Neel Chhabra Interview
Music has taught me that I need purpose and passion to truly feel alive
Q.You’re a DJ, producer, and performer but if someone heard your music without knowing your name, what do you hope they’d understand about you?
If someone heard my music without knowing my name, I think they’d feel that it comes from a heartbroken place. There’s a lot of emotion in what I make and play—soothing melodies, melancholic moments, and that sense of longing. It reflects who I am: a millennial from the ’90s who deeply connects with old retro music and carries that nostalgia into a modern sound. Even when it’s meant for the dancefloor, there’s always a feeling behind it.
Q. Your sets move between high-energy club music and soulful sounds like The Sufi Revibes. How do you balance commercial demand with personal expression?
Honestly, music is my passion, and the biggest motivation for me is seeing people enjoy what I create in my studio and vibe to it live. Balancing high-energy club music and soulful sounds comes naturally to me because my sets are designed like a roller coaster. I start from ground zero, build the energy to its peak, and then slowly bring it back down.
I give everything at the start, and when I feel the crowd has absorbed that energy and is ready to breathe, I move into more soothing, emotional sounds. Projects like my album The Sufi Revibes come from that same place. Indian audiences deeply connect with Sufi music, and I wanted to present those emotions with my own touch—so it still feels familiar, but also stands out as my sound.
Q. India’s electronic music scene is growing fast. What do you think Indian DJs still need to do differently to create a global identity?
For me, it really comes down to originality and consistency. Creating a global identity isn’t about following trends or trying to sound international—it’s about working on your music, developing your own sound, and staying true to it. That might sound old-school in today’s fast-paced era, but a unique sound always stands out naturally if you stay consistent with your art.
At the same time, in this generation, showing your work is just as important. Social media plays a huge role, people won’t know your music unless you put it out there consistently. So it’s a balance of focusing deeply on your sound and making sure it reaches the audience you’re building.
Q. Playing at venues like Prism, Notch, and Epitome exposes you to very different crowds. How do you read a room before deciding what to play next?
Every venue has its own personality, so reading the room starts even before I play my first track. I usually design my sets according to the city and the club. If a venue has big production—strong sound, CO₂, lighting—I start with higher energy because those crowds love big moments and EDM-driven drops. In more intimate spaces like Notch or Epitome, where the vibe is cozier and closer to a boiler-room setup, I prefer starting with chilled house or groove-based sounds and then slowly build the energy.
Reading the room really happens in the first 10 minutes. I test a few different moods and watch how people respond—their movement, reactions, and engagement. If something clicks, I lean into it; if not, I adjust. That said, lately I’ve developed a sound and flow that works across most clubs, so the transitions feel natural and I don’t have to force changes on the spot anymore.*
Q. As a producer, what comes first for you emotion, beat, or experimentation? And how has that evolved over time?
For me, emotion and vibe always come first. Everyone has a different process, but when I start a track, I usually hear it in my head before I even open a session—the mood, the feeling, and where the track should go. I build everything around that vision.
Over time, this approach has evolved a lot. Earlier, I was more focused on the technical side, theory, and structure, which is obviously important. But with experience, I’ve realized that the most lasting music comes from emotion rather than rules. Technique supports the idea, but the heart leads it. If a track carries genuine emotion and vibe, people connect with it—and that’s what really matte
Q. People see lights, crowds, and reels but what’s the least glamorous part of being a full-time DJ that no one talks about?
From the outside, the life looks very glamorous—lights, crowds, reels, and energy. But what people don’t see is how demanding it really is. Full-time travel, constant flights, very little sleep, and barely any routine can take a toll on your health. You’re in a new city almost every day, away from family, and always switching schedules.
On top of performing, there’s the entire process of making music and then figuring out how to present it. You’re not just producing a track—you’re planning content around it, deciding how and when to post, thinking about visuals, captions, and timing. Even creativity becomes a full workflow. In many ways, it’s tougher than a 9–5 because you’re always working.
