Shillong DJ in top 10 of national EDM contest

SHILLONG, April 16: Mark Ryan Syiemlieh has secured a place among the top 10 finalists of ‘Resonate: The EDM Challenge’, a nationwide initiative launched by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with the Indian Music Industry (IMI). The announcement was made on Wednesday.
The shortlisted artists will perform live at the grand finale, which will take place on the global stage of WAVES in Mumbai from May 1 to 4, 2025.
Hailing from Lummawbah, Upper Shillong, Mark holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from St. Anthony’s College. He is the son of Walter Nongkhlaw and Ester Syiemlieh. Currently, he is sharpening his skills in music production and DJing at Lost Stories Academy in Mumbai, under the prestigious “Music Prodigy” programme.
Mark’s journey into music began early, fuelled by a deep passion for DJing. Encouraged by his supportive parents — who equipped him with the tools to pursue his dream — Mark taught himself through online platforms like YouTube.
Over the years, he has gained experience performing at local events, including weddings and birthday celebrations. His story is one of dedication, self-learning, and unwavering pursuit of his craft.
Known for his high-energy performances, Mark blends the driving beats of techno with the uplifting vibes of trance and house. His signature sound features euphoric chord progressions and precisely engineered productions that leave a lasting impact on listeners and dance floors alike.
In both live sets and studio sessions, Mark demonstrates a strong grasp of mixing and mastering, crafting immersive musical journeys layered with emotional depth. His creative process increasingly incorporates futuristic, AI-inspired elements, influenced by visionary artists like Anyma.
Now carving a niche for himself in Mumbai’s dynamic techno scene, Mark is actively booking gigs and growing his audience with his fresh, electrifying sound.
‘Resonate: The EDM Challenge’ is a flagship competition under the ‘Create in India’ initiative, launched in the run-up to the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025. The contest celebrates innovation and collaboration in electronic music, drawing talent from across the globe.
The top 10 finalists represent the diversity and dynamism of India’s electronic music community, showcasing styles ranging from ambient soundscapes to high-octane dance music. The competition not only highlights emerging talent but also reinforces India’s rising profile as a global hub for music fusion and electronic artistry.
As these finalists gear up to take the stage at WAVES 2025, all eyes will be on this vibrant celebration of creativity, talent, and the evolving future of electronic dance music.