Asian Underground from the house of Punjab Gharana

London-born tabla virtuoso Talvin Singh is spinning a DJ set tonight, after a year of live performances. As he returns to Mumbai, Bhairavi Jhaveri finds out why what he composes is linked to his stay in India at 15

You were at the centre of the Asian Underground Movement in East London. What was it like?
The Asian Underground Movement started off in east London in 1996. We were running a regular gig at the legendary Blue Note in Hoxton Square, and decided to turn it into a weekly Monday night affair. Anokha: Sounds of the Asian Underground was released in the late 90s. It turned into a groundbreaking album with the freshest producers, who rotated dub plates on the decks, along with DJ sessions and live mash ups.

How has the sound of modern Asian electronica evolved since you started out? What's the newest element you've added to your soundscape?
The sound has an Eastern thread. It has evolved a great deal from Drum and Bass pasterns with phasing tablas, to Dubstep mega bass beats with influences drawn directly from a personal, yet cultural enforcement.

At 15, you came to India for a year. Tell us about the time.
I became a disciple of Guru Ustad Laxman Singh from the Punjab Gharana, when I was 15. Ever since, I have been spending time with him learning. Everything I do in music is an extension of playing and listening to the tabla. All my energy comes from playing the tabla.

Tell us about Everyone is a Camera, the sound installation you were part of in Mumbai last year.
The sound installation comprised bass tablas mounted on a wall without the skins. The membrane was replaced by small speakers with loops. It has been travestying Amsterdam, and will be shown in London next.

Which venues have you enjoyed playing at?
The Barbican Centre in London, and the South Bank. One of my memorable performances was in Spain. I got to play a tabla solo for an hour after which I DJed for 45 minutes. The listeners got to feel the dynamics of Indian beats. They got up and danced, which was very special.

You have remixed and collaborated with Blondie, Madonna, Sarah McLachlan and Bjork. What has it been like?
The time I spent touring and working with Bjork, was incredible. She has no set ways about creative ideas and is open-minded. So, the ideas came about naturally. We did a special concert with a huge acoustic orchestrau00a0 Hip Hop with live strings and Indian instruments at the Royal Albert Hall. That was really something.

Are you working on a solo artist album?
I am mastering various albums and pieces. So, keep your ears and eyes open!