“MUSIC IS an emblem of our global language and culture, the power of music coalesces a harmonious union of people. Hence, I discard any political or religious messages to be imported within the pervasive expanse of music. We must keep the music pure and powerful in order to connect people,” says Israeli DJ Eliad
Grundland. He believes in belting out the best vibes from behind his console. “Because a good sense of Buddha prevails in me,” he says on a lighter note.
Also known as Space Buddha, he is a spin-doctor of international repute. With its intensive drive, super high-energy tempo and the Goa atmosphere, Space Buddha is well-known for his unique interpretations of the Psychedelic Trance scene and has set new standards for it.
Setting his foot for the first time in India, this world-famous disc-gyrator toured across cities like Pune, Mumbai and Delhi before touching down in Kolkata. With a slew of turntable tricks up his sleeve, he swung the lounge lizards and party animals to shake a leg on the floor of this newly launched nightclub Maaya at Kolkata’s swanky Swissotel resort.
He explains the roots of Psychedelic trance that are strongly connected to the electronic music style that has world-wide ruling the roost in dance music scene during the mid and late 80’s. In the same decade, the German, UK and Belgian club-music-culture were spreading the Techno sounds, which later on developed into trance and in the early 90s, the Psychedelic Trance was born. “Today, Psychedelic Trance includes many different musical streams within its gamut, such as Full-on, Goa, Minimal, Progressive, et al. The Psychedelic Trance holds a power of visual substance, created by its forceful, energising sounds, pulsating musical effects and its hi-fi modern technology,” says Grundland.
The concept of his solo project Space Buddha came around in 1998. One of the key idea behind this project name emanates from the integration of the of the spiritual as well as the futuristic world elements.
“Space stands for the extraterrestrial activities and Buddha symbolises the spiritual and historical connotations. Same way, my music imbibes a perfect blend of world music flavours with the most creative and fresh Techno sound-and-beats. Like a sponge, it soaks in divergent tributaries of music,” elaborates Grundland.
He has cut a series of seven solo albums under the principal Space Buddha label. The list includes Space Buddha (1999), Eternity Project (2001), Stigmata (2002), Jungle of Wishes (2003), Storm Reaction (2004), Full Circle (2006), and No hields (2008). Besides, two solo titles under a side project called Indica were also released as Fairy Tales in 2000 and Visions of Tomorrow in 2004, respectively. Over the last few years he has also collaborated with other artistes from my label. And with Toast3d, he had unspooled the Party Leader in June, this year, which makes it a total of eleven studio albums.
He makes a point with his observation about the fact that globally, the Psychedelic Trance scene of today has evolved a lot to penetrate into the mainstream music as a vital part.
“It is therefore no longer an underground current that is strictly tipped off to tap the dance floor drove per se. Interfused with a great variety on its platter, it can be available to and enjoyed by all music junkies, on and off the dance floor. The Psychedelic Trance is congenially susceptible to any human mind due to its wide range of sound elements. Everyone can find a happy haven within its milieu,” says Grundland.
He also sounds excited about his project Goa Full-On which he conceptualised on the lines of popular contemporary taste.
“For me, the source of today’s Full-on style is the Goa vibes of the early 1990s. So, in spite of the many changes that Psychedelic Trance has passed through in the past 20 years and the Tech innovations that musicians employ to conjure up the genre, my main goal has always been to deliver the pure Goa Full-on magical ambience. It’s an eternal flame that keeps me going and recharges me from album to album,” explains Grundland.
He is happy about the Trance phenomenon becoming a huge rage by reaching out to a sea of enthusiasts via a bouquet of current-day tech and on-line channels and says, “The music attracts many new, young artistes and buffs in its fold and it’s only a matter of time that Trance will be transformed from a close-knitted niche tribe into a ubiquitous universal cult.”
Having travelled worldwide, he is extremely delighted to be in India to experience the power of the country and its lovely people. “This tour will remain an emotional encounter for me — very enriching, powerful and unforgettable to say the least. It’s my first but surely not the last trip (smiles). It’s only the beginning of my connection with the country,” says Grundland.
He believes that the success factor to make it big depends on the honesty and sincerity one puts in one’s efforts. “Success is great when you reach it, but the most important lesson to learn is to stay grounded as an industrious person with 100 per cent dedication. That’s how you can achieve and conserve your professional feats with pride,” he further adds.