Meet Tanishq Audio, the man behind India’s viral coffee shop rave movement

Hyderabad: Tanishq Audio, the name behind India’s viral coffee shop rave movement, is on a mission to transform the music.

What started as an intimate DJ set in a Nagpur café has now exploded into a national phenomenon, with his More Coffee, More Rave India tour set to take over cities across the country. In collaboration with District by Zomato Live and Insider, this tour is bringing a fresh, alcohol-free clubbing experience to coffee lovers and music enthusiasts alike.

In this exclusive interview with NewsMeter, Tanishq Audio talks about his journey, the concept behind his revolutionary gigs, and what the future holds for him and the Indian electronic music scene. Excerpts:

Early Beginnings: Discovering a Passion for Music

Q: When did you first realize you had a passion for music, and what sparked your interest in becoming a DJ and producer?

Tanishq: I was 16 when I knew this was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. As a teenager, I was an offbeat kid—music was my escape. I loved making people dance. The feeling of watching a crowd move to my beats? It is addictive.

Q: Who or what inspired you to pursue electronic music specifically?

Tanishq: For me, it was Kygo and Avicii who defined early modern-day EDM. I started with tropical house music back in 2015, producing tracks in my bedroom. My friends were my first audience; they gave me constructive feedback, and that helped me grow.

The Viral Movement: Coffee Shops as Rave Venues

Q: What inspired the concept of the `More Coffee, More Rave’ tour?

Tanishq: This concept has been around for a long time in India, but it was never executed on a large scale. When I was in London last year, I saw this amazing scene in Mayfair—people in a coffee shop, a DJ playing, no alcohol, just coffee and music. That’s when I knew I wanted to bring this to India in a big way. I organized the first coffee shop gig in Nagpur, but I wasn’t sure how the turnout would be since I mostly played in nightclubs. But it turned out to be a massive sensation—something beyond what I had imagined.

Q: How did the collaboration with the District by Zomato Live and Insider happen?

Tanishq: It was almost instant. The day after my first coffee rave went viral, District by Zomato reached out to my management. It was a 30-second call. They wanted to be the official ticketing partner for the tour. That’s when I knew this was going to be something huge.

Q: What makes coffee shops the perfect venue for your performances? Are there any challenges in transforming them into rave spaces?

Tanishq: A coffee shop creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere, which is different from a nightclub. In a club, people change every hour, and I end up playing 1,500–2,000 songs. A coffee shop has a different vibe—it’s more connected and more personal.

The biggest challenge? Commercializing it while keeping it pure. Many alcohol brands approached me to serve coffee-based drinks at the raves, but I didn’t want to go down that path. I wanted it to be a true ‘coffee rave’—not just another club night.

Redefining the Indian Music Scene

Q: Your coffee shop DJ set in Nagpur went viral. Can you share the story behind it?

Tanishq: It was meant to be a small gig, an experiment. I invited my friends, unsure of the response. But then, social media blew up. People started reposting my set, and suddenly, coffee shop raves became the new trend. Every DJ in India—big or small—joined the movement.

To see fellow DJs across the country picking this up makes me proud. The message is clear: Indian DJs are here to make a mark.

Q: How has going viral changed your career trajectory?

Tanishq: It changed everything. One night, I was playing a local gig, and the next morning, my phone was full of messages from brands, venues, and fans. This is now a movement, and I’m just lucky to be a part of it.

Q: Do you think coffee shop gigs could replace traditional club scenes in the future?

Tanishq: Not replace, but co-exist. Clubs have their charm, but coffee shop gigs offer a different experience—one that’s intimate, sober, and focused on just music. It’s a refreshing change for people who love EDM but don’t necessarily want the clubbing environment.

The Creative Process: Crafting the Perfect Coffee Rave

Q: How do you prepare your sets for coffee shop gigs compared to nightclub performances?

Tanishq: My process is completely different for both. In a club, I have to adapt to a fast-moving crowd. In a coffee shop, I have the same audience for hours, so I build a story with my music. It’s all about setting the right mood.

Q: What role does coffee culture play in your creative process?

Tanishq: Coffee and music share an energy—both wake you up and keep you going. There’s a ritual to drinking coffee, just like there’s a rhythm to music. I wanted to bring these two worlds together.

Q: Do you feel a deeper connection with the audience in smaller venues?

Tanishq: Absolutely. When you’re in a packed coffee shop, you can see every reaction, every smile, every head nod. You don’t get that in a nightclub with flashing lights and a huge crowd. It’s raw, real, and personal.

What’s Next for Tanishq Audio?

Q: Beyond the More Coffee, More Rave tour, what’s next for you?

Tanishq: I’m working on my debut album, and I have some exciting collaborations coming up. And I’m not stopping at coffee shops—I want to play music everywhere I can.

Q: Are there any collaborations or upcoming projects you’re excited about?

Tanishq: Yes, but I can’t reveal too much yet! Let’s just say some big names are coming on board. Stay tuned.

Personal Insights & Final Thoughts

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring DJs and producers looking to make a mark?

Tanishq: Keep going. I’ve failed in 20 things before I found success in this one. It’s all about grit, hard work, and faith. Nothing was handed to me—I built everything from scratch. Just believe in your sound and keep pushing forward.

Q: How do you unwind after an electrifying performance?

Tanishq: I call my childhood friends. Being on stage is overwhelming—you feel like you’re flying. But talking to old friends and family brings me back down. It reminds me of who I am.

Q: If you could describe your journey in one sentence, what would it be?

Tanishq: A journey full of thorns, but every step was worth it.

The Future of Music, One Coffee Shop at a Time

Tanishq Audio’s More Coffee, More Rave tour is more than just a series of gigs—it’s a cultural shift. His vision of blending coffee culture with electronic music is transforming how India experiences live performances.

With dates and venues set to be announced soon, fans across the country are eagerly waiting to be part of this movement. One thing is certain—Tanishq Audio is just getting started, and the revolution has only begun.