Today we’d like to introduce you to Abhishek Sharma (CALINITE).
Hi Abhishek, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started when I was around 14. There was this magic show in my school where they played Martin Garrix’s “Animals” and I was instantly hooked. That moment really flipped something in me. After that, I got deep into electronic music, especially artists like Alan Walker, just listening nonstop and trying to understand the sound.
It’s actually kind of crazy because years later, my first proper DJ gig ended up being opening for Alan Walker on the Sunburn Arena tour in Mumbai, which felt like a full-circle moment for me.
I began producing on FL Studio, just watching tutorials and experimenting. My first track was honestly bad, but it was a complete track, and that gave me confidence to keep going. Over time I got more serious about production and eventually moved to Ableton, where I really started shaping my sound.
Alongside that, I got into DJing. I bought my first controller, practiced a lot at home, and started doing my own “Nite Sessions” where I’d record and upload DJ sets. That helped me improve a lot, not just technically but also in understanding how to create a vibe.
From there, things started building step by step. I began releasing music with smaller labels, creating consistent content around my process, and slowly getting support from bigger DJs like Claptone. I was also part of Toolroom Academy, which helped refine my approach and gave me more direction.
Right now, I’m focused on building CALINITE as a full project. It’s not just about music for me, it’s the whole identity — the sound, the visuals, the personality. I try to keep it real and personal, and just keep showing up, improving, and putting my work out there.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all, it’s been anything but smooth.
One of my biggest struggles was figuring out who I actually was as an artist. For a long time I was doing everything , different genres, different styles, just trying things out without a clear direction. There wasn’t a strong identity, and that made things confusing not just for people listening, but for me too.
That lack of clarity used to hit me the hardest after shows. I’d have a good set, meet people, have a great experience, but deep down I knew I didn’t have a solid foundation to build on yet. It felt like I’d eventually have to start over and redefine everything, and that did happen. I went through multiple phases, from melodic dubstep and future bass to finally landing on house and tech house, where things started to feel natural and aligned.
Production itself has also been intense. There were phases where I’d spend entire days locked in, sometimes 18–19 hours straight, barely stepping out or even seeing sunlight for weeks. I used to do these “producer marathons” where I’d completely cut myself off from everything and just focus on making music. It helped me grow a lot, but it also wasn’t the healthiest balance.
The turning point was when I stopped trying to do everything and started treating this like a real story I’m building. With CALINITE, there’s a clear sound, a visual identity, a vibe, it actually feels like something cohesive now. And because of that, people are starting to connect with it in a real way.
Even through all the confusion and resets, there were still good moments , playing shows, meeting people, building friendships. Looking back, all of it was necessary. It just took time to find clarity and confidence in what I’m actually trying to create.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a DJ and producer, but more than that I see myself as someone building a full experience around music.
What I really specialize in is making music that feels like it has a story behind it. It’s not just about making something that sounds good in a club, it’s about creating something people can actually connect to. A lot of what I make is inspired by real-life moments, emotions, and phases I’ve gone through, and I try to translate that into a sound that still works on a dancefloor.
Under CALINITE, my core sound is house and tech house, but I’ve never limited myself creatively. I’ve worked across different spaces, from hip-hop and rage beats to commercial work like producing for ad campaigns, and that range has helped me understand music from multiple angles. At the same time, I’ve spent a lot of time learning things beyond just music, like branding, social media, marketing, and how platforms actually work. Today, being an artist isn’t just about making tracks, you have to know how to position yourself, tell your story, and build something people want to be part of.
I’m also big on sharing what I’ve learned. A part of my brand is helping upcoming DJs and producers, whether it’s giving practical tips on getting rebooked, building better playlists, or just understanding how to move smarter in the scene. I know how confusing it can be starting out, so if I can make that easier for someone, that matters to me.
Visually and creatively, CALINITE has a very distinct identity, it’s bold, playful, a bit cheeky, with pink and neon elements, and a fun, slightly rebellious energy. It’s meant to feel like more than just music, almost like stepping into a world.
I’ve also been building things beyond myself, like starting my own label, Elaria Records, and exploring how this can expand into fashion and other creative spaces over time.
What I’m most proud of is that everything I’m building now actually feels real and aligned. My remixes and tracks getting support internationally is great, but more than that, it’s the fact that people are starting to recognize the sound, the vibe, and the personality behind it. That connection is what I value the most, and that’s what sets me apart.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t really see it as luck. I’ve always believed most of it is in my control, the effort, the consistency, the decisions I make. That’s what actually moves things forward.
From the outside, people might assume things have been easier for me because of my background, but there were moments where it was mentally really tough. At one point I had to seriously choose between going all in on music or stepping into the family business full-time. That wasn’t an easy decision at all, it came with a lot of pressure and uncertainty. Getting through that phase and committing to this path was more about resilience than anything else.
Of course, there are moments people might call “bad luck.” Things go wrong, like technical issues during sets. I’ve had situations where USBs failed during a tour, and in that moment it feels like everything is falling apart. But honestly, those situations test you more than they define you. It’s about how you handle it, stay composed, and keep going.
So yeah, I wouldn’t credit luck for where I am. If anything, it’s been about staying consistent, pushing through the tough phases, and learning how to handle both the highs and the setbacks.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/calinitehello
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calinitemusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5-FKqGtxrYGCcz_C3jAM3Q
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/calinite-music
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6BLNQzipWLETDSce80XZuZ
