In a recent, laid-back virtual interaction with The Hindu, Talal Qureshi, a renowned Pakistan-based songwriter and music producer, discusses his inaugural album Turbo Deluxe and his collaborations with Indian artists. The interview unfolds online, as Qureshi, a figure clad in an Adidas jumper with EarPods in place, speaks from the comfort of his home after a short night’s rest.
Talal Qureshi’s journey in the world of desi-pop electronica is an ode to pure talent and passion over formal training. The tale of his rise in music began over a decade ago when, in lieu of a personal studio, he joined a radio station for access to their music production equipment. It was there that he produced his first EP, making the most of a modest salary. This self-taught approach set the stage for his growth in the industry.
Interest in music was sparked in Talal at the tender age of 13 when an accident led him to explore music-making on his computer. During the Covid pandemic, he saw his career advance significantly. Historically reserved and self-admittedly poor at networking, his early work focused on instrumental tracks. A serendipitous connection with rapper Faris Shafi eventually paved the way for more collaborative projects and vocal production.
In the creation of his album Turbo, Qureshi sought to chronicle his evolution as a producer by joining forces with Indian musicians. One such collaboration was with Mitika Kanwar, whose vocal prowess graces ‘Aya,’ ‘Chayn,’ and ‘Dunya’. Kanwar’s versatility and passion left a lasting impression on Talal, who is particularly discerning about featuring artists he personally enjoys. Equally significant was the work with rapper Yashraj, with whom he created ‘Kundi’ and ‘Aya,’ praised for his adaptability and musical innovation.
Turbo, originally a 12-track album released in September of the previous year, was re-introduced as Turbo Deluxe this February with an additional three tracks. The extended version reflects nearly a decade’s worth of effort, creatively combining a two-year production timeline into a cohesive body of work. Pakistani pop sensation Asim Azhar is one of the featured artists on the deluxe edition.
Talal employs Acid Pro for his digital audio workstation software, though he has recently shifted toward the analog synthesizer with his new acquisition, the Korg Minilogue. This shift may signal a return to instrumental soundscape, marking a new chapter in his distinguished career path.
Beyond his local impact, Qureshi has garnered validation internationally, having worked with prominent figures like DJ Diplo and singer Elliphant. Notably, two of his songs achieved global exposure through their features in Marvel Studios’ Ms. Marvel series, exemplifying that high-quality music finds its audience in time.
Today, music services such as Spotify and OTTs are seen by Talal as platforms giving impetus to experimental music genres. Inspired by music from India and influenced by electronic music’s rise, Qureshi basks in the reciprocal exchange of music culture across borders.
With an open view of artistic collaborations, he mentions Atif Aslam and producer Malik among the talents with whom he’s eager to work. His aspirations don’t end there; he endeavors to achieve global harmony and dreams of future productions with renowned artists like Mark Ronson and Skrillex.
Talal Qureshi’s Turbo Deluxe is a testament to his musical journey, blending Pakistani sensibilities with Indian virtuosity, and is available to stream across all major audio platforms. The album not only showcases his production versatility but also bridges the gap between two culturally rich nations, proving once again that music knows no boundaries.
