First and foremost, congratulations on the remarkable achievement of Qilla Records reaching its 100th release – a true testament to the label's enduring impact. As we embark on this journey, could you rewind the clock to the inception of Qilla Records and unveil the foundational vision or mission that laid the groundwork for what the label has become today?
Kohra - Ishan, thanks a lot and it is truly quite a moment reaching our 100th release. The idea of starting Qilla came to me while I was at University in Melbourne, Australia. I was studying Communication Design there when I noticed a few new labels at that point who were releasing music from some amazing local artists and throwing their own parties. The sound of these labels was a hybrid between many styles ranging from progressive house to psychedelic trance and even progressive metal, which I love. I soon started playing at some of these parties and realised how open-minded the audience was to this new wave of music that came from a very DIY and underground culture.
There was nothing of that sort back in India at that point and I started using my college education as a designer along with my passion for electronic music to start work on the name and logo for the label. It was a side project. After 18 months, I finally had the identity for Qilla Records. A friend of mine at the point - ‘Namrata Phoolka’ who was a senior helped with the final design outcome. I came back to India from Australia, started work on setting it up and reached out to some of my friends from India and around the globe. The rest is history. The intention has always been the same - to put out some of the best music according to us as a label with a particular focus on the Indian landscape and to help build a community that’s authentic and motivated creatively.
Over the course of 100 releases, Qilla Records has showcased a diverse range of sounds and styles. How would you describe the label's evolution in terms of sonic exploration, and are there any particular releases that marked significant turning points?
Kohra - The label’s sonic exploration has been a combination of looking out for futuristic producers from India as well as just our taste. Stuff we’re feeling as Dj’s / Producer’s and listeners. I see our work more as cyclic and continuous so all releases have their own place but I do try to celebrate and align special moments in the catalogue. Our 50th was a compilation to celebrate the varied sound we had at that point and the 75th was my first full-length album which was a very personal project. I also feel proud of the full-length albums we have released since those are all personal projects where we, as a label, try to keep our focus on the artist's expression more than what we think works. We kind of surrender to the project itself and the album release becomes an outcome and not an objective, if that makes sense.
Being based in India, how has the cultural context influenced the label's identity and the music it champions? Are there specific instances where the rich cultural heritage of India has played a role in shaping the label's ethos?
Kohra - I’m personally very intrigued and inspired by ancient Indian and Mughal architecture, poetry, design and philosophy. I think this, along with the fact that we are based out of India, always manages to trickle into what we do but it’s never overly intentional or forced. Only when it comes naturally. The name Qilla (fort) and Kohra (fog) itself is a tribute to my heritage in itself.
Qilla Records has collaborated with various artists and labels globally. Can you share insights into how these collaborations have enriched the label's catalogue and contributed to its global presence?
Kohra - Our collaborations have all been very organic and natural. We’ve only brought down our favourite artists, or released music from people we truly believe in, regardless of their following and previous catalogue. I think it’s our intent that will help us grow, more than the collaborations. In short, it's the music that leads the way for us, more than the numbers or outcomes of these releases.
Behind every label, there are often untold stories that resonate emotionally. Could you share a particular moment or story in the label's history that had a profound impact on you or the Qilla Records community?
Kohra - I think our ‘Alchemy’ and ‘Sacred Alchemy’ series of events resonated deeply in particular. I started doing this with my friend Kartik Shekar from Hyderabad and later on with ‘Prakriti Abel’ who used to work at Qilla bookings and ‘Sacred Alchemy. The kind of artists we’ve hosted and managed to tour successfully in India has surprised me as well.
I then realised the kind of community we were surrounded by and identified many who supported our work. I feel a sense of responsibility towards the community which is something I always take back from these events and similar interactions - the ones who come and help bring our vision to life.
In an industry that sometimes prioritises trends, Qilla Records has consistently demonstrated a commitment to artistic integrity. Can you share instances where the label took risks to support unconventional or experimental projects, and how these decisions contribute to the label's identity?
Kohra - I think we risk it with each release. That’s why it’s really important we believe in the music we’re putting out first. The rest happens automatically, or not. You might have noticed this when we worked on your album. Another example would be us releasing the New Delhi-based producer ARTIFVCT’s debut album. We put it out at a point where he barely had any music out and it was one of our highest-selling albums of the year. These small wins make us believe in what we do more, so we keep our eyes and ears to the ground.
The journey to 100 releases is undoubtedly filled with challenges and triumphs. Can you reflect on some of the most challenging moments the label faced and how you overcame them?
Kohra - I think we’ve had many challenges along the way. In terms of the label, some of our releases haven’t had the impact we imagined which failed us and some of the artists as a result. We learnt the most from this and realised what we had to change and improve. It was at this point, a few years ago that my friend Vishal Unni became the A&R for Qilla. A decision that I feel has blessed me and the label in countless ways. We also had a fair few events where we didn’t break even which was financially quite taxing on me personally, but we’ve overcome it all. This is why we’re focusing on the label side of things for a few years and not much else.
Vridian, Vishal Unni, SHFT, Kohra, Jay Pei
Electronic music has a universal language, yet each label contributes its unique dialect. How do you see Qilla Records fitting into the global electronic music scene, and what do you believe sets it apart from other labels?
Kohra - I think our journey is focused more on asking ourselves who we are and what we stand for more than where we belong. This is something that helps us find ourselves as well as reinvent ourselves. This ongoing process is what will put us where we belong in the global scene on its own. I also feel we now have enough talent in the country to put us on the international scene anyway, it’s happening already.
As you approach the 100th release, what can the audience expect from Qilla Records in the future? Are there new directions, projects, or collaborations that you're particularly excited about?
Kohra - I’m quite excited about the future. The ideas behind the 100th release have many angles to it and what comes after that is an integral part. You can expect things to get more calm and more wild at the same time. I feel we’re heading towards a maximal meets minimal space but it will still remain very Qillaesque, as always.
Looking back at the label's journey, what kind of legacy do you hope Qilla Records leaves behind, both in the context of Indian electronic music and the global scene?
Kohra - I think we’re quite focused on capturing the moment and sound we’re moving towards constantly. So it’s not so much the legacy that we’re thinking about. I feel if you’re obsessed and passionate about what you’re doing - you may have a legacy by the end of it but it’s rarely ever the other way around.
As Qilla Records approaches its 100th release, a significant milestone in the label's journey, is there a teaser or exclusive insight you can share with us about what makes this particular release special or unique? Whether it's a collaboration, a thematic approach, or a surprising element, we'd love to get a glimpse into the essence of this milestone moment for Qilla Records.
Kohra - The entire compilation has an underlying rave revival spirit to it. It tries to capture a newer and more psychedelic side of techno that’s not yet been put together in such a way, I feel. The artwork, designed by my friend ‘Aniruddh Mehta’ is also a complex piece of work and will move differently, for each track. This is something you will only know more about in time so stay tuned.
Madhav Shorey aka Kohra, Founder of Qilla Records
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