Throughout the fabric of history, music has always been an influential force for social change and has served as an important channel for advocating the importance of issues such as freedom of speech, expression, and resistance. It is based on these ideals that UK-based record ‘Needs not-for-profit‘ was founded by 20/20 vision recording’s label manager and DJ/Producer Bobby Pleasure in the summer of 2017.
A not-for-profit label that is determined to use the power of music to spread the message of peace, love, unity, and the idea of giving back to communities. The imprint has already championed several causes and has helped raise awareness about issues such as mental health, homelessness, and equality. Artists such as Peggy Gou, Juju & Jordash and Johannes Albert have already been featured on a label that is fast growing in global prominence.
The NEEDS X WAVLNGTH compilation features tunes from FILM, Aqua Dominatrix, JInn Chatter and Disco puppet
This week, the Mumbai-based WAVLNGTH crew team up with Needs to make a difference to gender equality perceptions in electronic music and beyond. The collaboration includes the NGO ‘She says India’, who advocate to end gender-based discrimination and advance women’s rights in India,. The week-long endeavor will bring together artists, musicians, social influencers and listeners under the same roof and make an impact where it matters. However, the collaboration is not one-off and Needs have announced that this would be the launch of their India arm. Speaking to Beatworx about the initiative Bobby pleasure explains how the partnership came to bear
I met Aneesha Kotwani of WAVLNGTH last year and we discussed the possibility of launching an Indian arm of Needs.
NeedsIndia aims to raise awareness and money for various worthwhile charities along the way. To see it come together is a really beautiful thing and we’re both really excited to watch it unfold.
The week-long collaboration will include gigs, workshops (tentative) and a debut-EP release from homegrown artists on the NeedsIndia arm of the imprint. Kicking-off the project is a four track ep that features original compositions from Aqua Dominatrix, Film, Jin Chatter and Disco Puppet that’s been released on NeedsIndia. You can listen to it and buy it on Juno here.
The weekend will also see Wavlngth play host to a three-city India tour with Bobby pleasure playing at Pistolera ( Mumbai ), Summerhouse cafe ( Delhi ) and the Daily all-day ( Pune ). The selector from Leeds will be joined by Mehmet Aslan who has also previously released on the label, along with Aqua Dominatrix, Disco puppet and Jinn Chatter. Renowned for his disco affinities, Bobby brings his funk and soul-laden vibe to a dance floor near you.
I am also incredibly excited to make my DJ debut in India. This country has held a very special place in my heart for a long time and through NeedsIndia i want to give something back to the music scene and country!
Bobby pleasure plays in New Delhi, Mumbai and Pune this weekend
That’s not all, Wavlngth intends to host a workshop with Needs and She Says on various topics across the board covering the need for women empowerment and public awareness about gender quality, a panel discussion on how to run a music label successfullyand effectively and a masterclass on production in collaboration with the ILM academy in Delhi from Bobby pleasure himself.
A great initiative by Aneesha Kotwani and Bobby Pleasure which could go a long way in making a difference for women in the electronic music industry. Through this platform Wavlngth hopes that the long-term collaboration with needs that would help inspire change and lend a voice to various social campaigns.
Here’s a quick run-through of the Schedule of the tour :
17th May, Thursday: Music production masterclass with Bobby Pleasure at the ILM Academy, Delhi
18th May, Friday: The SHELTER X WAVLNGTH present Bobby pleasure and Mehmet Aslan, Delhi
19th May, Saturday: NEEDS X WAVLNGTH : Bobby Pleasure, Aqua Dominatrix & Disco Puppet, Mumbai
20th May, Sunday: NEEDS X WAVLNGTH : Bobby Pleasure, Aqua Dominatrix & Jinn Chatter, Pune
I’ve been a DJ since 2001, having played at prestigious clubs, festivals and other dance music events, I head the DJ department at Beatworx. I’m a technology enthusiast, and love sharing my knowledge and experiences here.
