“Pretty Lights represents an awareness and openness to the beauty in everything around us.” Derek Vincent Smith

Pepsi MTV Indies, the natural habitat of the indie soul, celebrated its first birthday on the 1st April 2015. Commemorating the event, it was a bonanza of surprises for music lovers. One of the many was Pretty Lights.

“I will dedicate a track to Bombay” Markus Schulz

Originally from Germany and based now out of Miami, Markus Schulz holds the 2012-2013 title of “America’s Best DJ” as voted by the readers of DJ Times magazine. Over the last 10 years, he’s crafted the individual musical identities of progressive, trance and house into his own unique sound. His “Global DJ Broadcast” radio show is heard by millions each week and is aired on SiriusXM in the U.S., DI.fm and 50 other radio stations around the world. Schulz is label chief of his own Coldharbour Recordings (under the Armada Music umbrella) and has helped launch the careers of aspiring talent from around the world. Schulz has four full-length studio albums under his belt – including Do You Dream? and Scream – and those works have brought forth the dance-floor crowd-rockers, “The New World,” “Nothing without Me” featuring Ana Diaz, “Love Rain Down” featuring Seri, “Perception” and “Do You Dream?”

“Everybody comes to us as we are hit makers” – Manjeet Singh of RDB.

RDB (an acronym for Rhythm, Dhol, Bass) is a band formed by three British Indian brothers in 2001, whose style blends western genres with traditional Punjabi beats and vocals. The Punjabi DJ production group comprised of Kuly (Kuldeep), Manj (Manjeet) and Surj (Surjeet). In April 2011, Kuldeep was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and passed away on 22nd May 2012 in Houston Texas. Nindy Kaur is the latest addition to the group and is the wife of Manjeet.

“Hello India is my journey as a reggae artist in India”- Sasi The Don

Malaysian reggae sensation, Sasi the Don recently released his first International debut that features his previous hit singles remixed and rearranged as well as several stomping new songs.

“Playing with Megadeth was a new experience for me.” Mike Albert

Mike Albert, the legendary guitarist (ex - Megadeth), front man of the Mike Albert Project which he formed to evolve his playing to showcase his own sound was in Mumbai as part of the World Music band with L. Shenkar. Mike had replaced Megadeth’s Chris Poland during the 1985 "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good" US tour. His earlier bands were the Frank Zappa produced, Ruben and the Jets and El Chicano, a Latin band.

“I have made sounds on a sitar on the last Crowes record” – Rich Robinson

The Mahindra Blues Festival turned five recently. To commemorate this, the event saw six time Grammy winner Buddy Guy, yet again, alongwith New Bedford-based 15 year old sensation Quinn Sullivan (who Buddy Guy summoned on stage in 2007 and whom he is known to be mentoring), Doyle Bramhall II (best known for playing with Eric Clapton and Roger Waters), Black Crowes axeman Rich Robinson, roots bandleader Nikki Hill and Danish seven-piece Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado. The Indian contingent featured Warren Mendonsa, The Mahindra Blues Show and The True School Blues Experience. At an exclusive meet and greet a day prior to the festival, we managed to meet up with Rich Richardson to know about his band The Black Crowes and his love for the blues. Here are excerpts from the exclusive.

“I shall explore Bollywood if I get a chance” – Steve Aoki

EDM whiz Steve Aoki, who gave the world a crazy new way of indulging in cake and champagne, returned to India for a three city tour with Vh1 Supersonic Arcade. EDM fans got a chance to watch Steve Aoki perform live on 16th January in Mumbai, 17th January in Delhi and 18th January in Bangalore.

“I want to get into the deep of India”. Deep Forest’ Eric Mouquet

Soft spoken, Eric Mouquet is every bit a Frenchman blond, blue eyed, charming accent, et al. Eric has been to India many times before. He came to Mumbai last year (November) for Banyan Tree’s Milan - Maestros in Harmony - Rahul Sharma and Eric Mouquet concert. This was his third visit.

“I'm really looking forward to experiencing India as a country”: The Virginmarys.

Following hot on the release of debut 'King Of Conflict' (released on 4th February 2013) the three piece Brit band The Virginmarys is a name that has been cropping up all over the globe in the last few months with many recommending to hear them out. The Virginmarys are a three-piece rock band from Macclesfield, England and consists of members with Ally Dickaty as the lead vocalist, Danny Dolan on drums and Matt Rose on Bass.

“My album is all about the all about the angst of growing up” Zoe Viccaji

Pakistani Pop sensation Zoe Viccaji who made her debut as a playback singer in Coke Studio's. She has sung many songs which include some English and Urdu songs. She has also worked with the immensely popular Pakistani rock band Stings.