Q&A: This is MujjO

“My tracks may not fit a specific genre, but my composition, sound selection, arrangement, and mixing set them apart, as I'm pioneering the subgenre ‘Progressive Lofi.’” - MujjO

It was a pleasure to recently interview MujjO, a wonderful artist from India! We discuss his musical beginnings, his latest EP, the Indian lofi music scene, “Bollywood Lofi”, pioneering a new subgenre and places to visit and what to eat if I had only a week to spend in India! Be sure to check out the playlist below at the end and continue to support his future work!

Tell me how you got started making music. What drew you to this genre?

I've been passionate about music since 2012, starting with piano, harmonica, guitar, and singing/songwriting. In 2017, I began producing electronic music and worked with Zee Music Company and local acts, also I caught the attention & was supported by Voice of Australia's finalist Matt Gresham. In 2018, I discovered lofi through "Lofi Girl" after listening to "Reflection" by Jinsang and fell in love with it. I've been making my own lofi tracks since then, gaining support from channels like Neotic Records and Homeworkradio. I'm proud to be one of the earliest Indian artists in the lofi scene and contribute to the YouTube lofi community. My music is featured in top 24/7 lofi live streams, and I'm signed by various well-known labels of genre. The journey continues.

Tell me about your new EP "Osaka Cruise". Have you been to Osaka before?  

"Osaka Cruise" is an EP that was released on September 22, 2023, via Hitkend Records. It offers an experience of solitude and brings listeners to joyful states where they can forget their problems and escape from life for a couple of minutes, finding themselves near the beach in Osaka. It features perfectly crafted soundtracks suitable for people of any age. You must check it out. Speaking of Osaka, I grew up watching anime, and Shinchan introduced me to Osaka. Someday, I would really like to visit the place.

Is lofi hip hop music popular in India?

Yep of course certainly! The term "Bollywood lofi" is gaining popularity in India and neighboring countries. This genre combines chill beats akin to lofi music with Indian acapella vocals from popular Bollywood songs. Notably, Im considered a pioneer or possibly the first to create Bollywood lofi mashups, such as "Tujhse Naaraz Nahi x Mera Man × Tere Bina (Lofi Remix) & Na Tum Jano Na Hum x Dil Ka ye kya raaz hai - LOFI BOLLYWOOD FLIP." Some of these mashups have amassed over 500k+ views/plays on YouTube and SoundCloud, inspiring other major labels in the region to explore similar mashup creations.

Who are some fellow Indian lofi artists that you collaborate with or listen to?

I may not be familiar with fellow Indian lo-fi artists, but I've had the privilege of collaborating with some talented musicians from around the globe, including Kristoffer Eikrem, Pierson Booth, Thirsty Girl, and Harrylofi.

I have been listening to some of my favorites like Nujabes, Fat Jon, Uyama Hiroto, Wun Two, Flughand, Jinsang, and Brockbeats. One of my aspirations is to collaborate with one of these artists in the future, except for Nujabes, whom we remember with great respect. Rest in peace, legend.

As someone who also suffers from tinnitus (left ear), how does that affect how you craft your music?  Do you need special headphones or a second opinion when it comes to your sound? 

In 2021, I developed tinnitus while sitting on my balcony at night, surrounded by the sounds of crickets. I initially mistook the high-pitched beep for a bug's noise, but soon realized it was coming from within. I feared it would end my music career but later learned about the connection between stress and tinnitus. Over time, I stopped dwelling on it, and my brain habituated to the sound. Some days, I hardly notice it, and producing music has been a great distraction. I avoid noisy places like construction areas, gigs, and DJ sets, and I don't need special headphones, and no second opinion since it's become my new normal.

Tell me about Karad, India.  Does it influence your work in any way? 

My hometown, Khed, is situated in the Ratnagiri district of the Indian state of Maharashtra. Currently, I reside in Karad, a vibrant part of the Satara district with a population of over 74,000. Karad is not only a historical place but also a hub of ancient culture and ethnic diversity.

When it comes to music, the city boasts a pool of exceptionally talented local artists. I'm grateful to be the sole representative of Maharashtra, the city itself, and, of course, India on the international lo-fi music scene. Karad is undeniably a hotspot for tourists, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and music.

If I had one week to spend in India, where should I go and what should I eat?  

If you ever visit India, you should explore places like Mumbai, Ratnagiri, Delhi, Goa, Agra, Kerala, and Bijapur for their historical monuments and tourist spots. As for food, you must try popular South Indian dishes like "vada pav" and "masala dosa," which happen to be some of my favorites. You can easily find more information on Google.

What is a big goal that you want to accomplish in your music career in 2024?

My main goal for 2024 is to release my music on physical formats like vinyl, cassette tape and reach a wide audience that I believe I deserve. Most importantly, I want to remain disciplined, consistent, and true to my unique sound because I feel it's my purpose on this planet. My tracks may not fit a specific genre, but my composition, sound selection, arrangement, and mixing set them apart, as I'm pioneering the subgenre "Progressive Lofi."