Sohail Arora’s Musical Evolution: From Nu-Metal to Dance Music
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In the vibrant tapestry of India’s live music landscape, Sohail Arora emerges as a dynamic figure with a storied past spanning nearly two decades. Starting his journey at the famed venues of Zenzi in Bandra and Lower Parel and subsequently at the iconic Blue Frog in Mumbai, Sohail’s musical influences have evolved over time, reflecting the rich tapestry of his experiences.
Having been a part of the nu-metal band Skincold, which drew inspiration from the likes of Deftones, to later co-founding the electronic group Bay Beat Collective, Sohail’s foray into dance music became more pronounced. Even as his agency Krunk curated and managed diverse artists across India, his personal musical inclinations continued to evolve.
Amidst the global pandemic in 2020, Sohail ventured into a new realm with Krunk by launching a record label named Krunk Kulture. His musical palate, however, remains eclectic. Despite his inclination towards dance music, at home, his musical consumption ranges from jazz and rock to varied styles of electronic music.
Sohail’s recent EP titled “New Shifts”, released under his pseudonym Rafiki, stands as a testament to his musical journey. The tracks on the EP mirror the pivotal moments in his life, from the poignant ‘Losing You’, which echoes the pain of heartbreak, to ‘5AM Dub’ which is infused with African rhythms and is described by Sohail as a night owl’s composition. A sense of motivation and aspiration is captured in ‘Walk the Talk’, emphasizing the importance of setting and achieving life goals.
Rafiki’s sound, compared to Sohail’s other moniker EZ Riser, leans more towards house, acid, breaks, and techno. One of the standout tracks, ‘Nu Funk’, integrates a traditional Indian instrument, the morchung, offering a blend of modernity with tribal and acid undertones.
Throughout his musical journey, Sohail has collaborated with several notable figures, including Goa-based producer-drummer Aditya Ashok, better known as OX7GEN. His 18-year tenure as a DJ has refined his music-making process, allowing him to swiftly arrange ideas into tracks, often on the move.
Currently, Sohail is on a multi-country European tour spanning from July to August 2023, connecting with a plethora of international artists and diving deep into club and festival cultures that have enriched the dance music scene for decades.
On the business front, Sohail’s journey of working with global markets, especially Europe, has been challenging yet rewarding. Touring as an Indian artist in international arenas isn’t easy, but Sohail believes in focusing on quality over quantity. This ethos reflects in Rafiki’s European tour, where he expresses a particular fondness for UK venues and The Villa in Oslo.
Back home, fans can anticipate an India, Nepal, and Asia tour scheduled from September up to January 2024. Sohail also teases an upcoming album, set to release next year, which promises collaborations with renowned musicians.
In sum, Sohail Arora’s evolution, from his days with Skincold to his present as Rafiki, encapsulates a rich journey of exploration, passion, and musical innovation.
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