Jalebee Cartel!

Undoubtedly India’s most successful electronic act, Jalebee Cartel, a multi-talented group who put India on the electronic dance music map, seems to have done it all, from producing to composing. Masala! meets up with the four-member gang – Arjun Vagale, Ash Roy, G-Force Arjun and Ashvin Mani Sharma – ahead of their gig in the city. Here they are, talking about everything from music to food.

What is unique about a Dubai gig?
It is the variety in the crowd. We know that there is a huge expatriate community out there which you won’t find elsewhere.

What have each of you learnt from the international DJs you’ve performed with?
Arjun Vagale: Kasey Taylor has been in the business now for 25 years and yet is the most humble person I’ve met! He is a legend and a dear friend!
Ash Roy: Brandon Block’s stage presence and energy levels have rubbed off on me.
G-Force Arjun: Ash Roy introduced me to electronica. Working with him, I understood what dance music is all about as I knew nothing about it coming from a thrash metal background.

What is the one thing each of you are looking forward to in Dubai?
Arjun: Shopping and rocking Chi.
Ashwin Mani Sharma: Definitely the clubs here.
Ash: Meeting all my friends.
G-Force: I’ve been here only once before and had a blast. I’m certain it’s going to be more nuts this time around.

What do you guys think of...
The food in Dubai: Wow! Especially Al Reef.
The nightlife in Dubai: Can’t wait to become a part of it.
The people in Dubai: Warm and friendly and they certainly know how to party.
The shopping in Dubai: Isn’t Dubai the shopping capital of the world?

What do you bring to Jalebee Cartel?
Arjun: Perfection.
Ashvin: Foolishness
Ash: Comedy
G-Force: Intelligence

If each of you were to describe yourself as a musical instrument, you’d be...
Arjun: I’d be a 808 drum machine because I’m just that awesome.
Ashvin: Mouth harp because it has a distinct sound that’s truly psychedelic.
Ash: A tabla because the groove is so strong and has its own style, in the end it will make you move.
G-Force: Don’t know why but a guitar.