Karthik Poduval, AKA Mera Bhai (meaning ‘My Brother’ in Hindi/Urdu), is a multi-instrumentalist, DJ, producer & broadcaster best known as a founding member of Psych band @flamingodsmusic & Internal team of Asian Underground collective @daytimers_uk
Born in London, with roots in India, alongside time spent growing up in Italy, Albania, Saudia Arabia, Dubai and Nigeria, Mera Bhai’s worldly influence seeps into his unique take on dance music. Hard to pin down, Mera Bhai is centred on a musical balance, taking influence from Carnatic to Tropicalia and Disco, with a heavy dose of Acid House, Detroit techno and breaks on top.
His debut EP ‘Futureproofing’, was released on @moshimoshimusic in October 2020 and features guest appearances and collaborations including Alxndr London, Andrew Ashong, Alex White & Charles Prest (Flamingods).
Mera Bhai has had huge support at radio and press from the likes of Lauren Laverne, Jamzsupernova, Don Letts, Electronic Sound, Hyponik, Ransom Note, Clash and more.
Mera Bhai Received PRSF The Open Fund this year and has a slew of releases and collaborations coming soon, so keep your eyes peeled.
Show some love, follow 👉 @merabhaiii
Each week we will be taking a dip into the crates and minds of some of the digging scenes most prolific collectors.
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What are your first memories of collecting records?
“I started collecting the odd dance record early on when I started DJing maybe around 10/11 years ago. My collection became substantial when I bought my 1210s (for a pittance) that came with someones whole collection. That was unfortunately all 90s tech house (no disrespect haha), but it was still something. Spinning them for ages gave me the motivation to replace them all with good records!”
What is your weirdest record buying memory?
“When I was on tour in Estonia, we stumbled on a record store with loads of old USSR pressings of records, I managed to pick up a load of really great groovy gameshow sounding Bulgarian Disco, and some really wild deep cuts of electronic/orchestral Russian stuff – crazy to think of how much music there is out there that you never knew existed.”
What is one of your favourite pieces of sleeve art and why?
“There are too many to choose, but a broad answer would be a lot of the old bollywood sleeves. There was a period in the late 70s when they were doing a lot of collage stuff for film posters – then used for the record sleeves too as music was almost always tied up with film. It felt, and still feels really bold and cutting edge to me. I love the cover for Commander (music by Kalyanji & Anandji)”
It’s a Slothy Sunday – what tune are you hanging out to?
“Sunday bathtub vibes – Night of the Purple Moon by Sun Ra”
When digging, what are 2 of the things that draw you to a record?
“When I’m digging, I look for 2 things – can I spin it, and/or can I sample it? If I don’t know what the record is, and I can’t easily find out, I’ll go on the label it was released on, most often I have some idea, and if not – then I go on how good the cover is. I’ve definitely made many a poor purchase based on excellent record sleeves, but I can still appreciate them for what they are.”
