Exclusive | Bass Raja Nucleya feels he's not yet 'arrived': 'Don't think I have done my best work yet'

Few Indian electronic artists have managed to remain as culturally relevant, and creatively restless, as Nucleya. Three decades into his journey, Udyan Sagar continues to reinvent himself, not by chasing trends but by trusting instinct. From the early days of Bandish Projekt to becoming one of the most influential names in India’s independent music movement, Nucleya’s trajectory has been shaped as much by curiosity as by conviction.

Ahead of his Lollapalooza 2026 appearance, which is produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live, Nucleya speaks to Firstpost’s Zinia Bandyopadhyay about longevity, reinvention, rejection, family, creative freedom, and why he still doesn’t believe he has “arrived”. In a wide-ranging conversation, he also reflects on taking breaks, resisting fame, and the deeply personal values that continue to anchor his work.

Excerpts from the interview:

You have been working since the 90s (and that’s a long time). Even 3 decades later, you are constantly reinventing yourself and now you are a part of Lollapalooza! How does it feel and how do you manage to create magic with every track, every album?

Thank you for saying that, I appreciate it. I just enjoy myself when I am making music, I try to not think about how my music will be perceived eventually. When I started I did not know if my music will be accepted and I don’t have that ability even now so I just make music and enjoy the process.

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You have so many festivals lined up in the coming weeks. What’s the most exciting part about them?

Honestly, food - I love food, when I travel I get to taste flavours of so many different places, that’s one thing I feel most excited about. Of course I love being onstage and I love performing that’s a close 2nd :)

Before “Nucleya” became a cultural force, what version of Udyan Sagar were you still negotiating with both personally and creatively?

I made a distinction between Udyan and Nucleya fairly early I feel. That’s why I can make the sort of music that I do, it’s not mainstream and it always has the risk of not working but if I will not try then how will I know. I guess I am forever curious. Nucleya is just another branch of Udyan, I am glad that people love the music that I make as Nucleya.

I feel that the toughest part for any artist is not to give up or compromise even when times are tough and it looks almost impossible to continue the journey. I believe you faced a similar situation when you left Bandish Projekt. How did you manage to carry on doing what you love and listen to your heart? What made you not give up?

Starting Nucleya seemed like a natural progression in my life at the moment. It was tough but if I won’t have done it I won’t have found my sound. I believe that everything that happens in life happens for a reason. I was fortunate to always have great people around me who helped me in my tough time and continue to do that even now.

I am sure that in your journey, there has been more unlearning than learning? What’s the biggest unlearning that you had?

Musically, I don’t think I had as much struggle, i was so in love with the process of making music that nothing really felt like a struggle. My struggles were mostly personal, I am still learning to be a better husband and a better father, as I said earlier all the people around me are very supportive and that’s the biggest win for me.

Was there a rejection or failure that quietly changed your trajectory more than any success did?

In music, I still do what I feel is right, and till I can make music I will try to be as creatively authentic as I can. Rejections and failures are part of life, and are applicable to every aspect, there is no learning without it.

You have performed in some of the biggest festivals across the globe. Do you now feel that you have ‘arrived’? When did you feel it?

I don’t think I have done my best work yet, and I feel most likely I won’t see that day when I will feel I have finally become successful. It’s like a forever quest that won’t end. I don’t really enjoy so much spotlight either, in fact too much praise is also something that I want to stay away from, I think it changes you as a person and impacts your creative flow, which I feel is the foundation of who Nucleya is. (not me..hehe)

Your music often reflects India’s raw, unfiltered energy. Do you feel a responsibility toward representing culture, or do you resist that label?

I dont feel the responsibility, I feel that because I am an India I have all these sounds and culture to explore in my music that I know. Because I am well versed with it I can exploit them creatively.

In a creative field, it’s extremely difficult to juggle between personal and professional life, but you seem to seamlessly integrate both. What’s the secret?

Too many failed attempts to find the balance . . hahah I try to not be visible in the public eye too much, I try to give half a year to travel for work and rest I try to spend with family.

You dropped a bomb with Nucleya X Litter Box! So, how does it feel to be back? (fans have been calling it your resurrection)

Haha thank you! I am happy that all the people who loved my previous work are happy with the new music too. I think the break I took worked well.

You collaborated with Zubeen Garg last year. His passing deeply affected the music community. Is there a memory of working with him that stays with you today?

I feel sad that Zubeen Da is not with us today, but he will continue to live in our heart with his music. Sadly I never got a chance to meet him, the song that I did with him was a collab that happened online like majority of my other songs.

Is there any artist, Indian or global (or K/J-pop), who you want to collaborate with?

I really want to explore more of Indian music, I don’t think we have managed to even tough the surface. More than the artists it’s the vibe that I am always hunting for.

For young artists trying to break into India’s independent music scene today, what’s one mistake you hope they don’t repeat from your own journey?

Find the right balance between work and family, there is no hurry to become famous, you are independent of your work, your work will live forever not you. So don’t take anything to seriously, enjoy each day as it comes.