Stoked: I got into techno because of my dad’s record collection. The funky basslines just grabbed my attention.

Stoked\’s journey in the techno scene is nothing short of inspiring. From discovering his love for the genre through his father’s old disco records to headlining some of Europe\’s biggest festivals, his story is a testament to passion and perseverance. As the first Indian artist to headline renowned events like Sea You Festival and Rave The Planet, he has not only represented his country on the global stage but also brought a unique fusion of Indian heritage and European dance culture to his performances. With the launch of his new track \”Mind Seduction\” on Modular States, and a host of upcoming projects, including the innovative Dual-Tone Arena Concept show, Stoked is clearly a force to be reckoned with in the techno world. In this interview, he shares insights into his journey, his creative process, and his vision for the future of techno.

Can you share with us how your journey in the music industry began? What inspired you to pursue a career in techno?

I got into techno because of my dad’s record collection. He had all these old disco records, and the funky basslines just grabbed my attention. Over time, I started listening to house music and got hooked on artists like Frankie Knuckles and Marshall Jefferson. From there, I discovered early techno pioneers like Jeff Mills, Robert Hood, and Carl Craig. That’s how I fell in love with techno.

How has your experience been headlining major festivals like Sea You Festival, Sonne Monde Sterne, and Rave the Planet?

My journey in music started with an incredible gig in Amsterdam back in 2018, where I was amazed by how warmly my music was received. Europe\’s electronic music scene is vibrant and diverse, and it has been exciting & challanging to blend my Indian heritage with Europe’s dance culture. I\’ve had the opportunity to headline alongside some of techno\’s biggest names at festivals such as Sonne Mond Sterne, Sea You, and Grüne Sonne & Rave the planet. Each performance has been a significant step forward in my journey. It\’s been a rewarding blend of hard work, creativity, and staying true to my roots while embracing new influences and sounds. I\’m truly grateful for all the support I\’ve received and am excited about what\’s next, especially with projects like my upcoming EP \”Sirens\” and the innovative Dual-Tone arena concept show.

As the first Indian act to headline such prestigious events in Germany, how do you feel representing India on these global stages?

It feels great & honourable. Seeing a long term dream unfold feels surreal. I still have a long way to go and new goals to achieve & I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my sound with the world and look forward to continuing this journey for a long time to come.

You have a new release, \”Mind Seduction,\” coming out on August 16th on Modular States. What can you tell us about this track and the inspiration behind it?

Mind Seduction if I could pin it down would be some what of a genre blender. Basically a blend of Hard + Peak time + Rave Techno. I was getting a bit bored of the same routine, so decided to flip an iconic vocal into what you hear in Mind Seduction.

As the founder of Bitonal, how do you decide which artists to feature on your label and tour? What qualities do you look for in the music you promote?

I started BITONAL to build my network with agencies and artists and to pursue my passion for techno by elevating the electronic music scene in India. I wanted to bring the energy and quality of international acts to Indian audiences while giving local talent the opportunity to shine on a bigger stage. Seeing the potential and enthusiasm for electronic music in India inspired me to bridge the gap between local and global scenes. In the future, I envision BITONAL as a central hub for techno in India, fostering collaborations between international and local artists and expanding into more immersive and innovative experiences. Our upcoming Dual-Tone Arena Concept show is a step in this direction, blending audio-visual elements with a unique Indian touch. I also see BITONAL growing as a record label, supporting more artists and releasing diverse and cutting-edge music. The goal is to keep pushing boundaries, nurturing talent, and creating unforgettable experiences for our audience.

With your diverse range of projects, how do you keep your sound fresh and innovative?

My sound is constantly evolving as I blend Indian influences with techno, creating a unique vibe that stays true to my roots while pushing musical boundaries. Lately, I\’m into mixing peaktime and raw, hypnotic techno to craft energetic sets that keep the crowd engaged. When performing in India, I balance melodic and peaktime techno to resonate with local audiences while maintaining the STOKED sound. I\’m inspired by artists like Pan-Pot, Teenage Mutants, Hi-Lo, Eli Brown, Balthazar & Jackrock, Rafael Cerato, and Tigerblind, whose styles align with the sound I\’m developing.

Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations within the music industry?

As the founder of BITONAL, my vision is to expand our agency and label\’s presence both locally and internationally by curating unique experiences that blend cutting-edge music with immersive visual elements. I\’m particularly excited about our first-ever Arena Concept show, Dual-Tone, scheduled for November. This event will feature a groundbreaking audio-visual experience inspired by Indian culture, and I can\’t wait to bring this vision to life. Additionally, I\’m looking forward to collaborating with a diverse range of artists to showcase the depth and variety of techno on our platform.

Your collaboration with Teenage Mutants, \”Climax,\” was a huge success. Can you tell us more about how that track came together and the process behind its creation?

Working with Teenage Mutants on \’Climax\’ was an incredibly enriching experience. Teenage Mutants are known for their powerful and driving sound, and collaborating with them brought a fresh perspective to the track. The process was both creatively stimulating and logistically smooth, thanks to their experience and drop box pro for sharing large track stems easily.

From the outset, we discussed our individual visions for the track and found common ground. Both of us wanted to create something that was not only a peak-time banger but also had depth and our unique character.

With your upcoming release on Kenja Records and the remix by Alan Fitzpatrick, what can your fans expect? How does it differ from your previous work?

Fans are in for a treat with the upcoming release on Kenja Records. Collaborating with Ronnie Spiteri has been an enjoyable experience, and the remix by Alan Fitzpatrick brings an added level of excitement to the project. Working with Ronnie has introduced a fresh perspective to my music. Together, we\’ve merged our styles to craft something distinctive that still captures the energy and depth my fans love.

Can you share a standout moment from your performances in Europe that felt like a turning point in your career?

One of the most unforgettable experiences in my career was performing at the Sonne Mond Sterne Festival. Headlining alongside incredible artists like Enrico Sangiuliano, Lily Palmer, and Charlotte de Witte was truly surreal. This moment felt like a significant milestone, marking a turning point in my career as it solidified my place in the European techno scene.