TFword in Conversation With Tech Panda & Kenzani
Following the release of the latest single ‘Dua,’ we had a chat with the Delhi-based experimental duo about their inception as a duo, their sound, plans for the future and lots more. Forward-thinking, experimental, deeply rooted in India’s rich cultural heritage, but most importantly, powerful; artists like Tech Panda & Kenzani emerge once in a…
Following the release of the latest single ‘Dua,’ we had a chat with the Delhi-based experimental duo about their inception as a duo, their sound, plans for the future and lots more.
Forward-thinking, experimental, deeply rooted in India’s rich cultural heritage, but most importantly, powerful; artists like Tech Panda & Kenzani emerge once in a generation. The Delhi-based duo, made up of Rupinder Nanda and Kedar Santwani, have redefined the art of making contemporary electronic music with an infusion of Indian folk elements.
Coming together in 2018 through a common friend, the duo quickly realized their tastes were perfectly aligned and started collaborating almost immediately. Traversing through a range of styles and genres, like trap, hip-hop, techno, and house, to name a few, along with digging into the deepest depth of traditional Indian sounds, Tech Panda & Kenzani have delivered tunes like ‘Saawariya,’ ‘Khoyo,’ ‘Super Naani,’ and ‘Doya,’ revolutionizing the way electronic music is consumed in the country.
Their biggest hit, however, came this year, when they teamed up with Rusha & Blizza on ‘Dilbar,’ a tune that practically exploded on all fronts. Clubs, festivals, weddings, and house parties – the song completely swept India.
As they continue their journey as one of the leading innovators in Indian electronic music, Tech Panda recently released ‘Dua,’ which was a shift from their usual style into melodic techno – a genre they had not been associated with before. Having switched gears with ‘Dua,’ we were keen to know how and why they did, and some thoughts about their journey, their sound and their plans for the future. Here is what they had to say.
TFword: Hey guys, thanks very much for taking the time to speak with us. Where are you speaking with us from?
Tech Panda & Kenzani: Thank you for having us! We are currently in our hometown New Delhi, soaking in the mid-week energy and completing/checking tasks for our upcoming releases and obviously gearing up for new shows.
TF: Before we dive deeper, talk us through the early days of Tech Panda & Kenzani; what and when was the pivotal moment in the inception of the duo?
Kenzani: Funny story, we met through a common friend and immediately discussed our goals towards music. Next thing we know, we are having a studio session trying to see what comes out at the end of it. Sure enough by the end of it, ‘Saawariya’ was born. After that, we started making hundreds of tracks just to brainstorm possible track structures. After much analysis, we commenced releasing tracks that we loved the most.
Tech Panda: I guess for me personally the biggest draw was that I was finally introduced to someone who liked messing around with software and had an inclination to work on creating new cool sounds. He was an amiable and chill person to be around and we decided to sit in the studio one day without any proper agenda or plan as such. We decided to collaborate on a few songs but still kept our original names because we didn’t think we would go that far. One thing led to another, and here we are in 2023.
TF: ‘Dua’ has captivated us the way every single Tech Panda & Kenzani release does; and like every release of yours, it takes an innovative route. How did it come about?
Tech Panda & Kenzani: Honestly, you can say it is a lifelong dream for us to showcase another powerful side of Indian electronica to the world. And we believe we haven’t even contributed 10 per cent of what we are aiming to achieve with the sound yet. ‘Dua’ is our way of commencing this journey. Since the beginning of our musical career, we avoided sticking to a certain genre as we wanted to be limitless when it comes to our production. Not having a certain boundary to curb our creative imagination was the biggest blessing for us as artists.
TF: You spoke about hitting the reset button when it comes to getting nervous about a release and we resonate with that thought so much. The darker realms of ‘Dua’ with an atmospheric touch makes it an intriguing experience. Talk us through the creative process of the production.
Tech Panda & Kenzani: It’s always intentional for us to try and keeping recreating the music we put out there. We want to strictly steer clear of releasing similar sounding stuff. So with ‘Dua’ what excited us the most in the beginning was that the sound was almost different straight away at least rhythmically.
A lot of attention was paid to the sonics and we used retro Bollywood vocal samples and incorporated with phased out effects and LFO treatments. Worked on various arrangements to keep it sounding right for the world of techno club/ dance floor music both internationally and within our country.
TF: Of course, we have to ask about ‘Dilbar.’ Did you anticipate the love the tune continues to receive when you finished writing it?
Tech Panda & Kenzani: It’s very hard for a creator to gauge how his art/creation will be perceived by the world and it was the same case with ‘Dilbar.’ We honestly didn’t anticipate the response we received for the song, but loved every second of all the love and adulation that we received for it. Honestly now that has become a benchmark for us of sorts, and we work even harder to try and create the same impact ‘Dilbar’ had on the electronic music space in India.
TF: Tech Panda & Kenzani have changed the way the nation perceives folk elements and electronic music. How has the stylistic evolution been for you guys over the years?
Tech Panda & Kenzani: We are in a phase where we are feeling braver than before and that could only happen because of our audience’s acceptance towards our sound. It’s safe to say that listeners have become demanding and as artists we need to constantly give them value for their money.
So our live sets have lots of samples and inspiration/mentions from popular culture, right from Nirma ads to old Bollywood movie dialogues and its heartwarming to see our listeners groove to the beats. This was unheard of until few years ago, where most sets followed a 4X4 pattern throughout and there was little scope to add/showcase individuality and personality.
TF: How has the year been for you guys on the road?
Tech Panda & Kenzani: Between catching flights, transfers and check-ins we count on each other and our team to fill the days with banter and plenty of camaraderie as being on the road every weekend comes with its share of stresses. Having said that, it’s always fun to explore new towns that we wouldn’t have probably visited if it wasn’t for our work. Also the perspective that being on the road can give you, about our own people and country is unmatched and something we wouldn’t trade for anything.
TF: What would be Tech Panda & Kenzani’s favorite club or festival moment?
Tech Panda & Kenzani: We have so many favourite moments while playing but a very recent one would be performing a closing set for ‘All about Music’ which was hosted and attended by the industry’s biggest names! It was nice to showcase our sound to the music fraternity as well. Then of course we have the best photographic memories of the most exquisite locations and landscapes where we had the opportunity to perform our set. Honestly the moments keep topping each other so we cannot exactly point to one such festival or club moment.
TF: What do Tech Panda & Kenzani have in the tank for the rest of the year?
Tech Panda & Kenzani: Somehow, we end up being very unpredictable when it comes to music and new releases. The weather inside the studio changes almost daily and we wouldn’t have it any other way since we are lucky enough to let our creative juices flow! We are about to release some new collaborative tracks that we recently decided to finalize and release. So, in the next few weeks, you can look forward to some high-octane creations coming out of our studio.
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