DJ Sharadhas become an icon in the South Asian music scene. He has been in the entertainment business for over 15 years and can be found spinning at every type of venue, including night clubs, parties, and weddings. Some of his biggest moments include performing with Sukhwinder Singh Raghav, Jay Sean, Juggy D, Rishi Rich, Kevin Lyttle, Nina Skyy, Mr. Vegas, Lumidee, and spinning alongside superstar DJ’s Funkmaster Flex, Bobby & Nihal, Camilo and PHS!
CitySaheli interviewed the world renowned DJ Sharad to get a look into his career as a DJ and to ask him his advice for brides looking to choose their perfect wedding DJ.
Check out this video to get a taste DJ Sharad’s fantastic beats!
What inspired you to become a DJ?
I was always interested in music growing up. My father is into the arts (music, movies, etc) and always had music playing in the house. I also fell in love with hip hop at a young age. One of the 4 elements of good hip hop is the DJ. I really couldn’t rap, dancing was not my strength, and graffiti would have gotten me in trouble – so I turned to DJing.
My love for all types of music almost immediately allowed me to DJ at all types of events – including clubs, weddings and birthday parties. When I first started, I would DJ anywhere I could, so I learned and study all types of music and cultures.
What type of events do you generally cover?
To this day, I still do every type of event. I have developed a team of DJ’s who have been hand picked and trained by me, which allows me to be more selective about the gig I personally spin and allows me to pair certain DJ’s with the type events they specialize in.
Sometimes the client is a bride at a wedding who is very particular about her playlist, sometimes the client is a nightclub where only certain music types are allowed, sometimes the client just wants us to do our thing, it always varies! The DJ’s who are part of my team all love what they do. They spin because they genuinely enjoy the art form and most importantly because they enjoy putting smiles on peoples faces.
Do you cover parties in other cities/states/countries?
All the time! This year alone we hit events all over the world, including US, Chile, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, India, Bangkok, Spain, Sri Lanka, London. I love traveling! I used to travel a lot more but since I manage the team of DJs it has become harder for me to travel and manage efficiently. I do try to book as many out of town jobs for the members of my crew as possible.
Can you tell us about a particularly memorable moment in your career as a DJ?
There are so many to tell, but two instances stand out in particular! One was when I was spinning at a party in St. Maarten with a packed dance floor. My cousin was a guest at the event and brought me a drink to the DJ booth. She tripped over a wire and the entire system turned off. Being booed by a crowd of 700 on a Caribbean Island is one of the worst feelings I have ever had as a DJ. From that night on I made a rule: No one in the DJ booth PERIODDDD!
Another time was recently, when Marisa Tomei was at an event I was spinning! I went up to her and asked her for a picture. She said “That’s funny I wanted to ask you for a picture because you are the best DJ I have ever heard spin!” That was a great feeling!
How has the South Asian scene changed during your career?
That’s a tough question but I will answer it in regard to Music and DJism (yes DJism). There are so many factors for this change but if I can sum it up, it’s due to the fact that over the last 10 or 15 years South Asians have assimilated more into main stream America, just like many of the other ethnic communities that preceded them.
Our parents came to this country with hopes of doing well for their families, educating their children, and making money. My parents never really said go to hip hop concerts to learn about America. They said “let’s go see the Empire State building for the 50th time beta!”
Over the years, though, the outlook of our community has changed. Our generation and the generations below us have become a vital part of American culture as a whole. A South Asian kid years ago growing up had only doctors and businessmen to look up to. A kid who is 10 years old today can look at an artist like Jay Sean and say “wow when I grow up I want to be an R&B singer”. It’s clearly possible today for a South Asian kid in this country.
From a DJ’s standpoint, the scene has changed because younger DJ’s, including me and my crew, have made it our mission to embrace and play all types of music at our gigs! Many years ago playing at a wedding meant we were playing bollywood all night long -and if American music was played it was a little MJ and maybe the Macarena and maybe Murder She Wrote (lol)!
What is your advice for South Asian brides in their search for the perfect DJ?
My advice would be to do your research! Every DJ is different, as is every party. The DJ you select should not only be able to play music he/she likes, but also play music that is custom tailored for your event. Many people slap the letters “DJ” in front of their name in order to book parties or get famous, but a true DJ is true to the art form and is able to bring the art to life at events! Interview your potential DJ, make sure he or she can adapt to your party, make sure they are insured, make sure they provide back up equipment, and make sure they have a back up plan incase the particular person you booked is unable to make it on the day of the event. There are so many things to look for, but these tips should help someone who is getting started with the process!
