TFword in Conversation With SCREECH
We had a chat with the founders of the newly formed bass music label from India, and Bass Teaser, who has whipped up the imprint’s debut EP. India’s relationship with electronic music dates back over four decades, but…
We had a chat with the founders of the newly formed bass music label from India, and Bass Teaser, who has whipped up the imprint’s debut EP.
India’s relationship with electronic music dates back over four decades, but one thing that the scene lacked was a platform for artists to release their music on. However, that is changing, and the shift is taking place at a rapid pace. Since the turn of the millennium, we have had labels like Qilla Records, High Chai Recordings, Juicebox Music, Antariksh Records and Krunk Kulture, among others, that have led from the front to support and provide artists with a stage to showcase their art.
As the dance music ecosystem takes shape, we have the inception of SCREECH, a Bangalore-based record label that is dedicated to pushing the bass music movement in the country. Founded by Hunnit D and Hellkitty, Screech began as a platform that promoted artists and bass music events in their city. Their undertakings then moved on to inviting artists for guest mixes, and the latest transition has been a record label that pushes the rapidly expanding bass music culture in India.
To celebrate the label’s inception, SCREECH have dropped their first release with Mumbai-based DJ and producer Bass Teaser, who has released the two-track ALEATORY EP. As they look forward to a power-packed 2024 full of releases, events, and numerous other initiatives, we had a chat with the founders of SCREECH to know more about the idea behind the label and their plans for the future.
TFword: What was the inspiration behind extending your mission as a collective into a label?
SCREECH: The main reason we’re pushing towards becoming a label is to help the producers in the scene by giving them a platform to showcase their work. There’s so much talent in this country that people need to hear about.
TF: What can we expect from SCREECH in terms of sounds, and what do you think would be the natural progression for the label?
SCREECH: We’re looking to cater to a wider audience by releasing music in genres that are bass-related. [Dubstep, Jungle/Drum & Bass, UK Garage & more]. The natural progression for the label is to have frequent releases and host shows under the label.
We then sat down with Bass Teaser for a chat about his ALEATORY EP who explored his release deeper and shared his experience working with SCREECH on the release.
TF: Talk us through the creative process of the EP.
BASS TEASER: The creative process of this EP was truly an immersive and inspiring journey. I wanted to blend the high-energy vibes of Drum and Bass with the rich and diverse sounds of Indian music. I spent a lot of time exploring various Indian instruments and rhythms, incorporating them into the electronic landscape. This fusion allowed me to create a unique experience that bridges the gap between two distinct musical worlds.
One of the most exciting aspects of this creative process was the absence of vocals. It challenged me to express my ideas and emotions solely through the music itself, making it a purely instrumental, yet deeply expressive project. I’m thrilled with the final result, and I hope the listeners will enjoy this mix of genres and cultures.
TF: How long was the EP in the works?
BASS TEASER: The EP took approximately 7 months to complete. It was a meticulous process of crafting and refining each track. While the first track, ‘Naachaa,’ was a project I had been working on for months, the second track, ‘Yeva,’ came together relatively quickly. The contrast in the production timelines between the two tracks showcases the dynamic creative process that went into this EP. In the end, I’m proud of the result, and I believe the time and effort invested in this project were well worth it.
TF: Talk us through the moment when you were approached by the founders of SCREECH to make your music as the label’s first release.
BASS TEASER: The journey with SCREECH has been a remarkable one. Initially, I sent them a single track with the intention of having it released. However, their response took me by surprise. They expressed an interest in collaborating on something even bigger, and that’s when the idea of releasing an EP came into play. The first track on the EP, ‘Naachaa,’ was a project I had been working on for months. When I presented it to SCREECH, they were impressed with the unique fusion of Drum and Bass and Indian sounds.
It was during this discussion that they proposed the idea of making my music the label’s first release. This was an exciting moment for me as an artist, and I was honored to be a part of such a groundbreaking venture with SCREECH. The journey only got more exciting from there, leading to the creation of ‘Yeva’ and the full EP release, which I’m thrilled to share with the world.
As they embark on a bass-heavy journey, be an early voyager and follow SCREECH: Instagram | Discord
Follow Bass Teaser: Instagram | Soundcloud | Spotify
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