I have been to concerts in the past, but backstage access is still a new thing to me, just like getting into power is new for Lalu Prasad Yadav. RJD has made a massive comeback, as did Maggi. Now the people of Bihar have Dal and Maggi to fill their stomachs (I promise that will be the last pj you have to read). While others were losing their shit over Maggi’s return, I was getting high on weed some amazing EDM music that Rishab Joshi was playing from his DJ console. Standing on stage to see the crowd go crazy to some kickass music gives an adrenaline rush of its own. Vishaal Rasquinha was the emcee. With Vishaal on stage, the energy of the crowd can never die. It felt so surreal. Now I understand why they say “There is no business like show-business”. After the amazing performance, I got a chance to speak with him backstage.

Lost Stories comprises two DJs, Rishab Joshi and Prayag Mehta. Of the two, Rishab had come to Waves this year. BITS seems to be liking him a lot, with the Pilani campus calling him over 6 months ago. When asked where Prayag is, Rishab jokingly said “Probably hung over somewhere”. On that note, we began our interview.

Rishab started off his music career by dropping out of college. He had taken up science in Mithibai college but exactly three days after college started he realised “Ee humse na ho payega” (kudos to the Gangs of Wasseypur reference). He began experimenting with music and became a producer, making around 20 remixes a year. He then switched to DJ-ing to keep the cash flowing. Early on he used to play at nurseries for some quick cash to buy equipment. Not a bad idea I must say.

Rishab met Prayag on Submerge, an online music forum. Rishab was 17 at that time and Prayag, 21. Prayag was already getting recognized, with Tiesto playing his tracks. Tiesto playing Prayag’s tracks really inspired Rishab. They seemed to gel well so decided to form Lost Stories. They released their debut album, “Music For the # Generation” in 2013 which consisted of 10 singles. Rishab said the album was so named because it was referring to this generation who’s attention span is extremely tiny. “How You Like Me Now” became too popular too soon, bringing them to the attention of well-known DJs worldwide. Lost Stories now performs worldwide including music festivals like Tomorrowland.

Since they’re on the road quite often, they’ve started getting someone record their journeys and upload it to their YouTube channel (after heavy editing of course). The video series is quite ‘artistically’ named, “On The Road”. So much for creativity. When asked about his favourite artists, Rishab mentioned DJ Sahil, DJ Chetas and DJ Cashmere. He sees a lot of potential in Sahil, who is just 18 years old. Rishab has been listening to “Instant Crush” by Daft Punk a lot these days. It is his no.1 go-to song while travelling.

When I asked him if he would like to say something to upcoming DJs, his first piece of advice was  “Create your own music.” Playing other people’s music can only take you so much, beyond that you have to show some originality to stand out from the crowd. “Do things that you would want your favourite DJ to do”. Another piece of advice would be to join Lost Stories School of Music which they plan to begin by December, he cheekily added. The school would be accepting a small batch of students but would give them the best quality training to make sure they all become well established DJs in the future.

Check out what he had to say about his set at Waves and this blog:

Rohan Parekh

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