By working together, we can create diverse spaces that celebrate different genres and cultures: Faraz aka 8-BIT-CULPRIT

Faraz, known by his stage name 8-BIT-CULPRIT, began DJing at 15 and secured his first residency in 2008. Influenced by artists like Sphongle, Perfect Stranger, and Trentemoller, he ventured into music production to enhance his sets, leading to his debut release ‘Slugger’ in 2016 on Soupherb Records, followed by additional releases with Qilla Records. Adhering to a ‘less is more’ approach, Faraz’s music is genre-fluid, focusing on storytelling through deep, dark, and melancholic soundscapes. Aspiring to perform fully live sets of his own productions, he has been experimenting with semi-live performances, earning positive feedback and establishing himself as a significant contributor to India’s electronic music scene.

We had a recent interaction with him upon his joining Season 2 of The Lab, a part of the Smirnoff Project’s “We Do We” campaign, which champions collective unity and celebrates diversity. By fostering a sense of togetherness and celebrating individuality through music, The Lab embodies the core values of the “We Do We” campaign. Check out what he has to say in our interaction with Faraz aka 8-BIT-CULPRIT:

This is a unique name, what’s the story behind it?

My upbringing and mindset are deeply rooted in old-school values, which helps me stay connected to my true self, with nostalgia playing a crucial role in my brand and music. As a child, I was heavily into gaming, and the term “8-Bit” evokes a sense of nostalgia for that classic era. I was quite the mischievous kid—often a little menace—frequently getting caught for things I did and even for things I didn’t do. In short, I was always the culprit.

How did The Lab collaboration come about?

The collaboration with The Lab came about when Ankur, a dear old friend from the Forward team, invited me to be a part of their set in my hometown, Calcutta, India.

What do you expect in this season and what kind of impact you are looking to make?

I believe it’s crucial for everyone to contribute to a collective effort to elevate our surrounding music communities, allowing artists, fans, and industry professionals to uplift one another. By working together, we can create diverse spaces that celebrate different genres and cultures, ultimately enriching the musical landscape. This collective effort not only strengthens the community but also inspires future generations of musicians and music lovers to engage and innovate.

What gravitated you to House/Trance & Jungle genre?

I’ve always had a deep love for music, which has taken me through a wide spectrum of sounds over the years, from techno to hip-hop. However, I’ve always felt a special connection to Jungle and Liquid Drum & Bass. These genres resonate with my early discoveries of the underground scene and electronic music in general. Growing up, I was heavily influenced by the sounds of the 90s, particularly Goa Trance and the rave culture that was thriving at that time. The euphoria of that era have stayed with me, shaping my musical identity. For a long time, I felt pressure to play tracks that didn’t align with my true self—music that wasn’t reflective of my roots or my passion. Eventually, I decided to put my foot down and embrace what truly inspired me. This shift allowed me to reconnect with the elements of music that I genuinely love, and that’s where some old-school Trance, Jungle, Liquid Drum & Bass come into play.

What is your rest of the year looking like?

I have a series of exciting collaborations and releases lined up, along with the launch of my imprint set for early 2025.

Well, so this it! Check out his work and keep a tab on what’s more to come from him in the coming times.