Indo Warehouse: Pioneering the Indo House Music Movement
When Kunal Merchant and Kahani met in New York in 2021, little did they know that they would soon be at the forefront of a new music genre. Indo Warehouse, launched in February 2022, has rapidly evolved from underground events to global stages, championing Indo House music, a fusion of electronic beats and South Asian culture. Kahani's departure from a tech career during the pandemic led him to pursue a creative path, identifying a need for more South Asian representation in electronic music. A chance encounter with live traditional vocals mixed with house records in New York sparked the idea for Indo Warehouse, which has now become a global sensation.
Indo House is a unique genre that draws inspiration from South Asian percussion, vocals, and instruments while embracing the essence of global electronic music culture. Kahani and Merchant aim to establish Indo House as a distinct category, separate from existing genres like Afro House, to provide clarity for both artists and fans. They have been actively advocating for the recognition of Indo House with major music platforms and have showcased their sound worldwide, including performances at Coachella 2023 and the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Singapore.
The duo's breakthrough moment came at Coachella 2023, where they showcased South Asian culture on the Gobi stage with a team of dancers, dhol players, and visual artists. The performance garnered international attention, leading to a record deal with Crosstown Rebels and invitations to prestigious music events like Day Zero festival in Tulum, Mexico. Their momentum continued with performances at the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Singapore and upcoming appearances at the All That Glitters Diwali Ball in New York.
Indo Warehouse's rise coincides with the global surge in South Asian music, with artists like Diljit Dosanjh and Karan Aujla gaining international acclaim. While collaborations with big-name artists are on the horizon, Kahani and Merchant prioritize authenticity in their music. They are focused on building the Indo House sound and finding the right voices to complement it, with dream collaborations including artists like Shahzaman Fateh Ali Khan and Raja Kumari.
Canada has been a particularly receptive market for Indo Warehouse, with strong connections to the vibrant Punjabi music scene. They have performed in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal, with plans for future tours. In India, their Dome Mumbai show was a significant milestone, resonating with audiences through their fusion of South Asian and electronic sounds. As they work on new releases and prepare to return to India with fresh material, Indo Warehouse continues to push boundaries and redefine the music landscape with their innovative Indo House genre.