Menu
Music plays a predominant role in people’s lives. Whether it’s walking around a mall and hearing the Top 40 hits being blasted through the mall speakers or even post COVID when people are back at the clubs and having a great time, it’ll be the time for DJ’s to showcase the material that they’ve been preparing for over the past year and a half during lockdown and quarantine. When I stumbled upon DJ Naveen Kumar’s account, I saw such a hardworking guy committed to his craft of creating music that connects humans no matter where they are from and gets them on the dance floor. I’m so glad that I got the chance to interview such an incredible DJ who is revolutionizing the way we listen to music on a daily basis by finding the right sounds that can get the crowd up and on the dancefloor. That’s the power of DJ Naveen Kumar!
Interview with DJ Naveen Kumar
1) What inspired you to get into music?
Here’s a quick backstory… In the Indian culture around the age of 2 or 3 parents traditionally place different objects such as a judge’s gauntlet, kitchen supplies, books, stethoscope, etc. in front of their child and patiently wait as the child grabs a specific item. The idea is that whatever item they have in hand will be their career path later in life. So naturally, I picked up the “WALKMAN”, guess I was always predestined to become a musician.
Growing up I drew most of my inspiration from artists such as Michael Jackson, AR. Rahman and Tiesto. They played a significant role in shaping my music career and their influences can be heard in all my productions.
2.) What’s your favorite thing about being a music producer and DJ?
My favorite thing about being a DJ is the rush I get from watching the crowd’s reaction as they hear their favorite track. The fact that people can come to my show and forget about all their worries and inhibitions is an indescribable feeling. I feel the most alive behind the turntables and I’m so lucky that I can do what love and have an impact on the lives of others.
However, when it comes to producing, I can’t identify one particular aspect that I enjoy more than the other but rather this is my passion, this is what gets me up in the morning. Creating a piece of music that elicits a memory or emotion of a listener is very humbling and is my constant drive.
3.) What’s been your favorite track to produce?
Can’t say I have a favorite track per se but rather the genre EDM. Electronic dance music has always spoken to me mainly because its always evolving and new sub-genres are constantly being born. Making music using electronic elements and traditional instruments has challenged me to continuously grow as a producer and embrace new techniques within the production world!
Which, in turn, helps me hone in and extend/expand my producer skill-sets beyond just one genre of music!
4.) Who are some of your role models in the music industry?
My role models in the music industry are (Not in any particular order)
Michael Jackson
A.R. Rahaman
Dr. Dre
Timbaland
S.P. Balasubrahmanyam
Above & Beyond
Tiesto
Martin Garrix
Scott Storch
5.) If you could collab with anyone who would you collab with?
Honestly, I would collab with anyone that’s made it to my personal Spotify playlist. I listen to a wide range of music and artists ranging anywhere from afro beats to dance music to Indian songs to movie scores! I’m very open-minded and would work with anyone that would elevate my music.
6.) What’s next for DJ Naveen Kumar?
Well, I’m currently working on new music and I’m very excited for their release in the near future. I also can’t wait to get back on stage and into that DJ booth that’s where I’m most alive! What better way to share my music than when I’m on stage.
7.) What’s one goal you want to accomplish in 2021?
In 2021 not only do I want to release more music but start focusing on creating a team whose objectives and goals are in line with my visions. Team DJ Naveen Kumar & Team Darkmada.
8.) Were your parents supportive? Do you have any advice for aspiring music producers or Dj’s?
Initially, my parents were very hesitant to offer their support. A career in music was foreign to them, they couldn’t understand how this path would provide me the financial stability needed to build a life for myself. But as time went on and they saw my success and accomplishments they soon began to realize this was my calling. Not to say their support was unwavering, of course when they saw my struggles and ups/downs it was easy for them to default to the “I told u so’s.” It is up to me to stay motivated and driven in order to ensure my journey is a success.
To aspiring artists, I would say that hard work and dedication are obvious requirements but there are a couple of things that are often overlooked or not emphasized such as:
1) There is no set path, there are no set rules, to achieve what you want. You have to make those rules up and you have to find that path on your own. Do what’s best for your vision and adapt & alter that vision as you go on your journey.
2) One of the best things I can advise is DON’T BE SCARED TO FAIL!! Accept it, embrace it and learn from it!! This will definitely help you get to where you want to be…. it might be a long road ahead but YOU WILL get there! I’m living proof of it and I still continue to fail and learn!! This is the CHEAT SHEET to success!
Check out DJ Naveen Kumar at www.djnaveenkumar.com and on Instagram @naveenkumar for more on his music and journey as a DJ!
