Kahani and Kunal Merchant, better known as the label heads of Indo Warehouse, will be back in Singapore performing over two nights (3 and 4 October 2025) at F1. Their signature sound is a vibrant mix of cultures, music, and electrifying energy that has taken the global nightlife scene by storm. These guys are a culture movement, expertly blending the pulsating rhythms of electronic dance music with the soulful, percussive sounds of South Asia. NYLON speaks to them about their music and upcoming sets in Singapore.
You’ve described Indo Warehouse as more than just a sound — it’s a space, a feeling, a movement. Can you take us back to the early days of your journey? What were some of the defining moments that shaped your vision, and what inspired you to carve out a sound that bridges your South Asian roots with global club culture?
Kahani:
When we first started, there wasn’t really a blueprint for what we were trying to do. We were both DJing and producing, but we’d look around and not really see our culture reflected in the rooms we loved. I remember the first time we dropped a well-known South Asian vocal sample from a classic over a house record — people didn’t just dance, they lit up. That response told us there was a hunger for something familiar but reimagined. It was a moment of clarity that Indo House wasn’t just possible, it was necessary.
Kunal:
For me, it was the community aspect from day one. We hosted these early parties in New York where the energy felt different — people weren’t just there to party, they were connecting to something new yet familiar – it reminded them of their heritage, yet it was something from the future. That duality is what shaped Indo Warehouse as a brand and sound that is global but rooted, experimental yet deeply nostalgic. Those early nights gave us the conviction that we weren’t just creating a sound, we were building a movement.
Representation in dance music is still evolving, and while we’re seeing more South Asian artists rise across global stages, there’s still so much room for deeper visibility. What does it mean to you, both personally and as a collective, to bring Indo House and South Asian identity to platforms like Coachella and now F1 Singapore? Is there a sense of purpose or pride that drives how you show up in these spaces?
Kahani:
Absolutely. Walking out on stage at Coachella and seeing people from all backgrounds react to our sound in the desert — that was surreal. It’s an incredible honour and responsibility. We perform to showcase our sound, but also to rep for the generations of artistes who didn’t get these opportunities, but deserved them. We carry that with us every time we perform.
Kunal:
Like Kahani said, there’s pride, but there’s also responsibility. We’re not just representing Indo Warehouse — we’re representing an entire diaspora that’s often been sidelined in mainstream dance culture. When you see our name on a lineup next to the Foo Fighters at F1 Singapore or with underground legends at the clubs we perform at, it signals that our South Asian identity belongs on all stages.
Singapore, in particular is such a culturally rich and diverse city, a global hub that feels both futuristic and deeply rooted. Does that cultural hybridity resonate with your mission as a collective? Have you connected with the local creative scene or found parallels between your work and the region’s own sonic or visual identity?
Kahani:
Singapore feels like a mirror of what we’re trying to do musically. It’s this convergence point where East meets West, tradition meets innovation. We love performing here!
Kunal:
Since our first show here, we stay connected with local DJs, cultural curators, chefs and more. That hybridity — rooted but forward-facing — really resonates with us and how we present our music. Performing here feels a lot like visiting family.
You’ll be performing two nights back-to-back on October 3 & 4. How are you thinking about crafting those sets? Will they differ from each other or from what you’ve done on other stages? Are there ways you might tune the experience to speak directly to the Singapore crowd?
Kahani:
Back-to-back performances are special because you get to tell two different stories. One will be a signature back-to-back set between us and the next night will be more of a live performance featuring both global and local artistes and dancers.
Kunal:
Performing at F1 is one of the biggest opportunities you can have. Even in an international city like Singapore, you’re going to see people from all around the world in the audience. This moment will give us a great stage to build awareness.
Okay now onto the serious questions we’ve all been waiting for…What’s on your rider? Be honest, who’s the diva in the group when it comes to snacks/requests? And what’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever packed in your DJ bag?
Kahani:
I’m simple. Water, coconut water, maybe a little reposado. No divas here — we keep it pretty simple.
Kunal:
I ask for only brown M&Ms… lol. Nah, we don’t make this too difficult. A little repo in our cups. The one thing that I always request is some cold brew. Sometimes, you just need that caffeine.
You’re curating a dream dinner party. Three seats are open, who’s coming (dead or alive, DJ or not)?
Kahani:
Nurat Fateh Ali Khan, Hans Zimmer, & Steve Jobs. It would be an endless learning experience for me as they bring together my love for visionary music and technology. Very curious to know what would come out of that dinner.
Kunal:
I’d say A.R. Rahman, because his compositions are endless inspiration. Anthony Bourdain, because he’d keep the table stories flowing. And Carl Cox, because anyone who is 63 and playing like he is, definitely has some stories! The real question is… what did we eat?
If Spotify suddenly gave you full creative control over its algorithm for one day, what chaotic but visionary thing would you do?
Kahani:
Spotify understands our tastes across genres and time. I would like a Culture Swap day where everyone’s tastes are represented across various cultures from around the world. We would be introduced to numerous new artists while still relying on the algorithm to provide us with music that we can enjoy.
Kunal:
I’d flip the algorithm to prioritise independent artists over majors for 24 hours. Imagine the exposure shift — millions of people suddenly hearing voices they’d never have found. It would reset the playing field, even if just for a day.
Can you share three tracks that fans can expect to hear during your F1 Singapore Grand Prix showcase? What makes these tracks special for this particular moment?
Kahani:
- Kahani – Chaiyya Chaiyya — it always brings the house down and is our most requested record these days.
- Kahani – Chug Chug – pure New York energy.
- Kahani, Hrishi – ID (Yet to be named)… But this one will take you to another world.
Kunal:
- Prateekha, 6091 – Chhan Chhan (Kunal Merchant remix) – one of those tracks that just came together quickly and has that bounce to fuel the track.
- Kunal Merchant featuring Raja Kumari – Bombay Acid – a tripped out adventure where Raja and I reminisce about those nights you can only have in Mumbai.
- Glass Beams – Mahal (Kunal Merchant & Banglaboy remix) – we had fun putting our touch on this incredible record. We gave it some nice, quirky energy that will have the crowd moving.
Indo Warehouse will be performing on the 3rd and 4th of October, 2025 at Formula 1 Singapore Airlines, Singapore Grand Prix 2025.
Photo credit for main image: DekkoU
