Top 10 with Talal Qureshi

Talal Qureshi is not just riding the wave of Pakistani music – he is helping reinvent it. A trailblazer in electronic and experimental sound, he has fused desi roots with global beats to produce tracks that have thrilled music lovers and found their way onto popular TV shows such as Coke Studio and Ms Marvel.

From bringing Diplo to Pakistan to lighting up Times Square with his album TURBO, Qureshi’s journey has been boundary-breaking. His latest track Kailash Reimagined, a collaboration with global artists Delara, Charan and BEAM, proves once again that his sonic universe knows no borders. Here, the genre-defying hitmaker shares 10 unforgettable career moments – and he is only getting started.

Coke Studio debut: It was a full-circle moment to step into a space I had admired for years, contributing Cricket Khidaiye and Peechay Hutt. We introduced an experimental sound to its vast audience – something we do not usually lean towards – and that felt ground-breaking.

Talal Qureshi redefining the sound of Pakistani music

Awesome album: I was really excited to put my album TURBO together. It felt like the right time to craft a body of work that truly represented my sound – high energy, experimental and unapologetically me. The album was about pushing boundaries and having fun. When TURBO was featured on a billboard in New York’s Times Square, it was a personal milestone. That visibility marked a turning point, validating years of genre-defying work and showing how far Pakistani electronic music had come.

Working with Atif Aslam: I mean, who is not an Atif Aslam fan? Getting the chance to work with him was surreal – but even more special was having him as a friend and mentor during the process. He was open, honest and incredibly generous with his time and knowledge. Watching his work ethic up close reminded me – and should remind anyone chasing a dream – that success is not out of reach if you stay committed and true to your craft. It was more than a collaboration – it was a learning experience I will always be grateful for.

Aag featuring Naseebo Lal: I had never experienced a session like this before. When I created the beat and composition, I knew I had to get her on the track and explore the potential for blending genres. While we were in the studio, she called me a “music director”, which genuinely surprised me. She told me, “Your ideas can truly come to life,” and that meant a lot.

Performing at Mad Decent Block Party alongside artists like Diplo, Marshmello and Swae Lee: This was not just about being on a global stage – it was about representing Pakistani electronic music in a space where it had not been seen before. It proved that South Asian artists can hold their own, and it helped shine a light on the underground scene back home. Hanging out with Diplo was a moment I never saw coming. I have always respected his journey, but actually spending time with him and talking music was something else. I learnt a lot just by being around him – the way he approaches collaboration, brings out the best in others, and balances his own vision while amplifying theirs. It really opened my eyes to new ways of working with artists – and how to help their ideas grow.

Talal Qureshi sets fire with his track Aag

Photo memories: There was a time I was shooting all my own visuals – just me, a borrowed DSLR, some lights and a projector. I was compiling, editing and figuring it all out as I went. Now I have a team and resources to help take my vision further, but I am still extremely proud of the work I shot for myself. Some of those early pieces are my favourites – they helped me grow as a visual artist.

Building my studio: After moving out of my parents’ house, I did not have a space of my own. I crashed on floors and couches – anywhere I could. I was lucky to have friends who let me stay with them. I made music wherever I could find a corner to set up. Years of grinding, experimenting, failing and learning led to me finally building my own studio, investing in gear, and getting analogue synthesisers like the Korg Minilogue and Modwave. Having my own creative space really puts everything into perspective. I am grateful for the journey.

A proud moment Qureshi's tracks featured in Ms Marvel

Ms Marvel soundtrack: Having two of my favourite tracks – Aag and Peechay Hutt – featured in not just any series, but a Marvel one, was surreal. It was a proud moment both personally and for the global representation of our music.

Finding my people through music: I have been lucky to find friends like family through my work. Some of the most important people in my life began as collaborators. Now they are my support system.

Revamping Pakistani pop: With songs like Shaam, Faltu Pyar, Sweetu, Ronaq (album), Jogi, Paisa and many more, I feel we really broke the fourth wall. These songs played a huge role in shaping the direction of modern Pakistani pop music.