When I’m home, I’m in the studio creating new music or planning releases. When I’m not, I’m traveling, preparing sets, trying to stay fit, performing at night, sleeping for just a few hours, and then getting on another flight. It’s exhausting, but that’s the reality behind doing this full-time.
Q. Social media often rewards visibility more than skill. Do you think today’s DJs are under pressure to perform for the algorithm rather than the audience?
Yes, I do think it’s true to a certain extent. Social media definitely rewards visibility and consistency, and there’s pressure to constantly show what you’re doing. I feel that pressure too—not just to perform for the audience in front of me, but to stay active and relevant online.
That said, I believe the long game is about balance. You can’t ignore social media in today’s world, but you also can’t let the algorithm decide your identity. For me, it’s about planning both sides, dedicated time for working on music in the studio and dedicated time for creating and posting content.
It’s difficult, honestly, and the balance isn’t always perfect. But no one else is going to manage that for you. You have to take responsibility for both your art and how you present it. And if you stay consistent with both, you’ll thank yourself in the long run.*
Q. If a young artist wants to enter the DJ circuit today, what skill matters more; technical mastery or musical taste?
I think the first priority should always be skill. You need to master your craft before you put yourself out there. When people see you for the first time, you want to be taken seriously—because first impressions last. It’s better to show up prepared and confident than to be learning in public and hoping people catch up later.
For me, technical mastery builds the foundation. You should know how to DJ properly, understand music flow, and then move into production, music theory, and even learning instruments if possible, that’s a huge bonus. Once that base is strong, musical taste naturally develops with experience. And in today’s world, knowing how to present your work through content is also important.
If you can combine solid skills, good taste, and smart presentation, you give yourself the best chance to succeed in this field.
Q. Music trends change quickly. How do you stay relevant without losing your sonic identity?
It’s definitely a challenge. Trends move fast, and staying relevant without losing your identity takes conscious effort. For me, it comes down to consistency and balance. I like experimenting with different ideas and seeing what connects, whether that’s tapping into a trend or pushing something that’s purely my sound.
I don’t see it as choosing one over the other. You can do both. For example, I try to maintain a balance in how I show my work—using trends as a way to stay visible, while consistently putting out music that represents my sonic identity. That way, I stay part of the conversation without letting trends define who I am as an artist.
Q. How important are collaborations in your journey and what makes a collaboration actually work?
Collaborations are extremely important in my journey. They push you out of your comfort zone and help you learn things you might never discover on your own. Every artist brings a different way of thinking, a different process, and a different perspective, and that exchange naturally makes you grow.
A good collaboration works when both artists are open and respect each other’s vision. It’s not about ego; it’s about exploration. When two minds come together, it creates many more ideas, possibilities, and directions than working alone. And ideally, both artists walk away having learned something new, and having made something stronger together.
Q. What has music taught you about yourself that no other profession could have?
Music has taught me that I need purpose and passion to truly feel alive. I’ve realized that I wouldn’t last long in a profession that doesn’t excite me, I’d get bored quickly. With music, time disappears. Hours pass without me noticing because it never feels like work; it feels like expression.
More than anything, music has shown me the value of doing what you genuinely love and being able to build a life around it. Earning through something that comes from the heart is a feeling no other profession could have given me.
Q. If you had to describe your music vibe using only three words no genres allowed what would they be?
Nostalgic. Dynamic. Heartfelt
Bio:
Neel Chhabra is an Indian DJ and music producer from JAIPUR RAJASTHAN, known for his viral edits and mashups played across clubs and festivals around the globe. Spinning his signature BollyAfro, BollyTech, and BollyHouse edits, his sound features a unique blend of Indian music with modern dance genres. With his edits found in DJs’ playlists worldwide and being played almost everywhere, Neel is widely recognized for his high-energy, precision-driven sets. Having performed pan-India, he continues to push Indian-influenced club music to global dance floors.
Interviewed by: Nidhi
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