Unnayanaa chats deep house Influences

Prashanth Pallemoni, known to the world as Unnayanaa, is a DJ, Producer and in his own words, an experimentalist. His love for Afro-beat, House, Brazilian and Jazz along with an unconventional approach of morphing ethnic sounds with electronic music has seen his popularity rise as the flag bearer of African and African-influenced electronic music in India. 

Growing up in a household listening to his mother’s classical trained voice along with records and spool tapes brought home by his father, Unnayanaa found sanctum and inspiration through music. His ability to translate abstract ideas into a relatable format for a cross section of listeners and his unconventional approach to morphing sounds into one another has helped him create a signature style of DJing and producing music. He is currently working on music that he recorded during his travels through Ethiopia and Congo. 

The last couple of years has seen him play memorable sets at festivals in the subcontinent right from Magnetic Fields to Echoes of Earth, as well as the iconic Boiler Room - Bangalore appearance in 2022. 

Unnayanaa has released music on labels like Borders of Light (Italy), Itstillmusic (Chicago), Papa Records (London), Rainy City Music (Manchester), and Atypical Dopeness (New York) and his music has been remixed by the likes of Toto Chiavetta, Osunlade, and Ivory. His 2018 release “Taht Min Aini” was much sought after and along with a slew of previous releases, has paved its way to the playlists of DJs such as Solomun, Ame, Dixon, Trikk, and more. 

His latest track, “I Tried It,” which features the incredible Malcolm Andre Boyer A.K.A Mal Griot—a Brooklyn-born vocalist and spoken-word artist now based in Auroville. The track has a deep 90s house vibe, which evokes a sense of nostalgia while surprising listeners with spacey, modern touches. The result feels like a lost classic, unearthed and reintroduced for a new generation of music lovers, poised to make waves on dance floors and beyond.

We sat down with Unnayanaa to talk us through his favourite deep house tunes that helped shape his sound…

Deetron · Ovasoul 7 - I Cling (Yoruba Soul Mix)

The first time I heard this was in 2006 at my first Osunlade gig at Mint Lounge in Manchester. This was also the first time I was introduced to the deep house sound and it blew my mind. The promos were out but I couldn’t find the record in stores yet. Remember looking and asking every record store on Oldham Street for this one.

Carl Craig - Sandstorms

This was an acquired taste for me when it was released in 2006. I just started working with rainy city music and remember Irfan playing this one in the studio. I felt it was too minimal when I first heard it. But it grew on me so quickly I had to get a copy of this record. It influenced me so much that the elements reflected in my music too.

Unnayanaa - Dhool

This is my ode to sandstorm many years later. It got so much attention that Deep House legend Mike Huckaby asked if he could remix this one. I think the comments section on the Rainy City soundcloud says it all. This is the one record I'm super proud of making to this day.

Joillet - Rise (Louis Benedetti Club Vox)

As far as I remember this record was released the same week as Akabu - Phuture Bound (Ame remix) which was banging the clubs at the time. While the underground scene was grooving to those sounds, the whole of the UK was moving in the Electro House direction. And it was at the Community party that I heard this being played and the dance floor went crazy.

Stacy Kidd - Ancient Forest

Last but not the least, This is the one that gave me the confidence to know that cultures can be interwoven with sound in this way. I’ve yet to see the guts from producers to make music like this today. A true work of art in my opinion. Never got to see or hear anyone play this at a club, yet. This inspired me to make Eru Maliye released on Atypical Dopeness.

Buy/stream “I Tried It” HERE