Haider Uppal discusses new EP on Satya

Haider Uppal, a multidisciplinary artist from Lahore, Pakistan, is making waves in the global electronic music scene. Recognized as one of the Top 101 Producers by 1001Tracklists in 2021, Haider’s exceptional talent and distinct creative vision have earned him international acclaim.

Since his debut in 2013, Haider’s music has transcended borders, captivating audiences and critics alike. His artistic journey is defined by an unwavering dedication to his craft and a deep sense of gratitude for the creative process.

A pivotal moment in his career occurred when his parents, concerned about the limitations of the local DJ culture for a young teenager, grounded him. Rather than being a setback, this restriction became a catalyst for his music production journey. With only a laptop and amidst the demands of his GCSE exams, Haider taught himself how to produce music using a DAW. His self-education included devouring audio engineering books and online resources, as well as exploring the fusion of analog and digital sound creation, facilitated by access to analog equipment through a mentor in Lahore.

In 2016, Haider founded Skadana, a dynamic music label and artist branding agency in Lahore, supported by Plan 9, Pakistan’s leading tech incubation program. Skadana curated branding projects for both local and international artists, establishing Haider’s expertise in strategy, brand design, and creative direction. He now applies these skills as a core member of the MarComm team at Satya Recs.

While pursuing studies abroad in Michigan, Haider immersed himself in Detroit’s rich techno and house scenes, profoundly influencing his evolving sound. His music is a seamless blend of analog textures, organic elements, and high-quality digital production, creating compelling compositions that evoke both energy and introspection. His versatile repertoire spans dub-infused productions to groove-driven tracks, all designed to deliver complex, immersive sonic experiences.

Haider’s innovative approach has attracted attention from prestigious publications such as Mixmag, which has featured him twice as a rising Pakistani artist. His ability to craft immersive sonic journeys through both music production and DJ sets has solidified his reputation as a noteworthy global artist.

Today, Haider's original compositions and collaborations are featured on renowned boutique record labels in Canada, England, Germany, and Portugal. His music has garnered support from leading industry figures such as Sasha, Lee Burridge, YokoO, Nabihah Iqba, Audiofly, Blondish, and many others, further establishing his presence in the global electronic music landscape.

His latest work which originated throughout the infamous Covid-era, the "Weak Sleep" EP is the culmination of years of collaboration between Haider Uppal and Nie Wieder Schlafen, resulting in a product that is both distinctive and emotionally resonant. We sat down with Haider to talk about his latest release, how it was made, his South Asian roots plus lots more…

Hey Haider Uppal, Great to meet you! What's happening in your world at the minute?

Hi everyone - all good here, well as good as it can be after a burnout. In all honesty, I didn't listen to my body so it took an executive decision to slow me down (rightfully so!) while my family and friends made me feel extremely grateful and loved!

Just a reminder to prioritise your health - mental, physical, emotional and everything else will flow a lot better!

 What inspired you to embark on this journey with Music? 

My love for music began in 2014 when I started playing around with sounds, tracks, anything else really so let's call it DJing. While I enjoyed expressing myself through this medium, the lack of infrastructure in Pakistan for this kind of a vibe  as well as  societal reservations made it difficult to pursue it as a career early on. This led me to explore music production as a way to express myself more deeply.

Even without formal musical training, my curiosity for sound and my familiarity with technology allowed me to dive into music production. I've learned everything I know through self-study, from online resources and course books to hands-on experience in a recording studio. The thrill of learning, experimenting, and improving has been a driving force throughout my journey.

A pivotal moment in my career came last year when I completed a remix for Ninja Tune and it somehow became the push I needed to pursue music full-time, leaving behind a potential career in all things Tech! 

I am proud of my achievements and grateful for the support system I have had, which makes me believe in my musical journey - which is far from over and will definitely have twists and turns considering the music I have worked on over the years waiting to see the light of day (very soon!)

My inspiration comes from a simple philosophy: do it right or don't do it at all.

Where were the tunes on ‘Weak Sleep’ EP made? Can you expand on some of the notable gear / plugins you used on this project?

All the tunes are from my home studio, during lockdown circa 2020! Keeping up with the abundance of time we all had, I experimented with new sounds and techniques, using various synths i.e the Behringer DeepMind for lush pads and plugins from Valhalla and Fab Filter collection to sculpt that sound.  

Frequently used Max4Live Convolution Reverb and Grainfreeze to add depth and textures. These tools helped me create rich and immersive soundscapes, complementing the emotional and atmospheric nature of the music.

Can you describe the connection between your music and your Pakistani roots, and how they continue to influence your music today? 

