I experiment with moods rather than tempo: DJ Tasneem at Kappa CULTR 2026

Kochi: "Lyrics always come first..." For DJ and music producer Tasneem blending jazz and Hindustani classical influences with contemporary electronic textures is what has steadily set her apart within India's evolving electronic music landscape.

Performing on Day 2 of Kappa CULTR 2026 in Kochi, Kerala, Tasneem offered a glimpse into the creative philosophy that defines her music -- an approach, rooted in poetry and shaped by instinct.

On the sidelines of her performance at one of India's hottest music festivals, Tasneem spoke to Mathrubhumi about evolving influences, artistic instincts, and the dynamics of connecting with a live audience. Read the edited excerpts...

Q&A (Excerpts)

Q: Your music has long reflected jazz and Hindustani classical influences. Recently, you’ve explored breakbeat and broken beat sounds. Did that shift surprise you?

Tasneem: Completely. Jazz harmonies and Hindustani classical phrasing have always shaped my listening and writing. I never imagined I’d move into breakbeat or broken beat territories. But art evolves through exposure. Hearing others' experiments sparked curiosity, and I found myself drawn to those textures. Even I was surprised by the transition.

Q: Was there a defining moment when you consciously chose this direction?

Tasneem: Not really. Creativity is rarely linear. A lot of making art is influence and inspiration. Nothing is entirely new; everything has been said in some way. What matters is how you interpret it, twist it, and make it personal.

Q: Is there a track you wish you had produced?

Tasneem: (Laughs) Too many to count. That feeling keeps changing. Sometimes it’s something minimal, sometimes something raw and monophonic. However, admiration is important; it keeps you inspired and motivated to learn.

Q: When performing live, how do you respond if you sense the crowd’s energy dipping?

Tasneem: It’s trial and error. There’s no fixed formula. I usually experiment with moods rather than tempo. I might shift into something euphoric, then minimal, then playful. You try different emotional directions and observe closely. Once you sense what reconnects with the audience, you follow that thread.

Q: Your creative process often begins with poetry. How does that shape your music?

Tasneem: Poetry is central to my work. I write the piece first, then decide if it’s spoken or sung, which language it needs, and whether I narrate it or collaborate. I record the vocal early, depending on the idea, and then build the music around that emotional core. Lyrics always come first.

Q: As a woman in the DJ industry, has your experience been different?

Tasneem: Being a woman in any industry comes with challenges, and music is no different. Starting, visibility can sometimes come easier because there are fewer women. But sustaining that momentum is harder. Earning respect, securing better slots, proving consistency, those take time. In my experience, pay has been more or less equal, which is encouraging.

Q: This is your first time performing at Kappa CULTR. What drew you to the festival?

Tasneem: I watched videos from last year when the festival went viral. The scale of production was incredible. Being part of it this year feels surreal. I’ve played in Kochi clubs before, but this will be my first festival of this magnitude in the region. I’m excited to experience the Kerala crowd.

Tasneem’s reflections underline an artist guided by curiosity and instinct. Her willingness to embrace evolving sonic directions while remaining anchored in a deeply personal creative process continues to shape a sound that feels both intimate and expansive.