Exploring Sonic Depths: IND:RA Talks ‘Do Androids Dream EP’ and Beyond
DJ and Producer IND:RA has been on the Electronic Music scene for over twenty years, putting himself forward as a unique Artist with an original approach to the genre and music creation. His latest release, ‘Do Androids Dream EP,’ served as another showcase of his evolving style and dedication to creating immersive sonic experiences, so we’re thrilled to be sitting down with him today for this exclusive interview. Here, IND:RA takes us behind the scenes of the release, providing an insight into his inspirations, process, and what’s next in his ever-growing career.
Hi IND:RA, how are you?
I am well guys, looking forward to the questions.
Can you tell us, what was the main inspiration behind the ‘Do Androids Dream’ EP? Was there a specific theme or concept you had in mind?
One of my major philosophical inspirations has been the movie “Bladerunner” and its existential base of what freedom means at its most basic. I always wanted to work and create something based on it especially the epic monologue of Rutger Huaer’s Roy Batty, which for me one of the most amazing cinematic moments in history.
Can you walk us through the production process for the EP? How did the tracks evolve?
The EP started with me playing around with synths, trying to replicate Vangelis’s approach towards the end scene. Of course, the genius can never be matched, but it was a map for me, and I started with the monologue and slowly created a track around it. The 2nd track, ‘Orion,’ came about with the visualization of what Roy Batty must have felt while witnessing what he did near Orion. A lot of pads and synths to recreate what I felt the moment must have felt.
What was the most challenging part of producing the EP? Was there a moment that required extra effort or creative problem-solving?
Honestly, I have been working on this for a decade. My production skills did not do justice to what I had in my mind and I left it many times. Finally, I felt that it’s better to finish what I have in my mind in the best way I can and to put it out. One of the challenges was to ensure that the breakdown fits into a track which I can play in my sets and can translate to a dancefloor. I am quite happy with the end result.
How would you say ‘Do Androids Dream’ reflects your evolution as an artist? What elements in these tracks represent new directions for you?
I am a huge nerd whether it’s books, movies or online games. There is a lot that inspires me on a daily basis and this EP marks a change wherein I am able to bring my long-awaited inspired concepts to life in a way where I can fit it in my sets. Regarding new direction, I have decided to start and finish tracks on the vibe that fits the particular concept or inspiration rather than just be restricted to a particular style or genre all the time. Hereon, I plan to experiment a bit more and carry on the genre-fluid style of my DJ sets to my productions.
Do you have a particular setting or audience in mind when you envision people listening to ‘Do Androids Dream’?
Absolutely! Every single record I make, I pause multiple times while making it and play it over and over, imagining it from a listener’s sonic journey and what they would experience when they hear that part of the record, whether it’s on the dance floor or while chilling or driving. It does help me shape the structure or make changes and give direction to the track and I do it quite frequently. I am visualizer and even while selecting records for my sets, I visualize how they will sound/feel while in a packed club or a festival stage
Both tracks make use of heavy-hitting beats and basslines. Can you share what go-to techniques you use when creating these elements?
Originally ‘Orion’ started out as a track which was meant for another EP, something more old school Progressive House vibe. However, while working on the hook, I felt it go towards a more synth-based break and vibe which eventually suited the soundscape style I was hoping for in ‘Do Androids Dream.’ I am not an extremely technical producer, and am usually driven by instinct and believe that the techniques help bring that instinct to life, so I am constantly learning.
For ‘Do Androids Dream,’ I started with the break and the vocals, and created pads which recreated the vibe without sounding the same. The inspiration is Vangelis, but don’t want it to be exact. Synths and reverb are a match made in heaven and ensuring that you keep cutting off unwanted frequencies and creating layers that complement each other, helps in making the record sound lush and like a sci-fi dreamscape, and that’s what helped me. Rest of the drum processing is just plain experimenting till you find what you like.
If you could describe the mood or journey that ‘Do Androids Dream’ takes listeners on, how would you frame it?
I would like to say that it’s that Bladerunner moment exemplified by Vangelis’s genius, being translated to dance floor. The idea was to close your eyes and experience that moment, while moving to it and experiencing that energy. It’s a mental joyride for imaginative ravers and it’s my humble version of the moment.
How did you create the balance between the two tracks on the EP, and what role would you say each track plays in the overall narrative?
That’s an interesting question as both tracks actually do have a part in the EP. The main act of the EP is ‘Do Androids Dream’ which revolves around Roy Batty’s monologue at the end of the movie which inspired the EP, however ‘Orion’ started out initially as a different track but as I went on, there was still some residue in my mind from the earlier track, especially the part where Roy says “Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion”. I actually wondered what a majestic sight that would be, and thus named the track ‘Orion,’ which is more melodic Progressive, almost something for the sunset, as suiting the inspiration. I work around the melodies and leads until they fit the visual narrative in my mind.
Finally, what’s next for IND:RA?
There is a lot happening. Trying to bring all the concepts to life. My next up is a single called ‘We Shall Rave,’ which is just a fun Electronic Dance record. I have Sander Van Doorn on my weekly Radio Show called ‘RE:SET RADIO’ this week, so that feels amazing. Also, I’m heading to India to do a 2024 year-end location set in Jaisalmer in Rajasthan featuring my releases and bootlegs from this year and will also be playing some surprise sets while I am there.
Thanks for the questions, I really enjoyed answering the questions.
As we wrap up our interview, IND:RA’s reflections on his ‘Do Androids Dream EP’ offer a deeper understanding of his artistic process and evolving vision. From drawing inspiration from cinematic moments to crafting music that resonates on the dancefloor, it is clear that IND:RA is an artist who values creativity and authenticity. So, with new projects and performances on the horizon, make sure to keep watching IND:RA’s journey unfold by following him across social media, remaining up-to-date with his latest news and releases.
Listen and Buy ‘Do Androids Dream’ Now:
IND:RA Online
