Ash Roy returns to Kappa CULTR, closes on a high: Crowd’s energy makes it unforgettable

Ash Roy’s return to Kappa CULTR this year is a celebration of music, milestones and growth. As one of the most renowned names in India’s electronic music scene, Ash Roy brought something truly special to the festival showcasing his record label, Soupherb, in a way he had never done before.

“I told them if I am coming back, I want to showcase Soupherb in a big way,” Ash Roy shares, reflecting on his decision to return to Kappa CULTR. “They gave us a whole day for it, and I’m really grateful for the opportunity.” The label, co-founded by Ash Roy and Ashvin Mani in 2013, has grown to over 200 releases, establishing itself as a powerhouse in the electronic music world.

Soupherb’s showcase at Kappa CULTR featured several notable artists, including Maksim Dark and Folic State, who has been with the label since its inception. Ash Roy and Ashvin Mani also delivered a special performance, which included a tribute to tabla legend Ustad Zakir Hussain, whose influence resonates throughout Ash Roy’s music.

Reflecting on India’s burgeoning electronic music scene, Ash Roy highlighted that India has become a global hub for the genre. “India is the hub of electronic music in Asia,” he states, acknowledging the many international artists who now dream of performing here. He has witnessed this growth firsthand from playing at the small beginnings of Sunburn Festival in 2007 to now being part of massive, multi-stage festivals like Kappa CULTR. Ash Roy notes how the energy of the crowd has evolved alongside the music scene, with young audiences now fully immersed in electronic music and celebrating the diversity of sounds from all corners of India. “It's amazing to see how far we’ve come as a community,” he adds.

Ash Roy believes that his performance at Kappa CULTR is about connecting with the crowd. “When the audience gives back the energy I give them, it’s an exchange of a beautiful connection that makes the whole experience unforgettable,” he says. He also shares his excitement about performing in Kochi, where the festival’s vibrant atmosphere offered a fresh, exciting vibe. “Playing for a large crowd at a festival in Kochi is a whole new experience. It’s so different from the hotel banquet halls I’ve performed in before.”

The energy at Kappa CULTR last year, with its fiery performances and massive crowds, left a lasting impression on Ash Roy. "I couldn’t see the crowd while I was performing, but after seeing the videos, I was blown away,” he recalls, proud of the passion and enthusiasm the audience brought to the festival.

Now, as Ash Roy returns to Kappa CULTR with new music, new energy and a bigger vision for his label, it’s clear how far the Indian electronic music scene has come.

Kappa CULTR, one of South India’s hottest music festivals, came to a close on Sunday. The festival brought together a stellar lineup of global and homegrown artists, offering a truly immersive experience for music lovers of all genres.