ArtistDirect News
Chennai Engineer Akash Shravans Mix Propels Indian Hip-Hop Record to U.S. Billboard Hot 100
In July 2024, a Chennai‑based mix engineer turned a Mumbai‑born single into a Billboard headline. "Big Dawgs," the collaboration between Indian rapper Hanumankind and producer Kalmi, broke new ground by entering the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at No. 23. The track earned a multi‑platinum certification and became the first Indian hip‑hop record to chart in the United States, a milestone that hinged on the polished sound crafted by Akash Shravan.
Shravan’s journey began as an instrumentalist before he shifted to producing. In 2016 he started experimenting with mixing, and by 2018 he was working professionally. He attributes his early success to self‑taught lessons from YouTube tutorials and relentless trial and error. Since then, his portfolio has grown to include hip‑hop singles, Bollywood tracks, and film soundtracks.
The December 5, 2024 remix of "Big Dawgs" adds American rapper A$AP Rocky to the mix. Shravan handled both the mix and master, following a workflow that starts with a careful listening of the demo, then a request for stems. His assistant prepares the stems in Shravan’s DAW template, using color coding to keep the session organized. After the mix is completed, it is sent back to the artists for review and revised as needed.
Shravan described the remix as a "magical experience." He noted that his prior work with Hanumankind and Kalmi gave him a deep understanding of their style, making the process smoother. When taking on new clients, he prefers projects where he can add tangible value.
The chart success of "Big Dawgs" signals the growing international potential of Indian hip‑hop. Industry observers point to the track’s Hot 100 placement and certification as proof that Indian artists can now compete on global streaming platforms. Shravan’s mix delivered the pristine quality that listeners expect from Western‑style releases.
Shravan’s roots in Chennai’s music scene have shaped his approach. He grew up in a household that initially did not understand his career choice, yet he pursued music while completing school and college. After leaving a traditional job, his parents eventually recognized the viability of his work.
He has learned that "less is more." A restrained approach, he says, allows a track to sound more confident and powerful. He also stresses the importance of routine—regular workouts, consistent work hours, and a disciplined workflow—as the foundation for quality.
Speed is another key factor in Shravan’s practice. Early in his career he could take a week to finish a mix, but he now delivers a polished track in a day when deadlines are tight. He believes that the ability to work quickly is essential for meeting the demands of artists, labels, and film production schedules.
When asked about the current state of engineering and production in India, Shravan said the scene is in a good place. He highlighted the high demand for high‑quality mixes and noted that engineers who put themselves out there can find opportunities.
For newcomers, Shravan’s advice is simple: "Invest 10,000 hours in practice." He emphasizes that developing taste and standards through consistent work is the only path to becoming a sought‑after engineer.
The "Big Dawgs" remix stands as a milestone for both the artists and the engineer behind it. It demonstrates how a well‑mixed track can elevate an Indian hip‑hop single to the U.S. charts, opening doors for future releases from the region.
Shravan’s journey began as an instrumentalist before he shifted to producing. In 2016 he started experimenting with mixing, and by 2018 he was working professionally. He attributes his early success to self‑taught lessons from YouTube tutorials and relentless trial and error. Since then, his portfolio has grown to include hip‑hop singles, Bollywood tracks, and film soundtracks.
The December 5, 2024 remix of "Big Dawgs" adds American rapper A$AP Rocky to the mix. Shravan handled both the mix and master, following a workflow that starts with a careful listening of the demo, then a request for stems. His assistant prepares the stems in Shravan’s DAW template, using color coding to keep the session organized. After the mix is completed, it is sent back to the artists for review and revised as needed.
Shravan described the remix as a "magical experience." He noted that his prior work with Hanumankind and Kalmi gave him a deep understanding of their style, making the process smoother. When taking on new clients, he prefers projects where he can add tangible value.
The chart success of "Big Dawgs" signals the growing international potential of Indian hip‑hop. Industry observers point to the track’s Hot 100 placement and certification as proof that Indian artists can now compete on global streaming platforms. Shravan’s mix delivered the pristine quality that listeners expect from Western‑style releases.
Shravan’s roots in Chennai’s music scene have shaped his approach. He grew up in a household that initially did not understand his career choice, yet he pursued music while completing school and college. After leaving a traditional job, his parents eventually recognized the viability of his work.
He has learned that "less is more." A restrained approach, he says, allows a track to sound more confident and powerful. He also stresses the importance of routine—regular workouts, consistent work hours, and a disciplined workflow—as the foundation for quality.
Speed is another key factor in Shravan’s practice. Early in his career he could take a week to finish a mix, but he now delivers a polished track in a day when deadlines are tight. He believes that the ability to work quickly is essential for meeting the demands of artists, labels, and film production schedules.
When asked about the current state of engineering and production in India, Shravan said the scene is in a good place. He highlighted the high demand for high‑quality mixes and noted that engineers who put themselves out there can find opportunities.
For newcomers, Shravan’s advice is simple: "Invest 10,000 hours in practice." He emphasizes that developing taste and standards through consistent work is the only path to becoming a sought‑after engineer.
The "Big Dawgs" remix stands as a milestone for both the artists and the engineer behind it. It demonstrates how a well‑mixed track can elevate an Indian hip‑hop single to the U.S. charts, opening doors for future releases from the region.