By virtue of belonging to such a culturally-rich part of the world, my roots are always ingrained and reflected in my music. For example, 'Weak Sleep' features “dhamaal” (sufi ritual) recordings used as rhythmic fills. Albeit subtle, they add a unique cultural element to the track.

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I feel that traditions, culture, languages etc are such valuable pass-ons and they should be carried forward to the next generations. Precisely why I enjoy weaving them into my work whether it's House, Techno or anything else  - Culture is intangible gold to be shared, not for gatekeeping!

Besides the sounds, my aesthetic sense is also greatly shaped by my upbringing. The vibrant colours, rich textures, and intricate patterns found in South Asian art and architecture make it visually evocative for the imagination.

A good example of the musical references are my songs ‘Lahore’ or edit of ‘Dance Dance’ with Brooklyn based Pakistani artist, Saqib; the visual references being the art direction on my debut album done by AI artist Musfira.

How did the idea to release a remix package for ‘Weak Sleep’ EP come about? Was it a natural progression or a deliberate decision?

In complete honesty, there was a huge sense of insecurity or doubt in me about how the originals would be perceived because of their experimental nature and I think it's only natural to sometimes feel that way. Three years later, that music has been remixed by some of my favourite artists : Pablo Bolivar, Soela, Thomas Stieler, & Quatri, which added further depth to the music, encapsulating different styles (Big fan of range here!) - so it was a deliberate decision which took its natural course. 

Can you share some insight into your creative process when producing music? Do you have any particular rituals or methods that help you stay inspired? 

My creative process is inspired by the intricacies of nature. Spending time outdoors helps me clear my mind and connect with inner creativity. Sometimes, I’ll sketch ideas in the park, while other times I’ll follow my intuition in the studio. 

The goal is to simply let the music flow, and see where it takes me : an approach that has led to some of my most inspiring and authentic works. There is no right or wrong way to do things when it comes to sound - just what works for you.

Can you tell us about any challenges you have faced in your career and how you overcame them? Have there been any specific obstacles or difficulties you've had to navigate as an electronic musician?

Well there are different challenges in every artist’s journey, and I’ve had mine. One that pops up to mind is how fast evolving the music taste of the audience really is - it almost feels like a quick trend rather than “taste” - if that makes sense?! To not get carried away with such quick changes and to stay true to my own artistic voice, I keep the trends at an arm's length and continue to experiment with various genres and techniques. The goal is to create something, both authentic and innovative, contributing in my own way to the industry's growth and evolution.

The other obstacle I faced initially was convincing my family that I wanted to pursue music as a career. Coming from a South Asian family, there were a lot of expectations for me to follow a more traditional path. But I was determined to pursue music which is my passion, and thankfully all the hard work has really made them proud and supportive, after all.

Which other artists have inspired you to do what you do?

Hard to be specific, but some of the main ones which have inspired me are:

J Dilla's - Renowned for his innovative approach to groove and swing 

Burial - whose atmospheric and haunting sound design has inspired me to create immersive listening experiences. 

Nabihah Iqba - her ability to be vulnerable while keeping the music going has inspired my own artistic expression!

Nicolas Jaar - Maestro of sound design and a true visionary who has been inspiring me (and many others) for years and will continue to do so I am sure!

YokoO's unwavering commitment to authenticity has taught me the importance of perseverance and hard work.

When you are not busy with music, what might we find you doing? 

I'm involved in a variety of multidisciplinary projects, but my primary focus is on branding/managing the label Satya. Alongside my music career, I have a deep passion for art and design, which I've self-taught. (Fun fact: Before diving into DJing and production, I honed my skills as a graphic designer).

My family plays a significant role in my life and inspires me to constantly grow and improve. Spending quality time with them is a priority, and their love and support are invaluable.

To fuel my creativity, I often immerse myself in literature and visual media. Reading and watching films and TV shows help me expand my imagination and find inspiration in unexpected places.

I believe in the power of exploration and discovery, and I will forever seek out new experiences and perspectives, which is key if you want to evolve and open your mind, as an artist, but also as a human being.

What do you have coming up in the next few months? Feel free to plug anything!

I'm stoked to put out “Less Vibrant” EP on Satya, this release marks a significant departure from my previous art. The tracks were produced last year and showcase my evolution from a texture-focused sound to a more groove-oriented approach. I'm thrilled that this piece was released shortly after the "Weak Sleep EP” last month — a clear demonstration of my artistic journey. 

The final music bit for this year is a remix for LA based artist Nasser, coming out on Satya Free Downloads series, expect something floaty and fast. <3

Stream Haider Uppal's work here

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