When Stalvert John established the Dynamite Disco Club (DDC) in Bengaluru, it was not just about throwing parties: it was to build a house, disco and a house for all grooves in the middle. Now with the release of Dynamite Cuts Volume. 1The label celebrates its 50th release, not only as a milestone, but also as a statement of intent, one which reflects its developed sound, commitment to dance floor, and confidence in nourishing talent from the ground.
“We started with editing and NU disco,” Says Stalvert at Ajji House by Subco in Shanti Nagar, Bangalore, where we decide to meet. “But both sound and community have evolved. Right now, we are focusing on the records of the house that are fun, functional, and still say something.”
Was released on 11 July, Dynamite cut Volume. 1 brings together familiar colleagues and emerging voices on four tracks. Stalwart’s contribution, ‘Cradle of Life’, is a bright Ephro-Disco tribute to African sounds and soul. “Africa is the cradle of life. I wanted to make something happy, something fresh. I want people to feel absolutely comfortable and happy on the dance floor.”
The compilation has promoted a spectrum of the sound that chirping the diversity of DDC for years, in which you were Farhan Rahman’s’ Strict Rhythm ‘, Nida’s club-dimming debut’?
Farham Rahman | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
From the roots of Kerala to the baseline of Bengaluru
Originally from Kerala, Stalvert moved to Bengaluru after Kerala’s liquor ban in 2015, crippled the local club scene. His journey began with a podcast radio show that gradually took him to DJ.
“Once I played my first club show, I knew that I wanted to do this.” And yet, immersed in performance for someone, stallwart is refreshed about his relationship with visibility. “Fame was never a goal. I think what I do.
Dynamite Cuts Volume. 1 brings emerging voices together on four tracks. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
This philosophy spreads on how he runs the label, also: as a labor of love. “Nobody earns money from electronic label. All this is self-funded. We have long run for a long time how real it is.” In 14 cities, more than 110 events and festivals in magnetic fields, Earth’s echo, and NH7 Ceicandndar, DDC exceeded just one label – this is a movement. The party is only part of the vibe photo.
“Our events are branded as the happiest in the country. And it is intentional. Many people walk in clubs and wonder if they are there. We wanted to change it – we want to change it – to create an environment where everyone feels that they have gone to a friend’s house,” Says Stalluret.
The spirit of safety and belonging is the heartbeat of the DDC, with low ticket prices, inclusive decorations and a crowd that becomes a family. “People come, dance, and leave as friends. It is the power of community-aged club culture.”
Future mention
A defined column of DDC is the annual Mentarship program of Stalvart, which is now in its sixth year. “Every March, I open the application and choose five students. I teach them dejing, of course, but also how to navigate this industry, from pitching myself to dealing with politics. I advise them for life.”
Both Nida and Sorfunk, depicted on new release, are the products of this program. “This idea was always to build a label from the ground, from parties to artists. This release shows that vision.”
Nida | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Stalwart also indicates in a new project for next year that will take DDC to “next level of development”. He does not want to say anymore yet. It is clear that the label is moving forward with clarity, not a trend ride, but shaping a scene. “I used to dream a little. When I started DDC, I knew that this is where I wanted to be.”
Published – July 21, 2025 08:28 pm IST
