KABU is not just another name in the crowded electronic music scene. He's a musician, producer, and audio technician who's weaving a unique tapestry of sound, blending his rich Indian heritage with the pulsating energy of modern electronic music. His innovative approach is capturing attention, and he's poised to make a significant mark on the global music stage.
His life’s adventures have seen him live on multiple continents, where he has learned from their unique cultures deepening his own understanding of his Indian heritage. Born to Kashmiri parents, KABU’s early life was imbued by a deep sense of pride for a people whose culture remained strong despite adversity. Having moved around within India, he ultimately came in contact with a drum set for the first time when his family moved to Dubai in 2015. It was then that he started dreaming of a future in the music industry, and set his sights on attending Berklee College of Music. Achieving his goal, graduating with a bachelor’s in Production and Design, KABU’s drive has not slowed down. With a thriving Spotify page, his work has already made waves globally, however, he hopes to continue growing, making his lasting mark on the music industry.
But what sparked the fusion of culture in his music? For KABU it was a desire to create something original. “I wanted to make something unique—something that connects with my community and culture while also working in the modern market,” the producer explains. “And it did. It’s fresh, it’s different, and there’s still so much room to explore.”
He is driven by a deep love for electronic music and its seemingly endless potential. However, the DJ also recognizes that the independent music scene in India is a catalyst for fresh sounds.
“The industry is shifting. There’s a huge youth-driven market looking for new sounds with catchy hooks. I love the adrenaline rush that comes with electronic music—there’s always trial and error, and that’s what excites me.”
Indian Music’s Evolution on the Global Stage
Indian music has always been a dynamic entity, absorbing influences from across the world.
“In the 90s, Indian film music had a strong orchestral influence, and by the early 2000s, it started incorporating elements of jazz, rock, and pop. That era was special—the compositions were lush, the harmonies were creative, and they were true representations of global influences blended with Indian melodies.”
KABU believes that today’s Indian independent scene has expanded that evolution even further. “Now, Indian artists are experimenting with everything—hip-hop, R&B, house music, and more. Some tracks have even gone viral in Western markets, showing that Indian artists are making a mark on the global stage.” This, the DJ believes, has only served to enhance and broaden the music scene in his home country. Adding a further variety to the sounds that percolate throughout the culture and showing the world the vibrancy inherent in their society.
Making Music That Stands Out
The music industry is both constantly evolving and fiercely competitive. Instead of getting carried away with what he can’t control, KABU focuses on crafting music that is emotionally resonant and uniquely memorable. “I try my best to keep my music inspirational—something that hits right in the feels. Blending cultures helps make it stand out, but that alone isn’t enough. I want my future releases to tell stories, not just be creative sound pieces.” This approach has been successful, with his releases amassing millions of views and streams across platforms and gaining attention from other renowned musicians such as Salim Merchant, Karan Kanchan, Savera, Kanishk Seth, Shefali Alvares, Tanvi Shah, and Tochi Raina. In particular, his collaboration with Merchant Records on the acclaimed release “Ghar Aao Na (KABU Remix) [From “Bhoomi 2021”]”.
He feels as if he is currently in a phase of exploration. This has allowed him to experiment with different languages, sonic textures and styles to refine his signature sound. “Eventually, I narrowed it down to something even more specific by reading my audience’s reactions. One thing I always aim for is balance—where people can recognize it’s KABU but still feel like each track is fresh.” The importance of this is not lost in the ever growing sea of the music industry. Standing out by remaining ahead of the game is vital in retaining listeners and ultimately success.
What Makes KABU’s Music Unique?
For the producer, the magic lies in the melodies and sound design. “Each track feels different because of how I approach production. I love manipulating audio, using effects, and experimenting with new techniques.” But beyond the technical aspects, his upbringing and heritage play a pivotal role in shaping his musical identity. “I can bring my cultural stories into my music, collaborate with artists from around the world, and create something truly unique. That fusion of experiences, traditions, and global sounds is what makes my music special.”
KABU brilliantly weaves together the soul of his Kashmiri parents with the variety of sounds that shaped his youth. He incorporates the Indian cinematic music which framed the movies of his childhood with new exciting electronic backing. All of this has led to a truly unique combination, the likes of which has allowed him to break the mainstream mold globally.
A Look to the Future
As KABU continues to grow as a revolutionary voice in the industry, his future is bright. Currently appearing around the New England area, he headlines some of the most renowned venues on the east coast, including Candibar Boston, and collaborates with distinguished event and production organizations Bandish Productions, Boston Desi Events, and more. Moving forward, he hopes to broaden his appearances, announcing himself to more people throughout the United States. The combination of his unique sound and high energy performances look to grab audiences in, attracting them to seek out the artist's growing personal portfolio.
However at his core, KABU hopes to do justice to those who have shaped him like his proud Kashmiri parents who faced struggles in their life, but provided him with endless opportunities. He hopes that through his music he can highlight them, as well as his beautiful home country of India, so rich and vibrant with culture waiting to be further shared with the world. KABU’s musical journey may just be beginning, but his personal journey has shaped both him and the essence of his music. It has helped him to create a unique sound all his own, that connects the corners of the globe bringing together cultures under the same electronic tapestry.
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