Meet Debjit Das | Frontman of Shae District

We had the good fortune of connecting with Debjit Das and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Debjit, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think taking risks is an important thing to do at early stages of a career. Especially in the beginning when you’re kind of shooting in the dark. You’re putting your best foot forward because you think this is the way to move forward and succeed, but in reality you don’t know how to yet succeed. Otherwise, you already would have accomplished what you’ve set out to achieve. So personally, I like to take risks.

It also teaches you to step out of your comfort zone and oddly enough, seeking discomfort is something I’ve always enjoyed. When I feel stressed, I view it as a good thing. Staying calm and confident is one thing, but being comfortable is not something I truly enjoy. Maybe in the moment, but not for my future self, and I really want to take care of my future self.

I’d imagine down the road I’d be less prone to us taking risks but currently it feels right. To specify: trying different styles of speaking to an audience (online or in person), making different styles of music, hiring certain team members, spending money on one option vs another, or choosing when to go into a deficit for a show, etc.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Objectively what sets us apart is that we approach our music as a band, not as DJs or Producers. I sing, we play instruments, and we address the crowd as a band does. It’s just that we happen to be in the electronic/dance music space.

Subjectively, we don’t try to set ourselves apart. We never have. It’s always been about creating music and experiences that give us goosebumps. If we’re able to elevate our state, and that of others, I think we’re doing something right.

We have a saying with Shae District and that’s ‘Live Limitless’. Believe in yourself and love yourself enough to do what you truly want, because that’s the most selfless thing you can do. People are most inspired and motivated when they see others living their truth. When you let your own light shine, you give others permission to do the same. This is what I want people to know about Shae District, and find out about themselves.

It wasn’t easy to get here but it was necessary. Shae District has allowed me to find myself.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned yet is to believe you already have what you want and to do it with as many people as you can. I consider myself an introvert but I love people. Especially so at our shows. I want the backstage (and even the crowd) to feel like a family reunion.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Step one is actually to get out of the city. I think what makes Denver amazing is the proximity to some of the best nature in the world. Yes, you can give people some unforgettable experiences in Denver but what they can’t get anywhere else in the country is access to the Rocky Mountains and Red Rocks Amphitheater.

In an ideal week long trip we start off easy. Get food in RiNo, go to the Highlands, visit Hello Darling Coffee & Cocktail, go to the aquarium. A day or two after we go watch one of their favorite groups at Red Rocks Amphitheater so that they can soak in one of the best venues in the world.

After recovery, we’ll go into the mountains. Maybe hit some hot springs or go into Estes Park. Ideally we book a cabin and stay out there for a night or two. This way we can really drop into ourselves as we’re amongst nature that is majestic and larger than life.

When we get back into Colorado we have to check out some of the art focused venues. Invisible City and Zodiac Hause are my favorites. It’s a type of nightlife I’ve not yet experienced in any of the bigger cities ie. NYC or LA.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh man. So many people and ideas. So I’m going to mention a few haha.

Andrew (my bandmate) and I were both set for a very different paths. He earned his degree in Physics and Math, myself in Electrical Engineering. To pivot into the music industry was a massive left field turn. Especially for me, coming from an Indian background, to pursue anything not considered “safe and stable” was fairly unheard of. To this day, I get comments about it from family and friends.

I definitely want to thank our early supporters. People who saw us succeeding before we even did. Andrew’s father, my father, our friends in college and childhood friends (shoutout to Andrew Zhang, Nick Thoele, Sam Lee, Billy Ballentine, Luke Warpinski and so many more).

These days, and days past, we’ve also had an incredible team with Shae District who believe in project (Cameron, Mason, Cece, Hudson, Zack), and it’s made everything so much better with them around. What’s the point of doing this if you’re going to do it alone, right?

Of course all of the fans who have supported us along the way. Anyone who says something nice, comes to our shows, shares our music, or anything related to these actions. Sometimes you get so locked into creating and thinking about the next step of the project, you forget other people are paying attention.

I want to shoutout Hudson Ratzlaff and Jeremy Elder. These two guys keep me in check and have a desire to build as crazy as a life as I do. The peaceful life is not for us. We want the chaos. Strive for it. It’s nice to build it with them.

Lastly, if there’s only one person I can shoutout it’s Andrew Parpart, my bandmate and best friend. With him is how I fell in love with dance music. Knowing that he was there by my side is what made me confident enough to go into this world. I don’t think Shae District ever would have started without him.

Website: https://www.shaedistrict.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaedistrict

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/shaedistrict

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaedistrict

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/shaedistrict

Image Credits
All photos from Electric Forest are from Scottie “Shambo” Semko.

All additional photos are from Hudson Ratzlaff.