Roshan Chauhan, a U.K.-based techno artist also known as R.O.S.H., has announced that his new artist name is Works Of Intent. He also published an essay exploring British colonialism.
Chauhan took to Twitter November 15th announcing the name change and the essay’s publication, stating “It is a sad and brutal read as any piece on that history should be.” In it, he explains the reasoning for the name change: he wants to highlight the kind of work he’s focusing on.
He goes on to mention how this is in contrast to artists changing their names due to them being viewed as “problematic.” For example, back in 2020, The Black Madonna changed her name to The Blessed Madonna after receiving criticism of cultural appropriation. Detroit Swindle changed their name to Dam Swindle for similar reasons.
The essay then goes on to examine the history of British colonialism and its effect on the South Asian diaspora, “a history which will lend meaning to the new name [Works of Intent]”. You can read the full essay here.
In 2020, Chauhan penned an open letter to the British music press titled “A Letter to RA [Resident Advisor]”. In it, he calls out instances of “actual racism” within press organizations covering Black and working class-centric dance scenes.
