Grammy-nominated DJ Illenium: ‘Technology has opened up many more options to us as music producers’

American DJ Illenium will perform in Mumbai at Bayview Lawns in Mazgaon this evening as a part of his Sunburn Arena Tour. Photo Courtesy: Sunburn

While his previous visits to India have been very short, Grammy-nominated American DJ Nick Miller, more popularly known by his stage name Illenium, is very excited to be in the country this time around. Starting off his tour in Mumbai, he is all set to perform his latest self-titled album ‘Illenium' (2023) along with some of his popular hits at the Bayview Lawns in Mazgaon this evening. The music producer, who is in India as a part of the Sunburn Arena for a three-city tour that takes him to Bengaluru on February 24 and New Delhi on February 25 this weekend.

The American instrumentalist, who is also a songwriter, has been active for a little more than 15 years, and has produced several hits over the years including ‘All That Really Matters' from his latest album, ‘Takeaway' and ‘Good Things Fall Apart' among others. Some of the others include those from ‘Fallen Embers' (2021), which was his fourth album, for which he got a Grammy nomination in the Best Dance/Electronic Album category. It was released just after ‘Ascend', which is also regarded as one of his most notable works, many of which have even topped the Billboard 200, Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs among others.

In an interview with mid-day.com, Illenium talks about his visit to India and evolution as an artist and electronic music around the world and working on new music.

How excited are you to perform in India? What have you planned for your set in Mumbai?
I am super stoked to be back in India. My set will mainly be focused on my most recent album ‘Illenium', but I am planning on including some of my favourite songs from past releases as well.

How have you seen electronic and house music evolve ever since you started out over 15 years ago?
I feel like particularly with this scene, artists are always pushing the envelope, so it evolves much faster than other genres. It is one of the reasons I was drawn to it in the first place - because everyone is so open to experimenting and trying new things. I think just from a technology standpoint we have had so many more options open up to us as producers and I am excited to see where it goes.

In that time, how have you seen yourself evolve as a songwriter and music producer?
I have been exposed to so much music over the years and have learned so much. My music has gone in different directions, but I feel like at its core it remains similar to when I started - being something people can connect with.

With this being your first tour in India, what are you most excited about in terms of its music, food and culture, especially in Mumbai?
I haven't had the chance to spend more than a day in India previously, so I am looking forward to experiencing everything the country has to offer. I love trying new food, meeting new people, and checking out the music scene of each region.

What are you currently working on? What can fans expect this year?
I am working on a bunch of new music that is much more electronic than my last album. Getting back to my roots a bit.