.png%3Falt%3Dmedia%26token%3Da08017ae-6f4b-4687-97ac-5f748add92a1&w=3840&q=75)
about
NYC native Maha Kuma is a techno artist focused on constructing cinematic musical journeys. Having a background in Indian classical music and DJed since high school, he has been honing his craft for over a decade. With a heavy focus on rhythm, percussion and textures, he envelopes and transports the audience through emotional and tactile contexts. Being the founder of the Brooklyn based DIFFÜSION collective (@diffusion.ofc), he bridges techno with the sounds and depth of humanity’s cultural heritage.
spotlight
When did you start DJing/producing? What sounds or scenes shaped your taste early on? What keeps you coming back to sound as a medium?
I’d like to shout out Che from Village Hidden in Sound, back in high school, he’s the one that inspired me to get into it. Back then I was listening to festival-style Dutch house, stuff like Swedish House Mafia, Third Party, Spinnin’ Records. I went through a lot of music phases, electronic and not, eventually doing open format mixing and developing a deep respect and taste for all genres. In the end what keeps me coming back, is the same thing that started it all, making mixes. Even without a crowd in front of me, my mixes are my soundtrack to my daily life, I’ll be making them regardless of me having a gig or not.
As a founder of DIFFÜSION, you showcase artists who push the boundaries of techno by incorporating sounds from diverse cultural contexts. What motivated your vision behind this collective?
I have a respect for each and every genre and I believe there is a place for anything on the dance floor if played in the right way. I love techno, but I don’t think it is all-encompassing and an end-all-be-all where we need to be pure about it. I feel that there is so much left to be explored in the merger between techno and everything else, where the essence of its introspective side is still maintained. I want people to figure it out, to push those boundaries, and question what they are capable of delivering in a techno set - and that’s why I made DIFFÜSION.
How do you think about the role your work plays in the scene — socially, culturally, or politically? If you could shift one thing about the scene, what would it be?
DIFFÜSION’s name comes from the term ‘cultural diffusion.’ I believe the world progresses when ideas meld together and new things are brought to life. I hope to express that sentiment in the things I do and support. I seek to create spaces where the unfamiliar becomes familiar. Where people can be themselves, and others can come to appreciate that individuality, and maybe even learn or incorporate something from each other.
When you’re not playing, where do you go to get inspired? Who’s been exciting you lately?
When I’m not playing, I just try to experience life and let that be my inspiration. I take how I’ve been feeling over a period of time, maybe a month or two, when I feel I have something to express - I translate it into a set. Usually during that time I’ll compile a playlist of non-Techno tracks that resonated with me, and search for Techno that will compliment them and allow me to build a context. Recently a lot of non-Techno I’ve been listening to is Indie / Alt rock - artists such as Wunderhorse, Superheaven, Overgrown, and Turnstile. From the Techno world I recently went digging into Hertz’s entire discog and absolutely loving that rhythmic goodness he presents.
What’s something you’ve learned about vulnerability — behind the decks and on the dance floor?
Vulnerability is an important aspect of life and humanness. It tells you what is worth protecting. People may view it as a weakness, but I think that’s a matter of perspective. It gives people the opportunity to show up for you!
Is there something you intend to build your radio set around — any themes, questions, feelings, or something else?
For this one I want to express pure groove and rhythm. I want to compliment House with Techno. I’m taking it back to the roots here with that fusion and I want people to feel that soulful connection from the House and Disco communities, but merge it with the raw intensity of Techno. I always say Disco House events are some of my absolute favorites to attend, it’s such a pure expression of joy and connection.