With rhythm in her soul, funk in her attitude, Kini has been steadily creating waves in the house music scene in India. Starting off as resident DJ at Poison Hyderabad, Kini rose through the ranks to open for headline acts such as dOP, Darren Emerson, Dale Anderson and Anil Chawla (Global Underground), Djuma Soundsystem, James Harcourt (Twisted Frequency) and Jody Wisternoff (Way OutWest).

Her popularity continues to grow – performing at festivals such as GO: Madras as well as opening the party at India’s biggest electronic music event – Sunburn in Goa. Her passion for a deeper sound was showcased on a regular basis at Zenzi, a venue in Mumbai reputed for supporting and promoting cutting edge underground music and art. She also had a short stint at F- bar Mumbai as a resident DJ and an artist programmer in 2012. Her other notable gigs include an after hours set at many overseas locations. Kini’s sound can best be described as an ambivalent mélange of distorted kicks, crispy hats, funky basslines and quirky melodies. With four releases already under her belt on respected labels such as Maktub and Whose Haus, Twisted Frequency and more to come, Kini is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with.

Rao was also part of the recently concluded first-of-its-kind online Vh1 Relay Music Festival on World Music Day.

We met the young lady for a quick chat on her success story, her music and the music she loves to listen to.

How did you get into DJing? Did you attend any DJ training or DJ workshops?

I'm a self taught DJ. When I was in Australia, I managed to pick a pair of secondhand CDJ200s and practiced on it every evening. It was like a video game and has kept me hooked till date.

How do you go about producing your music?

I use a combination of Ableton Live and Logic in conjunction with samplers and midi keyboards to compose notes. I like Ableton for the speed and ease of use and I love the mixer and inbuilt synths in logic.

What is your style of music and what do you usually play at shows?

Broadly speaking I play a mix of House/Techno… As a classical DJ what I play will depend on the size and type of venue. If it’s a bar then I play a deeper funkier set and if it’s a club then it would be a more big room sound. Either ways my sets are full of melodies.

Which clubs have you played in so far and where are you currently playing right now?

I'm a freelancer not a resident DJ...so I have been fortunate enough to play at most of India's reputed music venues and a few ones overseas as well.

In a male dominated DJ space, how do you manage to stay amidst the competition?

I don’t think it is male dominated anymore; some of the biggest names in the electronic music scene are women, both internationally and locally. I think it’s fair to say that creativity of an artist matters more than the gender.

Nowadays DJs use the latest software to create and play music, what is your equipment like?

I like to keep things simple… I use a Mac book pro, equator audio monitors and keyboards for my production. Right now, I'm playing off Ableton live with an Akai Apc Key 25. During the monsoon season, I avoid carrying my gear so then I play off CDJ 2000s which just requires me to carry a couple of USBs.

Do you know how to play on turntables? If yes what is your collection like?

I just managed to buy myself a pair of second hand turntables; I spin on them every now and then with the full intention of one day learning that skill set as well. The collection will follow in a due course of time.

With many incidents against women taking place, how do you manage late nights?

As DJ It’s never been too much of a hassle for me but as a party person I would think hanging out with the right company would be important. And finally don’t you think hanging out in a club is way more safe that being out in the streets?

Did your family have any opposition to you taking up DJing?

No they have always been very supportive.

What are your future plans? Any collaborations with any DJs from India and abroad? If any, can you name them?

I have collaborated on a few occasions in the past and currently I’m working with a few of my friends on a label (District Fifty). All of us have put our gear and ideas together and you can expect a release from us in the next few weeks.

Interviewed by Verus Ferreira