SONOS CLUB : SARPILA SOUNDS
Shuma aka Sarpila Sounds is here to expand your life's soundtrack. Drawing from the sounds of the ground of London's enormous cold melting pot. Her sets marinate in the flavours of the people, offering a glimpse into their lives and stories. Sarpila Sounds weaves and electrifying fusion of cultures, uniting diverse influences in her music.
INTERVIEW
Can you tell us about your musical journey and how your cultural background has influenced your sound?
SARPILA SOUNDS: As a young girl growing up in inner-city London (Hackney), in a Black neighbourhood, a Jewish local community, and my Bengali upbringing in a predominantly white country, I can only describe it as marinating in the cold melting pot that is London. I absorbed the energy, stories, and soundtracks of those around me—their emotions and experiences became a part of me. My sets are my way of channelling and conveying that rich blend of influences, creating something that reflects the diversity and depth of my journey.
What are some early memories of music from your upbringing that shaped your taste today?
SARPILA SOUNDS: My mum grew up in a very strict household and wasn’t allowed to listen to much music, but when she went to school, her classmates introduced her to a wide variety of sounds. Growing up, I would hear her secretly play reggae tracks whenever she managed to get a moment alone. That really influenced my taste in music because, to me, it was the sound of freedom, captured sonically. Ever since, my music has gravitated towards genres and songs that carry powerful messages and rhythms that truly enchant you.
How do you integrate your heritage or identity into your DJ sets or productions?
SARPILA SOUNDS: My first ever live set was a new creation—an amapiano and desi mix. It was a blend of music I love and a reflection of my heritage. Oddly enough, I didn’t really listen to desi music much, aside from the classic Bollywood tracks played at every family wedding. But for my first set, I wanted to truly honour my heritage while incorporating music styles that I’m passionate about. Creating that mix made me fall deeply in love with merging genres and going against the grain. It also helped me reconnect with my culture in a way that felt personal and meaningful. Now, every set I play tends to have a little sprinkle of desi music, which has become part of my sonic signature, while still staying true to the genres I listen to heavily.
Are there any specific artists or genres from your background that have been particularly influential to your craft?
SARPILA SOUNDS: I listen to so many different types of music because I connect to individual songs, and if it moves me, then I love it—no matter the genre. But if I had to whittle it down, I’d say there are four main ones that have been influential to my craft.
I have a broader, more spiritual view on the music genres that shaped my life, and I associate them with different body parts and stages of my life. It goes as follows:
Reggae – Soul – Childhood
Grime – Mind – Adolescence
Neo Soul – Blood – Young Adulthood
Afrobeats – Heart – Future
I could go into much more detail about this, but this overall framework shows my entire musical journey in a nutshell.
When you’re crafting a DJ set, do you have a particular story or vibe you aim to convey? How do you build it?
SARPILA SOUNDS: Oh yes! Sarpila Sounds is all about the vibe. I consider myself a storyteller DJ—every set is intentional, with a clear mood and message that I want to convey.
There are two main ways I start creating my DJ sets.
The first is when I hear a particular song that moves me so much that I begin to build a world around its energy, adding songs that match that vibe. The second is that I’m a bit of a fanatic when it comes to playlist curation, and throughout my life, I’ve built countless playlists, each with a different vibe or genre. I currently have 126 playlists just on Spotify alone.
Once I’ve got the playlist sorted for the set, I open it in my DJ software and start looking at BPM and keys to see what works and what doesn’t. From that, I create a second, more refined playlist, with all the hot cues lined up and ready to go.
I then curate a space that matches the vibe of the set—lighting, ornaments, plants, and so on—and then I begin recording. Finally, I post the mix to YouTube and SoundCloud for others to enjoy!
What’s your process for discovering and selecting new music? Any go-to sources or methods?
SARPILA SOUNDS: My certified go-to method for discovering new music is through people! Friends, family, other DJs, even my cab driver—literally anyone in my life. I’ve been introduced to songs, artists, and even entire genres by people around me that have since become some of my absolute favourites.
