Azaad

Born and based in London, Azaad is making waves as a DJ and producer known for his innovative approach to house music. With a unique blend that incorporates elements of UK Garage, Techno, and Dubstep, he has carved out a niche that reflects his diverse musical influences and personal heritage. Azaad’s journey is marked by an unrelenting commitment to authenticity and a desire to use his platform for social change, making him a standout figure in the contemporary electronic music scene.

In 2024, Azaad solidified his presence by performing at some of the most renowned venues in the UK and beyond, including After Caposile, fabric London, The Loft Manchester, 528 Ibiza, and ADE. Sharing stages with esteemed acts such as Kerri Chandler, Dungeon Meat, Garrett David, Julian Anthony, and Rossi, Azaad’s performances resonate with audiences, showcasing his passion for music and connection with the dance floor.

With the launch of his label, Born 2 Be Free, Azaad is set to redefine the underground music lands- cape while promoting a message of resistance against oppression through the freedom of music and movement.

“The idea of being born to be free comes from the Persian definition of my name. It was a very fitting name for my label, as it represented me and the music I make. I’m of the belief that artists should be able to express themselves as and when they need to without any boundaries, and I’d like the la- bel to give me and likeminded artists the platform to do that.”

Curating a label involves more than just selecting tracks; it requires a clear vision and a commit- ment to maintaining artistic integrity. For Azaad, this means looking for specific qualities in the artists and music he chooses to release. He emphasizes the importance of being open-minded in his approach, allowing for a range of sounds and genres to flourish under the Born 2 Be Free banner.

“Not only does it require artistic direction in the music you acquire for the label, but also the overall branding and artwork too. The first three releases on my label will be music from myself, which is easy I guess, as I’m fully in control of shaping the sound of the label. Looking at next year, I’ve already started to listen to tracks from other artists and creating a shortlist. When listening out for new music for the label, I don’t want to be bound by genre or what’s hot at the moment.”

His debut release, The Breakout EP, sold out within hours, an indicator of the high demand for his music and the resonance it has with listeners. Azaad reflects on this experience, recognizing the importance of maintaining quality while meeting audience expectations.

“I was very chuffed. You never know what to expect with a first release on your own label. I was also grateful; records aren’t cheap these days, so for so many people to dip into their pockets and buy it - that meant a lot. Another emotion was confidence in my vision, knowing the music I make and put out is striking the right chords with the people out there.”

In the fast-paced world of electronic music, challenges are inevitable, especially when launching a new label. Azaad shares his experiences with distribution and marketing, highlighting the importance of collaboration in overcoming obstacles.

“Early on we struggled a lot with the designs! It was only until we met with the third designer in the process, Mohamed Hamed. A really talented artist and designer from Tunisia. I let him drive the creative process and he came up with some serious branding and artwork for the releases. Regarding distribution, it’s been pretty plain sailing with Juno; the product manager and operations team do quite well to make sure the momentum is there during each stage.”

Azaad views music as more than entertainment; it serves as a powerful platform for addressing social issues. He is passionate about using his art to evoke change and raise awareness, particularly regarding oppression and resistance.

“I wanted to use Born 2 Be Free and my artist profile as a platform to speak up about oppres- sion and resistance. The underground serves as a great representation of resistance too; we would like musical freedom without the boundaries, red tape, and negative implications that the com- mercial music industry machine offers.”

His personal experiences shape the messages he conveys through his music, drawing from his Kashmiri heritage and a long-standing awareness of social injustices. Azaad hopes to leverage his platform to support causes close to his heart, integrating these themes into his artistic vision.

“I’m of Kashmiri heritage, so knowing about oppression and colonization isn’t alien to me. I’ve also followed the Palestinian struggle from a young age. My mum took me to protests when I was younger, but I would say it was only the past few years where I was able to fully understand their injustices. It holds a big place in my heart, and I believe it would be the biggest failure as a community if we ignored it and stayed silent.”

Growing up in London has had a profound influence on Azaad’s identity as an artist. The city’s vibrant music scene, rich with diverse cultures, has shaped his musical development and continues to inspire his work.

“I was blessed to be born in a household, in a city where bass-led music took center. My dad was into his soundsystems, so he’d be playing dub and reggae with some serious basslines. I was a bit too young to fully appreciate the UK Garage scene, but I’d hear the classics on pirate radio. Fabric and their filthy Fridays is where I spent my teen years, catching early Skream, Benga, Coki, and Mala unfurl a very new genre called Dubstep.”

The eclectic nature of London’s music culture allows Azaad to draw inspiration from various genres and artists, each contributing to the rich tapestry of sounds that inform his work.

“I love London for this exact reason - it’s a product of different diasporas bringing their culture, food, and music to a densely populated place. Musically, I admire how much the Caribbean community has influenced the sounds that have come out of this city: Jungle, UK Garage, and Dubstep - all genres that I would say influence the sounds that come out of Born 2 Be Free.”

Azaad’s journey as an artist is just beginning, yet his vision and dedication promise a bright future in the electronic music landscape. As he continues to develop his label and craft music that resonates with audiences, his commitment to authenticity and social consciousness will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the scene.

In reflecting on Azaad’s story, it’s clear that he embodies the spirit of a new generation of artists who refuse to be silenced. His journey is a testament to the power of music as a form of resistance and a vehicle for change. As he carves his path, Azaad remains grounded in his beliefs and influences, using his platform to uplift not only himself but also those who share his vision of freedom and expression.

In a world often constrained by expectations and norms, Azaad’s commitment to creating music that speaks to both personal and collective experiences serves as a reminder of the profound impact art can have. His journey inspires many young artists navigating their paths in the complex landscape of electronic music, encouraging them to embrace their identities and use their voices to advocate for change.