Heralded as one of the pioneers of the Asian Massive movement, Sharaab, an Atlanta-based producer, composer and DJ, has been pushing the boundaries of electronic music for well over a decade.  Sharaab seamlessly integrates vintage synthesizers and electronics, dark-edged industrial beats, lush ambient chords, and Eastern instrumentation to create a signature sound. He calls this innovative style “ethnoclash” because of the collision of world music with old-school electronic sounds and production techniques.

Sharaab’s musical journey began at a young age as he grew up learning to play a variety of musical instruments; but, what always interested him was the combination of technology and art.

“I first used to cut up tape loops from cassette tapes and paste them together to create new sounds. Then, when I got a computer in my teens, I started experimenting with sampling.”

In 1993, while studying Audio Engineering in school, Sharaab learned to DJ by mixing Indian tunes and rhythms over club, house and hip-hop tracks. It began as experimentation but by 1996 he had already established a respectable local following, earning residencies and DJ slots at several prominent Atlanta venues as well as bookings at the national and international level, from New York to Seattle to Bombay, India. Sharaab’s unique, multi-layered DJ sets enthralled thousands and helped establish the burgeoning Asian Massive genre. This notoriety brought the attention of UK-based music impresario Talvin Singh, who became Sharaab’s unofficial mentor.

“Talvin was a huge influence on both my musical and personal development. He encouraged me to use the computer as my medium of expression.  Meeting him was a turning point in my life because I knew that I was not alone, but was part of this movement.”

While pursuing a Master’s degree in Music Technology, Sharaab began writing and producing original tracks, while continuing to tour and play DJ sets. He began working and sharing the stage with a host of contemporary artists such as Karsh Kale, Ming & FS, DJ Spooky, and the MIDIval PunditZ. In 2003, after ten years in music, Sharaab released his debut solo album, entitled “Infusion”. But it wasn’t easy.

“I was signed to an independent label, and just before the release of my album, they ran into financial problems. I was stuck with this finished album and no way to release it. So I decided go ahead and run an initial pressing of it myself. It was hard, but I’m thankful I did it.  I feel like I learned a lot about the process.”

“Infusion” incorporated the beautiful melodies of Indian classical and folk music with beat-driven electronica, emerging with a rich, polished, global sound. It was critically acclaimed in the world music scene by magazines such as Global Rhythm and almost immediately sold out of its first run of copies. This led to a number of licensing and remixing opportunities as well as legions of fans eagerly awaiting the next release. 

The wait is almost over. Sharaab has completed his tentatively-titled second album,“Evolution”, and is currently looking for distribution opportunities for its release. The album takes his trademark “ethnoclash” sound to the next level, bringing in songwriting, retro beats and basslines, and more live instrumentation into the mix.

“I worked with a variety of collaborators and lyricists this time. I wanted to push the boundaries of this genre by including English lyrics and focus on providing songs that are more memorable than just the latest dance-floor-focused trends.”