Celebrating India's Electronic Music Heritage

Switched on India: A Sonic Journey

Switched on India honors the pioneering spirit of India’s electronic music scene, spotlighting the iconic 1969 NID Moog. Join us in exploring a legacy of innovation and cultural fusion.

Listen to the NID Tapes

Exploring the NID Moog Legacy

Switched on India is a unique performance-lecture series that delves into the historical and cultural significance of the 1969 NID Moog synthesizer. This project, led by Varun Desai, combines live synth music with engaging visuals to illustrate the Moog’s role in blending Western electronic sounds with Indian musical traditions. The reconstructed NID Moog, completed in December 2024 at 60% scale, serves as a testament to this fusion. Varun Desai, a renowned computer engineer and founder of Synthfarm, brings his extensive experience in arts and culture to this innovative project, highlighting the Moog’s enduring impact on music and technology.

The project not only showcases the technical marvel of the NID Moog but also its cultural resonance. Varun Desai’s expertise as a synthesizer builder and musician, coupled with his leadership at Synthfarm and the Kolkata Jazzfest, underscores the project’s depth. By revisiting the NID Moog’s legacy, Switched on India invites audiences to experience a rich tapestry of sound that bridges past and present, East and West.

The Birth of a Sonic Revolution

India's First Electronic Music Studio: A Historical Overview

In 1969, the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad became home to India’s first electronic music studio, a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by David Tudor with support from the Rockefeller Foundation. This studio marked a pivotal moment in India’s musical history, introducing minimalist electronics to the country’s rich cultural landscape. Over the years, the studio produced seminal works like ‘Dance Music I&II’ and ‘Space Liner 2021,’ which seamlessly blended electronic innovation with Indian sensibilities.

The rediscovery of ‘The NID Tapes’ by Paul Purgas has reignited global interest in this unique fusion of sound. Switched on India celebrates this legacy, inviting audiences to explore the profound impact of the NID Moog and its role in shaping a new era of Indian electronic music. Through this project, we honor the visionaries who paved the way for a sonic revolution that continues to inspire musicians and audiences worldwide.

Key Works of NID Studio

Exploring Iconic Compositions

Dance Music I & II

These pioneering pieces integrate minimalist electronic rhythms with traditional Indian musical elements, showcasing a groundbreaking fusion.

Space Liner 2021

A visionary work that captures the essence of futuristic soundscapes, blending electronic textures with Indian melodic structures.

Sonic Innovations

Innovative compositions that pushed the boundaries of electronic music, merging global influences with Indian traditions.

Cultural Resonance

These works reflect a unique cultural dialogue, marrying Western electronic techniques with Indian artistic sensibilities.

Rediscovering a Legacy

The NID Tapes and Global Impact

The rediscovery of The NID Tapes by Paul Purgas has reignited interest in India’s electronic music heritage. These recordings highlight the innovative spirit of the NID studio, emphasizing its global significance in the evolution of electronic music. The tapes serve as a testament to the studio’s pioneering role in blending cultural narratives through sound.

Join the Sonic Revolution

Be part of India’s groundbreaking electronic music journey. Follow us for the latest performance updates and immerse yourself in the innovative sounds of Switched on India.

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