Pradip Sarkar, a global citizen with a passion for music, has embarked on a remarkable journey from the streets of Calcutta to the vibrant music scene of Australia. With a deep appreciation for localised sounds and a desire to amplify underrepresented voices, Pradip has become a renowned DJ and artist, blending various genres and cultural influences. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Pradip's fascination with Indian grassroots hip-hop, his latest musical obsessions, and his advocacy for animal welfare and environmental issues.

Pradip Sarkar, an artist with a global sound, was born in Calcutta. Throughout his life, he has travelled extensively, immersing himself in diverse cultures and embracing the unique sounds he encountered along the way. With a keen interest in music media technology, Pradip has made it his mission to share these captivating sounds with audiences worldwide.

Whether it is the underground hip hop representing the struggles of the lower caste or the fusion of anti-establishment sentiment and melodic sufi undulations in Calcutta's punk music, Pradip aims to shine a spotlight on the unreported and under-promoted aspects of mainstream music culture.

Driven by his curiosity about sound and the socio-political contexts that shape it, Pradip has embarked on a journey to document and remix music. As an established DJ known by the moniker Sikander, he has captivated audiences around the globe. Moreover, Pradip's dedication to Indian grassroots hip hop led him to acquire a Ph.D., solidifying his encyclopaedic knowledge of this genre.

What drew you to Indian grassroots hip hop?

I was captivated by b-boy and b-girl culture, but I lacked the athleticism to be a dancer and the charisma to be a singer. That's when I discovered the turntable DJ, whose sole responsibility is to read the crowd and play good music. Additionally, I found inspiration in the early rave and electronic music scene, witnessing people of colour blending their cultural influences with music through technology.

Having always maintained a connection to India through my family, I began delving into playing music by independent artists when I started DJing. Presently, I also work as a DJ and radio producer on Monday nights for Tiger Beats and Elephants Group on PBS.

What three albums should anyone interested in South Asian hip-hop listen to?

If you're interested in Indian independent music, I highly recommend exploring Azadi, an indie music label. They represent politically charged rappers from various parts of India, showcasing the music rarely heard but thriving in scenes like North East and Kashmir. Another noteworthy album is "Bengal Rama Communications," which offers a glimpse into the Asian underground music scene.

For those interested in remix and trip-hop DJ culture, Massive Attack’s Blue Lines is an exceptional album that features curated samples from a wide array of genres.

What is your latest obsession?

Currently, I'm captivated by Indian street, grassroots, and folk music. I make frequent trips back to India to immerse myself in the rich tapestry of street music and explore its connection with technology. India's abundance of gods and goddesses and the numerous festivals provide a captivating cultural backdrop. I'm also working on techno house remixes of 90s Bollywood tracks, and if time permits, I'd love to delve into acid Bollywood.

If there was one thing readers could do after reading this, what would it be?

I encourage readers to visit adoption shelters in India and support them by bringing food from Australia. Caring for animals is a crucial responsibility. Additionally, considering the environmental issues, such as India's severe pollution problem, would greatly impact the well-being of the nation.

Does Pradip have an Instagram account or website where people can check out his music?

Yes, you can find my music and updates on my Instagram account @sikandermelbourne. Feel free to explore and enjoy the diverse sounds I create.

Casini currently works as a Producer for a digital agency in Melbourne. She loves all that Melbourne has to offer culture, arts and dance wise and is a hawk for the latest events, gigs and festivals. A keen dancer herself she has trained in Bharatnatyam as well as Afro dance, Jamaican dancehall and currently brazilian samba. Reach out to her via Linkedin.