Canadian DJ Profile: Arkitech

Published May 25, 2013

The EDM scene in Canada is finally getting some worldwide recognition, and with Bud Light Sensation just around the corner, Bud Light has handpicked some up-and-coming DJs from across the country to join the party revolution. To get ready for the most insane party of the year, we're profiling these fourteen rising DJs in the Canadian EDM scene, and if you visit BudLight.ca, you can vote for your favourite. Every time you vote, you'll be entered for a chance to win a pair of daily drawn general admission tickets to Bud Light Sensation. Additionally, the winning DJ will receive two VIP tickets with travel, accommodations, and ten tickets for their entourage.

Progressive house DJ and producer Ashneel Kumar, also known as Arkitech, hails from Vancouver, British Columbia. At just 20-years-old, his mixture of modern trance and progressive house makes for a high energy live set, filled with unforgettable mixes and creative song selection. Already having supported other EDM acts like Above & Beyond, Aly & Fila, and Simon Patterson, and with a debut single released on Black Hole Recordings, Arkitech has positioned himself as the ambassador of modern trance for Western Canada.

AUX: What was your introduction to DJing? What made you want to start?
Arkitech: I actually listened to a lot of techno music like Basshunter and DaRude before I started DJing. I only started DJing after attending my first electronic dance music show, which happened to be Tiesto back in 2008.

Where are you from and what's the scene like for a DJ in your hometown?
I was born in Toronto, Ontario in 1992, and moved to Vancouver, British Columbia in 1998. The scene for a DJ here is rapidly growing, and there's a lot of people taking interest in learning how to DJ or produce music in their desired genre.

Who/what are your main influences, and why?
My main influence is Glenn Morrison. I've listened to his music since day one. I've read and watched all the interviews and YouTube videos he's posted throughout the years, and to this day he continues to amaze me with his tracks and how he interacts with his fans. He's influenced me to keep pursuing greatness in the genre I love, and that there's always room for improvement whether in the studio working on a track or practicing on my CDJs for a gig.

Best and worst EDM subgenre and why?
I would have to say the best EDM sub genre is progressive house. It has such a huge influence in music nowadays, both in the underground and mainstream music scene, that a lot of producers are changing their sound to progressive house.

I don't think there is a "worst" EDM sub genre, because for me to be inspired to make a track I need to explore what is currently out there. I love all types of electronic dance music because I know I can learn from it all. I want to make a track that caters to all electronic dance music lovers, but still has my sound in it.

Why is it important for Canada to have an event like Bud Light Sensation?
It's important for Canada to have an event like Bud Light Sensation because of the massive support it'll get from a growing trend in North America. For Canada, Bud Light will set the basis of holding massive events with top artists from around the world.

Vote for Arkitech at BudLight.ca for your chance to win two tickets to Bud Light Sensation!***


AUX is partnering with Bud Light as they revolutionize what it means to party in Canada. We'll be breaking down the elements of any successful party into an exact science, culminating in the most mathematically perfect party of the year, Bud Light Presents Sensation (seriously, the Partyodic Table doesn't lie) at Toronto's Rogers Centre on June 1. The eight-hour experience will see an estimated 30,000 fans Light It Up in ways they've never done before. Tickets are Bud Light Presents Sensation, but deluxe tickets have already sold out—so act fast! You must be 19 years or older to attend. Meet fellow revelers on Twitter via the Bud Light Presents Sensation hashtag: #budlightsensation.

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