We had the pleasure of chatting with Indian producer Jay Pei, who recently unveiled his debut album, Nothing and All at Once, under the new moniker PANELIA. This record, composed, written, and produced entirely in his New Delhi studio, serves as a powerful testament to his perseverance and passion, encapsulating a transformative decade-long journey from his home state of Gujarat to becoming a prominent figure in India’s left-field music scene.
Spanning ten tracks, Nothing and All at Once intricately weaves a rich tapestry of electronica, breaks, and jungle, showcasing Jay Pei’s ability to construct textured soundscapes laden with leftfield rhythms and cinematic flourishes. The album masterfully transitions from driving beats to serene ambient moments, reflecting his deep, evolving connection to his craft. Recognised by Mixmag Asia as an artist to watch in 2024, Jay Pei is on the brink of making a significant mark in the industry. He has already made waves by performing in one of Mixmag’s iconic LAB sessions and recently collaborated with Thai artist Hinano for the Jameson Whiskey Connects project. His festival appearances, including All Together Now in Ireland, Wonderfruit in Thailand, and Magnetic Fields in India, have only solidified his growing reputation.
Now, under the alias PANELIA, Jay Pei presents his most refined sound to date. Nothing and All at Once is an emotive and deeply personal album, representing a powerful evolution in his music—a heartfelt return to authenticity, self-expression, and the essence of what drives his creative journey.
Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind your debut album, Nothing and All at Once? How does it reflect your journey over the past decade?
The inspiration for the album came after my first major festival performance in Ireland, where I played my music to an audience in a country I had never visited before. Seeing my music received so well evoked many emotions while I was on stage. During the flight back home, as I processed the weekend, I realized that this was what I had always dreamed of. I recalled all the significant moments that changed my life over the last ten years, which ultimately led me to where I am today. The album is a reflection of my journey as an artist.
What was the production process like for this album? Can you describe the creative environment in your studio?
This album was produced in quite a chaotic way. I was in the middle of building my new studio when I was writing it. Almost entirely wrote on my laptop in my bedroom studio, I focused on building the new space during the day while working on the album in the evenings or early mornings. The process was still smooth though. I was creatively inspired like never before and the ideas were flowing effortlessly. Although the writing process was all over the place, it felt like I was in a flow state, and things unfolded naturally. My new studio is up and running now, it feels extremely calm and quiet, filled with daylight and surrounded by trees on all sides. It gives a positive vibe that helps me stay focused.
You mentioned discovering artists like Burial and Nine Inch Nails online. How have these artists influenced your sound and approach to music production?
Both of these artists have a distinct sound that is noisy yet warm and organic. I find this noisy character in their sound to be massively impactful. I’ve always admired the distortion in Nine Inch Nails’ music, as it makes their sound rebellious and extremely empowering. With PANELIA, I’ve tried to capture this same essence in my music
You talked about a turning point at the All Together Now festival. What was it about that performance that altered everything?
ATN was an unforgettable experience for me. It was my first visit to Europe, and the six days I spent there felt almost surreal. The overwhelming support and appreciation I received after my set exceeded anything I had ever imagined. Despite the audience being unfamiliar with my music and background, it was amazing to witness how deeply my music resonated with them. Those moments had a profound impact on me, It brought to mind my decade-long journey from Rajkot to where I am now— a journey full of challenges and many smaller victories.
This experience not only restored my faith in myself but also sparked a new level of inspiration within me. I knew then that it was the perfect moment to channel these feelings into my music.
The project PANELIA is described as focusing on authenticity and self-expression. How important is this theme to you, and how does it manifest in your music?
I think with every passing day, I’m realizing more that being true to myself is the only way I can write music that matters to me—music that I will value. PANELIA is not just a music project for me, it’s an exploration of my identity, my roots, and a way to connect with myself and my listeners on a deeper level.
You completed your engineering studies while pursuing music. How did you manage to balance these two seemingly different passions during that time?
To be really honest, I didn’t focus much on engineering. I studied enough to pass the exams, but on most days, I was more focused on music. I completed my engineering degree because my parents promised to let me pursue music as a career if I scored a distinction. It wasn’t a healthy balance, I always gave more time to music because I felt it was my purpose, while engineering felt like an obligation.
Coming from a small town with limited music exposure, how did you find your community as you began to gain traction in the music scene?
Moving to New Delhi from Rajkot helped me find like minded people and explore physical music spaces, which were otherwise very limited. My knowledge of music was primarily based on the internet. As I began sharing my work with the people I met, I started receiving constructive feedback on my music, which helped me grow as an artist. As I improved, I received a lot of support from my peers, which helped me reach a wider audience and connect with communities from other cities.
Your music includes textured soundscapes and cinematic elements. How do you incorporate these aspects into your tracks, and what do they add to your overall sound?
I usually incorporate these elements to add more drama to the music. These elements add grandeur, creating a haunting and eerie depth that brings tension while simultaneously expanding the sound, making it feel broad, almost like a cinema screen.
Now that you’re recognised as an artist to watch in 2024 by Mixmag Asia, what are your aspirations for the future? What can fans expect from you moving forward?
The aspiration has always remained the same – to create a sonic universe of my own. I hope to write more music that I am proud of, write music that challenges me as an artist. I aspire to push my own boundaries and create music that defies genres and compartmentalization. Fans can expect a lot of music and experiences moving forward.
Can you share details about your recent collaboration with Hinano for Jameson Whiskey’s Connects project? What was that experience like for you?
Collaborating with Hinano on the Jameson Connects project was a fantastic experience. Jameson invited both of us to make music together, and the whole process was new for both of us. We quickly tapped into our creativity during our Zoom meetings, exchanging ideas that pushed us both creatively and led to a mutually exciting space. It was the first time we had been introduced to each other’s music, so initially, we were uncertain about how we would make it work. However, despite being at opposite ends of the musical spectrum, we clicked naturally as musicians, allowing us to find a creative middle ground where we both felt challenged and inspired.
In your reflection about losing a part of yourself during your journey, what steps have you taken to reconnect with your true self in your music?
I am constantly trying to make my music that doesn’t sound like anyone else. I focus on experimentation more than the processes I have always followed. I also try to work within a limitation, which helps me to be more creative. I constantly remind myself to follow my instincts and do the things that work for me, without worrying about their impact on the listeners. I have stopped making music that works for the labels.
What advice would you give to emerging artists who may be facing challenges similar to those you encountered in your journey?
Keep yourself well-informed, educate yourself about music as well as the business, and most of all, don’t let anyone or any mistake discourage you. If you truly want something, you’ll find a way to get it, no matter how many times it takes to reach your goal.
Lastly, how do you envision listeners experiencing Nothing and All at Once? What emotions or thoughts do you hope it evokes?
I hope it helps listeners connect with themselves on a deeper level. It encourages introspection, reminds them of some great moments they have lived, and leaves them feeling empowered.
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Nothing And All At Once is out now: https://li.sten.to/uffqy3rp
