Mark Ryan From Shillong Is One Of The Top 10 Finalists
Mark Ryan Syiemlieh from Upper Shillong secures a spot among the top 10 finalists in ‘Resonate: The EDM Challenge’, a nationwide electronic music contest by the Ministry of I&B and IMI.
Well, here’s a corker of a story that’ll knock your socks off. Mark Ryan Syiemlieh, a young lad from Lummawbah, Upper Shillong, has managed to shuffle his way — quite literally — into the top 10 finalists of ‘Resonate: The EDM Challenge’. This foot-thumping, bass-dropping national competition is no small fry, launched as it is by none other than the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, with a little help from the Indian Music Industry (IMI). Quite the posh affair.
The big announcement dropped this Wednesday, causing quite the flutter on social media and amongst audiophiles. And now, all roads lead to Mumbai, where the WAVES global stage will play host to the grand finale from May 1 to 4, 2025. The top 10 DJs will battle it out — headphones on, fingers twitching — for national glory and, no doubt, a few sweaty dance floors along the way.
Now, let’s talk about the man of the moment — Mark. Son of Walter Nongkhlaw and Ester Syiemlieh, Mark holds a degree in Political Science from St. Anthony’s College, which just goes to show you can spin both decks and debates with equal flair. But make no mistake, it’s music that has his heart — and perhaps, his soul too.
Mark’s journey into music didn’t start with posh gear or glitzy clubs. Oh no. Like any self-respecting millennial dreamer, he began where all great things start these days — YouTube University. With encouragement from his ever-supportive parents, who didn’t bat an eyelid before arming him with the right kit, Mark dove headfirst into the world of electronic music. From wedding receptions to birthday bashes, he built his beats and reputation, one gig at a time.
He’s currently cutting his teeth at Lost Stories Academy in Mumbai — under the elite “Music Prodigy” programme, mind you — polishing his skills in production and DJing. And from what we hear, he’s already giving seasoned DJs a run for their money.
Mark’s sets are nothing short of electrifying — a heady mix of techno, trance, and house, all laced with euphoric chord progressions and meticulously crafted beats. If you think that sounds like musical wizardry, you wouldn’t be wrong. His work is a fine blend of passion, precision, and a splash of AI-inspired futurism, tipping his hat to trailblazers like Anyma. Not one to just ride the wave, Mark seems dead set on making his own tidal surge in Mumbai’s ever-buzzing techno scene.
‘Resonate: The EDM Challenge’ isn’t just a talent show; it’s a part of the ‘Create in India’ initiative, warming things up for the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025. Think Glastonbury meets tech expo, only with a lot more synths and strobe lights.
The ten finalists are a real mixed bag of musical magic — from soothing ambient loops to foot-stomping rave anthems. It’s a proper melting pot of talent that showcases just how far India has come in the world of electronic music. We’re no longer just catching up — we’re setting the pace.
So, as Mark gets ready to spin his set on that global stage, let’s raise a toast — or at least a glowstick — to this rising star from Shillong. Here’s hoping he brings the house down, gives the crowd something to rave about, and shows the world that the hills of Meghalaya can groove just as hard as the clubs of Ibiza.
Break a leg, Mark — though not literally. You’ve already got the beat.
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