Axeman, party animal

Electronic music with live guitars, Go-Go dancers, fire twirlers - is it a party or a carnival? This is Kolkata-born producer-musician-DJ Joy Basu's recipe for a sizzling bash, and it has taken Hollywood by storm. "It is more electronic than 'live'. It's tailor-made for dance-related events. Usually, I am the only musician on stage, sometimes accompanied by a DJ, VJ, MC, keys and a drummer.It's a new type of show stimulated with dancers and even fire twirlers at times. The idea is to have a good party," he says.
GOING PLACES
Even a couple of years ago, Joy used to be called "Hollywood's secret". But not anymore. "I have been fortunate to perform with superstars like Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Angie Stone and even Asian biggies like CoCo Lee and Kotoko. Those were all fun gigs and I got to travel a lot. However, creating my own music and show has been one of the most fulfilling experiences. A few years ago, I decided to go for it as a solo artist. Since then, I forayed into music production. With my own shows, I have gone from small and large clubs all the way to New Year's Eve in Vietnam, where I performed in front of over 3,00,000 people. With my own music production and original music, I now have well over 300 placements on mainstream television shows," says Joy. And Playboy Mansion? "Playboy Mansion was a blast. I fit right in, how could I not? It was absolute party madness. There were naked women - rather than borderline nude like other shows and parties I've played at - dancing and getting crazy," he flashes a mischievous grin.
MODUS OPERANDI
Didn't he face scepticism? "I play club mixes with electric guitars. To see or hear live guitars in a club along with a DJ or me as the DJ and playing guitars on and off was a new experience for clubbers. Other than originals, I did a lot of mash-ups as well. This would be when I or a partner would be spinning a popular remix, and I'd start playing an 80s rock riff on guitar in the same key. Kind of an instant remix. Most clubs and electronic dance musicrelated festivals have Go-Go dancers, so it was only natural for them to be part of my show. I like sharing the experience with dancers and the audience. If the audience is close enough, I either spray the first couple of rows with booze or pour vodka in their mouths as I am doing hammer-ons (using only the fretting hand) throughout the show. Unless security kicks someone offstage, I'm fine even when partyholics jump on stage and start fist-pumping, dancing and doing shots on stage with me," Joy says.
HOME SHANTI HOME
How did he land up in Hollywood? "I was born in Kolkata and lived there till I was two. We came to the US for my parents' work and studies. We moved back to Kolkata when I was six, believing we had moved back for good. However, within a couple of years, my father decided to further his career in America instead, so we went back to the US. In Kolkata, a neighbour veered me towards disco," Joy recounts. "It's been years since I have been back to my hometown and I really should make more of an effort to make it back." The party trooper is also keen on working in Tollywood. "I am interested to work in all types of films, including Bengali movies. If any promoter in India is reading this and wishes to get me out there, feel free to contact me," he says.
SONG ROUTE TO SUCCESS
So what's on the horizon? "At one point in my life, it was a big deal to jam with the stars. As a hired musician, watching Nicolas Cage in the front row was pretty cool. However, nothing can be compared with the high of playing my own music in front of screaming fans, who are there exclusively to see me. I feel way more of a rush playing my own stuff in a smaller venue than being in the background for someone else in a larger venue. I intend to take producing music and original music a long way before I get back out there, performing again," Joy signs off.