by Mike Romero
Photography By Nox Media
We recently caught up with Kunal and Kahani from Indo Warehouse, the NYC-based South Asian music collective and label at the forefront of the emerging Indo House movement. They were the latest Indian origin artists to make their debut at Coachella 2025. When we spoke, they were on the road for their North American tour.
“For the past three years, while we've been building Indo Warehouse, we've been championing a new genre called ‘Indo House,’” they explained. “Similar to how Latino and African music has had a heavy influence on the club sounds of today, we believe South Asian music can have that same impact. Our focus has been to promote this sound and to find artists who believe in the same vision.”
Today, we're taking a deep dive into Indo House. Kunal and Kahani will examine tracks that represent the genre, share some of their biggest influences, and take us through tracks from their own discography.
<h1>THE INDO HOUSE GENRE</h1>
"Miami Giddha" – Kahani, HARJI
A perfect combination of a NYC underground groove coupled with South Asian vocal samples that are drawn from a Punjabi folk dance style called Giddha. This one has melted dance floors across the world, and we're excited to share the second version of this record (called Miami Giddha) which was released on Hugel’s “Make the Girls Dance” label.
"Peaking" – Kunal Merchant feat. Nimesh Patel
What happens when you have one of the funniest comedians in the world tell you about his experience with ecstasy in a brooklyn club? Find out on "Peaking."
"Majnu" – Kahani, HYDR, PDNY
A track that brings our hidden pop side out! The result of the boy band you didn't know you needed in your life. The track works in an intimate club or in front of thousands at a festival.
"Chhan Chhan (Kunal Merchant remix)" – Prateeksha, 6091
A random discovery on IG led to this remix! Now this record is one of our biggest club records to date. Sometimes you can find interesting things when you doom scroll.
"Dheere" – Anvaya
A dark and seductive club record from our dynamic duo. In hindi, Anvaya tells you to "slow down!" With a groove like this, it's difficult to do anything but speed up.
"Tose Naina (Kahani Remix)" – Makaan
A dramatic and emotive record created by the incredible Makaan brothers. We released their club monster, "Curry," prior to this one. When Kahani heard that they were working on a different type of record with a beautiful vocal, he jumped at the chance to give it his special twist.
<h1>THEIR INFLUENCES</h1>
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
One of the most iconic voices from our community. The Pakistani singer, songwriter, and music director was primarily a singer of qawwali, and his music continues to inspire us.
Pablo Fierro
One of the first non-South Asian artists that we found utilizing our sounds and grooves in his music in a truly inspiring way. He's supported us in our journey and we look forward to each of his releases like it's a gift sent to our inboxes!
Dixon
A true DJ’s DJ. It's always inspiring to see how the greats set the pace for the pack, and he's always been one to watch. Hoping to share the decks with him in the near future.
