BUDx Brings Music Community Closer

Highlights from the debut edition of the electronic music lab in New Delhi that saw intense Boiler Room sets, insightful panels, masterclasses and more

THE WAREHOUSE-TURNED-music venue Dhanmill Compounds, located in New Delhi’s Chattarpur area, could well have been a piece of Scandinavia for the three days it hosted BUDx last month. And not just because the sartorial preference of the majority of the young crowd favored impeccably layered black and greys—the in-fashion biker jacket was as ubiquitous as the dance music beats in the background—reminiscent of Copenhagen or Oslo. But also because the event, touted as an ‘electronic music lab,’ was able to whip up a dense, unique scene in a way we haven’t witnessed before.

Budweiser’s global commitment to dance music in the recent years has led to the beer brand’s increased involvement in the Indian music circuit. In a span of just over two years, Budweiser has sunk its teeth into the local scene by bringing Boiler Room to India, organizing the mega dance event Sensation, hosting the ‘What’s Brewing’ club gig series and partnering with the debut edition of Electric Daisy Carnival, apart from initiating digital campaigns involving pop culture icons. With BUDx, the brand aimed to consolidate all its diverse commitments into one whole: over the course of three days, the event served as a stage to underground DJs/producers, hosted multiple panel discussions and talks and offered insightful masterclasses by veteran artists for budding talent.

At Dhanmill Compound, the daily events were held across two spaces: Main Room and Break Out Room. The passage leading to these two rooms served as the hangout zone, complete with two food trucks stationed to replenish the revelers. Another smaller space, Screening Room, showcased dance music documentaries and early Boiler Room sessions from around the globe.

Here are the biggest highlights:

Starting a dialogue