It All Started With A Remix: A Desifest Story
- Jason Rochester
- Jul 28
- 2 min read
Sometimes the universe lines things up in ways you can't predict.
I met Yanchan Produced at the Junos in Vancouver through a mutual friend and his manager Mic Tee. Talented, humble, and hungry and we clicked instantly. He invited me to be part of his Orange Room Sessions, a dope live performance series he created where artists perform songs he produced. Kind of like COLORS or On the Radar, but with his signature sound at the center.
I wanted to perform a live version of my track “Activated” and asked if he could remix it. We shot it, he posted it, and it took off. The engagement was wild with comments, likes, messages. People felt it. So I asked if we could make it a full song and add it to my upcoming album, A BRAND NEW DAY.
His reply? "Only if we make a few new joints too."
Deal.
We linked in Toronto at Hapi Hipy Studios, and made two more records that I’m hyped for y’all to hear (you’ll have to wait for the album though). At the end of the session, Yanchan mentioned he was curating a set for DESIFEST which is a massive South Asian music festival at Yonge-Dundas Square that’s been running 20 years strong and said it would be an honour to have me on stage.
I asked him what song he had in mind. He played a beat that flipped a legendary Hindi sample (I won’t say which one yet), and I wrote something on the spot. The vibe was undeniable.
We hit the stage in front of thousands. The energy was electric. Every artist Yanchan brought out got their shine, and the love from the crowd was unforgettable. What most people don’t know is… my grandmother was South Asian — Indian by blood, raised in Jamaica. I’ve always wanted to reconnect with that part of my heritage, and this was a beautiful beginning.
Much love to Yanchan, Mic Tee, and the whole Desifest team.
This one meant more than most.
BTW - Did you join the family so you can unlock our song before everyone else?
Click here to join THE FAMILY
— R.
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