect example of that. Blending Rajasthani folk with modern-day electronic beats, it seemed to resonate with the audience, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities where it’s a staple in my sets whenever I perform.
Q: What draws you to the world of electronica, and how do you keep evolving your sound in a scene that’s constantly changing?
Sickflip: Endless possibilities. The wide range of electronica offers a foundation of endless creativity with art and music from all parts of the world. My evolution of sound happens naturally as time progresses. A staple process while creating is for me to follow my intuition and amplify what I’d like to see more in the world of music.
Q: Your sound as Sickflip is known for its blend of serene melodies and bass-heavy festival anthems. How do you balance these contrasting vibes in your music?
Sickflip: Flipping the script always keeps it interesting and boundless for me as an artist. It’s a deep dive into worlds that make one feel emotions through music deeply. Sometimes it’s a melodically moving universe, and sometimes it’s bass-heavy rhythms.
Q: With such a dynamic range in your sound, what inspires you to shift between calm atmospheres and high-energy beats?
Sickflip: The depth and emotion in both ends of the spectrum is what inspires me. What I love to make or listen to in the morning after waking up could be worlds apart from what I love to hear late at night. Drawing from my personal listening experiences, it’s natural to appreciate one over the other at different times.
Q: SickFlip’s music has a global reach, with releases on labels like High Chai Records, Rub A Duck, and Sony Music India. How has the international music scene influenced your production style?
Sickflip: More than influence in style, it brought me closer to understanding that our world is much smaller and closer to each other than we think.
Q: The Ladakh Project was a unique blend of travel and music. What was the inspiration behind this conceptual audio-visual showcase, and how did it shape your artistic vision?
Sickflip: The idea was to travel to the surreal landscape of Ladakh and write music there with my remote studio setup. The output was a 5-track EP, a music video, and a live AV show that I toured with in 2014-15. This set me off on the belief that travel, music, and collaboration were the core of my inspiration to create music.
Q: Can you walk us through your process of creating a project like ‘The Ladakh Project’? How did you integrate the natural landscape into your music and visuals?
Sickflip: I traveled with my childhood buddies (The Outbox Project) to different regions of Ladakh for 15 days. The entire remote studio setup was packed in the car, along with equipment to shoot remote locations. Within our road trip, we’d find off-grid surreal locations to set up the remote workstation and camp there for a couple of hours while I wrote scratches of new music at every location. I narrowed the works down to five songs named after the locations they originated in.
Q: You’ve become known for your captivating stage presence. What role does live performance play in your creative expression, and how do you keep each set unique?
Sickflip: The balance between quiet studio days and hyped live performances is quite interesting to me. Almost like one feeds the other. I’m constantly inspired to create interesting moments on the dancefloor with movement and music, experimenting with new sonics. Every show is an input of information as to how to move forward with innovation and creativity.
Q: Platforms like Spotify and YouTube have played a crucial role in the rise of independent artists. How have these platforms shaped your career as Sickflip, and what advice would you give to emerging artists?
Sickflip: Yes, these platforms have played a huge role in bringing fans closer to my music. Platforms like Spotify and YouTube allow artists like me to reach audiences who might never come to a live show or who live far from major music hubs. This accessibility has changed everything for independent artists. It’s amazing to see people discovering my tracks from all over the world, whether it’s a chill ambient piece or a bass-heavy festival anthem.
My advice to emerging artists is simple: keep it interesting for yourself first. Don’t just try to fit into a mold; surprise yourself with new combinations, experiment, and take risks. If you’re excited by what you’re creating, that energy will resonate with listeners. Use these platforms as tools to get your music out there, but make sure the music you’re putting out represents your own style and passion.
Q: You’ve been a part of the indie music scene in Mumbai for some time now. How do you feel the scene has changed, especially in terms of inclusivity and diversity?
Sickflip: The indie music scene in Mumbai has definitely grown and evolved. There’s a larger audience now, and it’s great to see diverse lineups at shows more frequently. There’s also been more inclusivity, with artists from various backgrounds and genres coming together. However, I do think we’re still lacking in terms of venues that support the scene purely for culture, rather than profit. Many venues are profit-driven, which can limit the types of artists and events they’re willing to support.
Q: You’ve worked with various artists across genres and especially within Desi Hip-Hop (DHH). What has been your most memorable collaboration, and how did it influence your approach to music?
Sickflip: My collaboration with Prabh Deep has been incredibly fun and productive. Working with him is an experience in itself because we’re both constantly experimenting and pushing each other to try new things. Prabh has this incredible way of thinking about music that challenges me to rethink my own approach, and I think our chemistry in the studio leads to a unique sound that’s distinctly ours.
Q: What inspires your soundscapes and beats, especially when creating music that can connect with people from different backgrounds and walks of life?
Sickflip: Simplicity and minimalism inspire me a lot. I believe that a simple but well-crafted beat or melody can have a huge impact and reach a wide range of listeners. I like creating soundscapes that leave room for people’s own interpretations and emotions. The less crowded the music, the more space it leaves for listeners to find their own meanings within it.
Q: When working on a new track or remix, what is your process for ensuring that the final product maintains the balance between experimental and accessible?
Sickflip: Listening to it over and over again and going “all in” on a track for a few days has been an effective approach for me. I’ll play around with different sounds and structures, sometimes going to the edge of what’s considered experimental. But then I pull it back slightly to make sure it’s still approachable. It’s about finding that sweet spot where the track feels fresh but still has a vibe that listeners can easily connect with.
Q: Your music often blends diverse influences from global and local sounds. How has your journey as a Mumbai-based artist shaped your perspective on electronic music?
Sickflip: Mumbai is a fast-paced city with various layers. Things can happen quickly if you’re focused and diligent. I take inspiration from its resilience and hustle to keep pushing forward. These values are ingrained in my work ethic and sometimes find their way into how my music sounds too.
Q: Looking back, what have been the most significant milestones in your journey as Sickflip, and how have they influenced the artist you are today?
Sickflip: Most recently, representing India at Brooklyn Mirage, NYC for the Indo Warehouse show was a major milestone for me! Along with that, the success of my tracks – Mehmaan and Desert Bae felt like great achievements too.
Q: What message would you like to leave with your audience through your involvement in the Smirnoff Lemon Pop and ‘The Lab’ collaboration?
Sickflip: Keep dancing and having fun! And I hope to see you guys on a dancefloor near you soon! 🙂