In today’s world, it’s easy to fall into our own little niches, surrounding ourselves with things that validate our tastes and preferences without venturing outside of that. People often just want to play their favourite song and get others to listen. But true growth comes when you listen to others, remain open to new music and tastes. Music is a wonderful, invisible network that connects us all. You never know, your next favourite track could be waiting for you in a barbershop, listening to the hairdresser’s playlist.
How do you balance between your roots and staying fresh with modern trends in your sets?
SARPILA SOUNDS: My main method for balancing my roots with staying fresh and in tune with modern trends is through genre blending. A great example of this is my amapiano-desi set, where I take a classic Bollywood song (from my roots) and layer it with a (modern) amapiano track. This way, I’m able to fuse both worlds—one representing my heritage, the other bringing a fresh twist.
The second way I do this is by finding unique edits. There are so many talented producers and DJs making unexpected tracks that keep the crowd guessing. Using the same example, I’ve done deep dives to find amapiano/Bollywood edits that are nothing short of phenomenal.
Can you talk about a track or mix you’ve created that holds a special meaning to you? What’s the story behind it?
SARPILA SOUNDS: I created a mix for Black History Month called Roots & Resistance. This mix holds a special place in my heart as I consider myself a socially conscious DJ, using music to tell powerful stories. Roots & Resistance speaks of struggle and hope, love and resistance, and serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, we still find the strength to dance.
Tracks that carry messages of empowerment or lyrical paint brushing of emotions resonate with me on a profound level. To craft this mix that speaks a narrative for a marginalised group, was a moving and spiritual experience. It’s about creating something in which we can all take meaning from the messages and carry them with us into our real lives. This is one of the main reasons I DJ—to connect, inspire, and share meaningful stories through music.
As a DJ from a BIPOC background, what are some challenges you’ve faced in the industry, and how have you overcome them?
SARPILA SOUNDS: One of the biggest challenges I've faced is being boxed in— labelled as a 'Desi DJ' or being seen as the token person of colour brought in for the sake of 'diversity.' It can be frustrating to feel like your identity is being prioritized over your talent. I’ve worked to overcome this by consistently showcasing my range and versatility as a DJ. I make it a point to surprise audiences with my mixes, blending genres and styles they might not expect, which proves that my music speaks far beyond stereotypes. Breaking those preconceived notions has been both a challenge and a rewarding journey.
How important is representation and visibility for you in the electronic music scene?
SARPILA SOUNDS: Representation and visibility are incredibly important to me in the electronic music scene. Music is a universal language, yet for so long, certain voices and stories have been overlooked in this space. As someone from a BIPOC background, I believe that seeing diverse faces and hearing diverse sounds not only enriches the culture but also inspires others who might not feel they belong. Representation is about breaking barriers and creating a more inclusive scene where everyone feels seen and celebrated. It’s not just about having a seat at the table—it’s about reshaping the table entirely to reflect the vibrant, global community that makes up electronic music.
Have there been moments where you’ve felt your identity helped you stand out or connect with your audience in unexpected ways?
SARPILA SOUNDS: Absolutely. My identity has allowed me to connect with audiences in ways I didn’t always anticipate. Being open about my background and weaving elements of it into my music has often created a unique bridge with people who share similar roots or are simply curious about the sounds and stories I bring to the table. For instance, when I’ve incorporated cultural influences into my sets, I’ve seen audiences light up, recognizing something familiar yet reimagined in a fresh way. It’s a reminder that music transcends boundaries and that embracing my identity can create moments of shared joy and connection that feel deeply personal yet universal.
What are some emerging trends in electronic or experimental music that excite you right now?
SARPILA SOUNDS: One of the most exciting trends in electronic and experimental music right now is the blending of global sounds with cutting-edge production. Artists are pushing boundaries by integrating traditional instruments and cultural rhythms into electronic frameworks, creating something truly unique. I’m also inspired by the resurgence of community-driven, DIY spaces and collectives that prioritize inclusivity and creativity over mainstream trends. These movements are fostering a more authentic and experimental spirit in the scene, which I find incredibly energizing.
