Turning Dreams Into Music
I belong from a small city called Ajmer in Rajasthan. My journey into the world of music began in 2009 when I was just 12 years old. For five years, I played drums in high school, and my love for music grew as I listened to artists across genres—Linkin Park, Akon, Eminem, Yo Yo Honey Singh, David Guetta, and Calvin Harris, to name a few.
In 2013, during my summer break, I visited my grandmother’s place, where my cousin of the same age introduced me to something that changed my life forever. One day, while I was enjoying Bollywood music, he abruptly turned off my speakers, much to my irritation. He then asked me to follow him to his room, switched on his computer, and played the Aftermovie of the Tomorrowland Festival. Those 30 minutes were nothing short of magical. It felt like another world had opened up before me, like a door to another planet had just been unlocked. In that moment, I knew—I wanted to become a DJ.
Determined to learn the craft, I went back home and began watching YouTube tutorials, particularly by DJ Suketu. I installed Virtual DJ software and started collecting electronic music. Hardwell quickly became my idol and inspiration. For the next two years, I locked myself in my room, immersing myself in different EDM genres, practicing relentlessly, and mastering the art of DJing.
In 2015, I moved to Jaipur for college and immediately began participating in DJ War competitions across various campuses. By 2016, I started assisting a local DJ at a small bar, eventually becoming an assistant resident DJ. The gigs soon started rolling in, and though I played for free for the first few months, the experience was invaluable. I even missed a few exams because my passion for music had completely taken over. There was nothing more exhilarating than watching people dance to my music, knowing that I was controlling the energy of the entire party. That euphoric feeling still gives me goosebumps every time I step behind the console.
Coming from a small city where nightlife was practically non-existent, breaking into the music industry was no easy feat. There were no music schools, no mentors, and no guiding hand to show me the ropes—I had to learn everything on my own. Pursuing music as a career was also challenging because I came from a business-class family, and such a path was difficult for my parents to comprehend. Fortunately, they never discouraged me, and today, they are immensely proud of all that I have achieved.
Balancing DJing with my B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering was another major challenge. Long-distance travel for shows, studying, and managing gigs all required meticulous planning. Early on, securing gigs was tough because no one took a young DJ seriously. I had to prove myself repeatedly to earn recognition and respect.
Even today, working as a software engineer while performing as a DJ is demanding. Scheduling is crucial, and the exhaustion is real. The music industry is highly competitive, and staying on top of the game requires daily dedication. The late-night events disrupt my sleep cycle, and I have to maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep up with the demands of this career. There have been times when I’ve had to perform despite being sick due to prior commitments. Being an introvert also made networking a challenge, but over time, I have worked on building relationships in the industry.
This year, my primary focus is on producing music and performing on a global scale. Last year, I launched my alias profile, Aggner, dedicated to underground music, and I plan to continue growing this brand. I have been experimenting with various genres and will keep refining my unique sound as a producer. Another key focus is enhancing my social media presence and staying connected with my audience.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of performing in numerous cities across India and sharing the stage with some of the industry’s most talented artists. I’ve performed alongside renowned Indian DJs like DJ NYK and DJ Lemon, as well as international artists such as Mike Williams and Kill the Buzz. Staying true to my musical style and playing the music I love has always been my priority.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my journey has been mentoring aspiring DJs and sharing my knowledge with them. Above all, I have never stopped learning. Every event, every song, and every artist continues to teach me something new, fueling my passion for music even further.
My journey from a small town to the big stage has been filled with challenges, but every hurdle has made me stronger and more determined. The road ahead is exciting, and I can't wait to see where my music takes me next.