Rabban Rana, aka DJ Rabbit, is a popular name in the DJ scene in Kathmandu. He has played major events like Sundance 2013, Dancemandu 2014, Hangover (2012, 2013 and 2014) and Elements 2014. A techno fanatic, Rabbit knows innovation is the key to getting the crowd going. The Post’s Marissa Taylor caught up with him for a quick chat. Excerpts:

How did your journey as a DJ begin? What sparked the interest?

I always had an interest in music, even when I was very young. Through my teenage years, I listened to different genres of music, and I was fascinated by DJ-ing even back then. However, I made my debut at a small gig in town back in 2009. A friend of mine who was already a DJ taught me the basics.

What are you currently involved with?

Besides being a DJ, I have an event company called WhatNext Entertainment. I started it with a friend of mine. Besides that Kenekt keeps me busy too. It is a monthly gig that we started a couple of months back. It’s about promoting the underground DJ scene in Nepal. We bring in international artists every month. We are also planning to release a Kenekt podcast featuring various artists every month. The plans are there but it’s on holdfor the moment because of all the problems happening in the country.

Your most memorable moment as a DJ…

The most memorable moment for me as a DJ was when I opened for Kohra and Anish Sood at the afterparty of Dancemandu last year. It was a dream come true for me to open for Kohra!

I have always admired his work.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a DJ?

There were no hardships as such.

But I would say that it’s always nerve-wracking to get on that platform and get the groove on. It’s always a new crowd every time you play and the energy is always different—it is a little challenging to keep the crowd happy.

What makes a good DJ?

I think the only thing that is needed to be a good DJ is the ability to innovate. You cannot play the same stuff over and over—the crowd will get bored and so will you. You cannot stay stagnant; you have to learn and grow.

What kinds of events do you prefer?

I started DJ-ing by playing electro house, but lately I have been playing techno. Techno, for me, is on a different level.I recently changed my genre; I now prefer underground events to commercial ones.

Why the change?

Well, to be honest, I just fell in love with this new genre— techno. The energy and the vibe is contagious and it gives me a high.

How do you structure your sets? How do you define your style?

I take the time to structure my sets: from the track selection to the keys, to every small detail in all the tracks—I try to make my set more of a journey than just a set.

Your favourite genre of music...

It has to be techno.

What’s your take on pursuing a career as DJ in Nepal?

Well, I started my career as a DJ as a hobby. I had actually not given much thought to it—it became my profession when I found out that it could actually pay my bills!

Is there any event/party you would love to play for?

I would love to play at the Awakening Festival in Holland—it is THE event to be at for techno fans. The line-up is just super crazy.

Any secret talent that you have that the world knows nothing about?

I used to rap back in the day. A talent I think I have outgrown (laughs).

Any inspiration/role model?

Kohra, most definitely. He has been a big inspiration for me. I find his production at a different level altogether.

Anyone you like in Nepal?

There are quite a few whose works I admire.DJ Vibe, DJ Nishan, DJ  Pri and DJ Kranti are some of my favourites. These guys have been promoting the underground scene for a long time and I think they are doing an incredible job.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I think I’d still be DJ-ing, and maybe even producing my own tracks.

A few words for aspiring DJs.

Don’t just become a DJ because you think it’s cool: understand the sound and work on your sets.