Stalvart John's Dynamite Disco Club celebrates its 50th release

The Hindu

3 days ago

When Stalvart John founded Dynamite Disco Club (DDC) in Bengaluru, it was not just about throwing parties: it was to build a home for house, disco, and all the grooves in between. Now, with the release of Dynamite Cuts Vol. 1, the label celebrates its 50th release, not just as a milestone, but as a statement of intent, one that reflects its evolving sound, commitment to the dance floor, and belief in nurturing talent from the ground up.
'We started with edits and Nu Disco,' says Stalvart at Ajji House By Subko in Shanti Nagar, Bengaluru, where we decide to meet. 'But both the sound and the community have evolved. Right now, we're focused on house records that are fun, functional, and still say something.'
Released on July 11, Dynamite Cuts Vol. 1 brings together familiar collaborators and emerging voices across four tracks. Stalvart's own contribution, 'Cradle of Life,' is a luminous Afro-Disco homage to African sounds and spirit. '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, a spectrum of sound mirroring the diversity DDC has fostered for years, also features Farhan Rehman's 'Strictly Rhythm', Nida's club-shaking debut 'Where Were You?', and SourFunk's 'Dancin', a tribute to feminine energy on the floor.
From Kerala roots to Bengaluru's basslines
Originally from Kerala, Stalvart moved to Bengaluru in 2015 after Kerala's alcohol ban crippled the local club scene. His journey began with a podcast radio show that gradually led him into DJing.
'Once I played my first club show, I knew this is what I want to do.' And yet, for someone so immersed in performance, Stalvart is refreshingly honest about his relationship with visibility. 'Fame was never the goal. I love what I do. I also know what can go wrong when you over-commercialise a subject. I've learned to stop chasing outcomes. I want to create what I believe in.'
That philosophy spills into how he runs the label, too: as a labour of love. 'No one makes money from electronic labels. It's all self-funded. We've lasted this long because of how real it is.' With over 110 events across 14 cities and festival takeovers at Magnetic Fields, Echoes of Earth, and NH7 Weekender, DDC has become more than just a label — it's a movement. The party vibe is only one part of the picture.
'Our events are branded as the happiest in the country. And that's intentional. A lot of people walk into clubs and wonder if they belong there. We wanted to change that — to create an environment where everyone feels like they've walked into a friend's house,' says Stalvart.
That sense of safety and belonging is DDC's heartbeat, with low ticket prices, inclusive decor, and a crowd that becomes family. 'People come, dance, and leave as friends. That's the power of community-forward club culture.'
Mentoring the future
A defining pillar of DDC is Stalvart's annual mentorship program, now in its sixth year. 'Every March, I open applications and select five students. I teach them DJing, sure, but also how to navigate this industry, from pitching yourself to handling politics. I mentor them for life.'
Nida and SourFunk, both featured on the new release, are products of this program. 'The idea was always to build from the ground up, from parties to artists to a label. This release reflects that vision.'
Stalvart also hints at a new project for next year that will take DDC to its 'next level of growth.' He does not want to say more just yet. What is clear is that the label is moving with clarity, not riding a trend, but shaping a scene. 'I used to dream small. When I started DDC however, I knew this is where I want to be.'