Harsha Palla is a 19-year-old teenager from Hyderabad, India who started producing electronic music when he was 15. He signed the first song with Spinnin’ Records at age 17, making him the youngest producer from India to be signed to the Dutch music giant.
Supported by Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Hardwell, Afrojack, W&W, Blasterjaxx, Yves V, Tritonal, Swanky Tunes, Futuristic Polar Bears and many more. Harsha’s dreams turned into reality when his idol; Hardwell premiered his single; ‘LOVE’ on his weekly podcast ‘Hardwell On Air’ Episode 392.
With achievements this good at such a young age, NDR8 is set to take over the dance music scene in no time. We caught up with Harsha to understand how NDR8 came about, and what his plans for 2019 are.
T.H.E – Hey Harsha! Welcome to T.H.E – Music Essentials? What have you been up to?
NDR8 – Hi Guys, I am fine. Hope you are doing great as well. I have been busy with production these past few weeks. Thanks for connecting with me as I highly regard T.H.E – Music Essentials’ contribution to the Indian EDM scene.
Glad to have this featurette opportunity.
T.H.E – When did you decide that you want to be a producer/DJ? And how did you come up with the name – NDR8?
NDR8 – Since childhood, I knew for sure I wanted to connect my life with music. So, I decided to make my own music give it a try. Bought all the things needed like a DAW and my first Midi Controller synth alongside my production training. I struggled so much at the beginning to learn the technical part of it, but I learned it quickly because I was so determined to do it.
I never realized that I was that good and I was surprised when I managed to get some of my songs released. It worked so well on the dance-floor when these tracks were played to see how people reacted to it back then. I had a different sound and that was needed to get me somewhere.
The artist name – NDR8, is derived from my house music theme as its a proper blend of purely electronic and dance music sounds. I transitioned to represent my unique ideas into electronic music through this name and I have never looked back since then. So, NDR8 just kind of an absolute fit.
T.H.E – You’ve been signed on one of Spinnin’ Records’ sub-labels – Spinnin’ Premium. That must have felt pretty surreal?
NDR8 – Yeah! It is the best thing in my music career to date, as I was the youngest one ever signed to Spinnin from India! As usual, I had been working hard for it since my very first day as a DJ/Producer. It took me some time but finally made it on Spinnin’ Records and I still remember jumping around the house when my dear friend Jeffrey (Alpharock) told me that Spinnin’ wanted to sign the record we had been working on for two months. So, hard work bears success for sure.
T.H.E – Your most recent release – Undercover Love, how did it come about? How was it working on the track with Devan?
NDR8 – Well, I always found it important to experiment with new styles and genres. Damian (Devan) and I had been friends on Facebook for years and we regularly shared and discussed ideas with each other. We eventually decided to work on something together and make something that was distinguishable from the other tracks out there. Hence, ‘Undercover Love’ was born.
It was a lot of fun working with Damian and I’m really proud of the result.
T.H.E – Between music production and DJing, what do you prefer? And which artists do you constantly look at, for inspiration?
NDR8 – It’s hard to say as both of these things are important and kind of fulfill each other in a dynamic sense. Though, I love creating music as I love the feeling of creating emotion out of raw sounds. Whereas via DJing we do showcase our work live and it feels great to see people enjoying and relishing something I’ve been working on for weeks.
I’m a huge fan of Hardwell and Martin Garrix. Martin’s works and life experiences have inspired me to achieve as much as one can at a really young age. I love and respect Hardwell for his signature core productions which have contributed to the whole dance music industry at a great level.
T.H.E – You’re just 19, and have already received support from some big artists like Hardwell, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, and more. Does that bring pressure? Like knowing that whenever you get into the studio, there’s a certain benchmark that you have to hit?
NDR8 – Not at all, there’s no pressure. I don’t think anyone can ever make good music under pressure. When I make music, the only thing I keep in mind is to make something that my friends and my fans would love listening to, together. But yes, I do keep in mind to constantly better my skills and evolve my style. One has to constantly keep learnings, so as to improve one’s production.
T.H.E – Having already accomplished so much at such a young age, what goals have you set for yourself in the immediate future?
NDR8 – Well, I am working as per my goal of creating captivating tracks. My aim is to sign my music on labels like Dharma Worldwide, Revealed Recordings, Universal Music, Lowly Palace (Trap Nation) and giants – Spinnin’ Records. So stay tuned to my social media pages as more info will be there shortly. I signed with ZMA – Zephyr Music Agency in the early months of this year. ZMA’s representatives – Phalguna Somraj and George Anthony Rai, have been working with me to make further impact in Indian sub-continent and other major labels. I am also working towards performing alongside headliners at music festivals like Sunburn, VH1 Supersonic, EVC at this stage.
T.H.E – What does the rest of 2019 look like for you in terms of touring and production?
NDR8 – There are gigs that I am looking forward to performing at, across the country at various music festivals and clubs. I am working with ZMA (Zephyr Music Agency) regarding this as they handle most of my operations and dealings when it comes to management.
In terms of production, I have some really cool tracks lined up along with some big collaborations with international artists (A little hush-hush on that).
So, it’s going to be great! Stay tuned.
T.H.E – Thanks, man! Can’t wait to hear your newer stuff.
NDR8 – Thanks for having me, It was a great experience and I highly regard T.H.E – Music Essentials work & stature it has at a global level. Can’t wait to show everyone what I’ve been working on. Cheers!
You are awesome harsha