How do you envision your music evolving in the next few years? Are there new sounds or ideas you want to explore?
SARPILA SOUNDS: In the next few years, I envision my music reaching a larger audience and growing in new and exciting ways. One of my goals is to have a residency at a venue where Sarpila Sounds can take over a dedicated night each week. I’d curate the event based on different moods and mixes each time, creating a unique experience for every night.
I also plan to continue genre-blending, pushing boundaries until I create an entirely new sound of my own. The goal is to always evolve, experiment, and bring fresh ideas to the table, keeping things exciting for both myself and my listeners.
If you could curate a dream lineup for an event, which artists would you include and why?
SARPILA SOUNDS: If I could curate a dream lineup, it would be a melting pot of all the genres that have shaped my life (reference to question 2).
Starting with reggae, I’d have to include Bob Marley. I know it might seem typical, but his music is timeless and incredibly powerful—it’s like hearing a saint’s message through sound. If I had to choose someone from today, it would be Beenie Man. His music has that similar emotional depth but also gets the crowd dancing with pure energy.
From grime, I’d bring the whole of BBK (Boy Better Know). They’re OG legends in the game, and I’d love nothing more than to be in the middle of an onstage cypher with them—pure electric energy.
For neo-soul, it’s a tie between Erykah Badu and Cleo Sol. Both are goddesses whose music transcends time and space, offering healing and inspiration in every note.
Finally, for Afrobeats and Amapiano, this is the toughest choice because I love so many artists in these genres. For Amapiano, it has to be Kabza De Small. His Red Bull Symphonic Orchestra performance was transformative—it elevated Amapiano to an international, classical stage while staying true to its roots. It brought me to tears, and I can’t imagine how incredible it would be to experience that live.
What advice would you give to up-and-coming DJs and producers from underrepresented communities?
SARPILA SOUNDS: My biggest advice is to stay true to yourself! Don’t feel pressured to conform to trends or fit into boxes others might try to place you in. Your uniqueness is your strength, and it’s what will set you apart in the industry. Embrace your roots, your influences, and your perspective—it’s these elements that make your sound special.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of community. Seek out and build connections with like-minded artists and collectives who share your vision and values. There’s strength in collaboration and solidarity, especially when you’re navigating spaces that might not always feel inclusive. Finally, keep pushing boundaries and never stop believing in your potential. The industry is evolving, and your voice has a place in shaping its future.
How do you stay motivated and keep your creativity flowing, especially during challenging times?
SARPILA SOUNDS: I remind myself that I do this purely for the love of music—that’s the core of everything I create. Music has always been my sanctuary, my outlet, and my way of expressing myself. During challenging times, I strip away all the noise and focus on that simple truth. Everything else—the accolades, the events, the recognition—is extra-curricular and secondary to my passion.
To keep my creativity flowing, I also lean into inspiration from unexpected places. Whether it’s discovering new sounds, revisiting old favourites, or simply taking a break to reconnect with life outside of music, I find that stepping back can reignite my drive. It’s all about staying connected to what made me fall in love with music in the first place.
What’s one message you hope people take away when they listen to your sets or mixes?
SARPILA SOUNDS: The one message I hope people take away when they listen to my sets or mixes is to feel inspired, seen, and connected to me musically. But more than anything, I want to help expand their life’s soundtrack—that’s the tagline for Sarpila Sounds. I believe everyone has a soundtrack to their life, whether consciously or not. Songs have a unique ability to invoke memories like nothing else.
'I am passionate about connecting through music and expanding people’s music catalogue. Even if I leave you with one song that you like, it would have added to the soundtrack of your life, and that becomes a memory. And isn’t life, other than the present, just a memory?'
SONOS CLUB is an initiative from Sounds of Craft Records, designed to highlight the eclectic electronic music scene through the perspectives of the BIPOC diaspora and marginalized communities, while being open to all.
