Okay, readers, we’re in the final stretch. This is the last newsletter before our big weekend so allow me to say it just one more time: POPSHIFT MUSIC FESTIVAL, MAY 19-20, NEW YORK CITY.

Today we’re just keeping it real and taking you a little more behind the scenes of our vision, our planning, and our little PopShift family that’s making this weekend possible for you all.

— Raghu

NEW: PopShift Music Festival BUNDLE PASS

We don’t want anything to stop you from celebrating with us. You can now save as much as 20% off when you buy our BUNDLED FESTIVAL PASSES. Use the link below and get tickets for one, two, or all three of our events at a special discounted rate.

BTS: What’s It Like Producing PopShift Music Festival?

Throwing a multi-day event of this scale that’s costing this much lowkey makes this feel like the days leading up to a family shaadi. Our team is meeting every day, running through checklists, confirming with vendors, hand-delivering personal invitations, and we bicker through it all like loved ones do. It’s the kind of stress that almost gives you a thrill because at least you’re experiencing it together.

Experiencing what? Watch Ashish break down our last two months in under two minutes.

Watchlist: Sanjoy & His Creative Production

Sanjoy is making the whole world dance by integrating the ever-evolving sounds of EDM into his Bangaldeshi and American roots. Watch more below.

@popshift

have you heard #Sanjoys music?? This Bengali - American Producer is making 🌊 🌊 #Bengali #SouthAsian #gururandhawa #moonrise

Watchlist: Zeemuffin & Her Diverse Sounds

Zeemuffin, aka Zainab Hasnain, is a Pakistani-American DJ who, in Vogue’s words, is “shaking New York’s music scene.”

The DJ industry is predominantly filled with male artists, making it difficult for women DJs to be represented on club and festival lineups. Despite this, Zeemuffin thrives. She DJs, produces, writes, creates content, and models.

Her unique sound proudly blends her Pakistani heritage into the diversity of genres in NYC – mixing hip-hop, house, bhangra, reggaeton, and more into her dance-inducing beats that have earned her hundreds of thousands of views on TikTok.

Zeemuffin has brought her flavor across the city at events for New York Fashion Week, Buzzfeed, Spotify, etc., and has also performed alongside renowned artists such as Kaytranada, Riz Ahmed, and Ali Sethi. Her most recent collaboration was with Bianca Maieli on “Ajnabi Mercy,” a powerful remix of Eastern and Western sounds.

Zeemuffin is a force to be reckoned with. If you haven’t already put yourself onto her addicting fusion music, start now.

Watchlist: Ezu & His Effortless Punjabi-English Flow

Ezu touches his audience with relatable lyrics on love and life through a unique sound that blends musical elements from both ends of his culture. Watch more below.

Meet More of the PopShift Music Festival Team

Prena

Role: I produce content (Desi Me Dating/SUBTXT)I love discovering new South Asian artists and providing a space for them to share their art with the community. I also love the team PopShift has built, as we all continuously try to… SHIFT POP CULTURE!
Based In: Los Angeles, CA (but originally from St. Thomas, USVI 🫶🏽)
Most Excited to Hear: Jay Sean (the nostalgia is gonna be crazyyy)

Sagar

Role: All things artist relations. I love connecting people to make visions become a reality.
Based In: ATL
Most Excited to Hear: Gallan 4 - Talwiinder

Prarthana

Role: Events (Mixer, Holi, Music Fest) & Production (Desi Me Dating, Hot Takes). I love the TEAM and the work we do! Every PopShift produces has so much thoughtfulness behind it! Also love getting to meet and work with new people in the creative field.
Based In: NJ
Most Excited to Hear: Talwiinder

Ashish

Role: Producer for PopShift (content + events). It's a great blend of what I've done previously with organizing events/dance comps throughout college and after + utilizing my culture to create relatable content for South Asians.
Based In: New York, NY — best city in the world babbyyyy
Most Excited to Hear: As basic as it is, Down by Jay Sean just gets me hypeeee. I can rap every verse and it's super nostalgic of some great times.

Interested in volunteering at our festival? Apply here.

Other Notable News

• Jai Wolf released a new track “(I Dread The Day He Takes You To) Paris [feat. MYRNE].”

• Lost Stories released a new track “HIIR.”

• Jai Wolf announced his Blue Babu Tour.

• Watch this viral Starbucks India ad.

• Keertana and Pallavi Sastry co-produced the lauded new HBO drama “Land of Gold.”

Listen to the PopShift Playlist on Spotify.

Writers: Roshni Lalchandani

Editors: Raghu Alla, Roshni Lalchandani