The Opener is The FADER’s short-form profile series of casual conversations with exciting new artists.
The moniker the sound chalk makes is perhaps more evocative than it is quiet. For 20-year-old Kabir Parekh, the name represents a hazy, nostalgic love for the past—a sensory memory of scribbling one’s imagination onto the pavement. Born in San Francisco and raised in Mumbai, Parekh is currently honing his craft in London, where he has been building significant momentum since the release of his track “Manmade Manmaid.”
His music offers a shimmering vision of alternative electronica. While his compositions can be delicate and introspective, Parekh is equally comfortable turning up the bass to craft a club-ready anthem. His tracks, such as “Ladies with an attitude” and the hard-hitting “Marijuana (2die4),” reflect the energy of the MumbaiAnderground club nights he organizes with friends back home.
Parekh’s creative process is deeply rooted in his personal experiences and eclectic influences. When asked about his perfect afternoon, he describes a simple, grounded routine: “Slightly tired from an active morning, getting a coffee while the sun’s out and waking up for the second time in a day.” This groundedness extends to his musical philosophy, particularly regarding how listeners interpret his work. “I don’t think you can misunderstand a lyric,” he notes. “What you understand is exactly what it means—your perception is your reality.”
His influences are as varied as his sound. He recalls a formative concert experience at age 10, seeing the Manganiyar Classroom in Mumbai, which sparked his love for Rajasthani folk music. Today, he finds inspiration in everything from the cinematic tension of Black Swan to the guitar progressions of Alex G, whom he cites as a dream collaborator for a remix.
Whether he is running, browsing Wikipedia, or curating his next party, Parekh remains focused on the future. When asked for the best advice he has ever received, he offers a mantra for the resilient artist: “If you think you’ve failed so far, why are you still scared of failure?”
