Music, like the Jhelum River, carries the weight of history while carving new paths forward.

Winding through the valleys of Kashmir, the Jhelum has long been a silent witness to both the beauty and the turbulence of the region—a duality that mirrors Moosa Saleem’s artistic journey. Rooted in the poetic traditions of his homeland yet flowing toward the ever-evolving world of electronic music, his sound is a confluence of past and future. Just as the river adapts to the landscapes it encounters, Saleem embraces change, blending genres and influences to create something unmistakably his own.

Born and raised in Kashmir, a land of breathtaking landscapes and deep-rooted traditions, his artistic sensibilities have been shaped by both his homeland’s rich cultural heritage and the dynamic evolution of the global music scene. His journey from a young dreamer to a recognized artist, supported by industry giants like Martin Garrix, Tiësto, and Nicky Romero, is one of passion, adaptability, and an unrelenting desire to innovate.

Saleem's artistic reach extends beyond music; he is also a filmmaker, seamlessly blending the auditory and the visual to craft immersive experiences. His career is a testament to the philosophy of non progredi est regredi—to not move forward is to move backward. Through his eclectic sound, he bridges tradition and modernity, always pushing the boundaries of creativity while staying true to his essence.

From Kashmir to the World: A Musical Identity Rooted in Culture

Growing up in Kashmir meant being surrounded by poetry, traditional music, and an ever-present sense of nostalgia. Saleem describes these influences as foundational to his artistry. “The music, poetry, and landscapes I grew up with naturally shaped my sound, blending tradition with modern electronic elements,” he reflects. This fusion of past and future defines his unique sonic identity, where the echoes of Kashmiri folk elements intertwine with contemporary electronic textures.

Despite his deep connection to tradition, Saleem is anything but confined by it. He thrives in experimentation, moving fluidly between genres. His music spans from the raw intensity of trap and house to the emotive depth of contemporary classical and pop.
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“I've always been drawn to music as a whole rather than just one genre."

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"Each style offers a different way to express emotion and ideas, and I love the challenge of blending them in unique ways,” he shares. For Saleem, authenticity is not tied to a singular sound but rather to the sincerity of expression within each piece.

Creativity Beyond Sound: Filmmaking and Narrative-Driven Music

Music and visuals, for Saleem, are inseparable elements of storytelling. His experience as a filmmaker—having directed projects like Long Dark Road (2014)—has deeply influenced the way he composes music. “I treat each track like a scene, carefully constructing mood, pacing, and sonic textures to evoke emotion and imagery,” he explains. His cinematic approach results in music that is as immersive as a film, inviting listeners into a world where every note plays a role in a larger narrative.

This ability to weave storytelling into music has not gone unnoticed. His work has resonated across audiences and industry professionals alike, garnering support from some of the biggest names in electronic music. “Having legends like Martin Garrix, Tiësto, Alok, and Nicky Romero support my music? Definitely a 'pinch me' moment,” he admits. However, for Saleem, such milestones are not endpoints but rather markers on a continuous journey of growth. “Watching them dominate the scene has taught me that talent is just the start—consistency and reinvention are key.”

The Challenge of Evolution in an Ever-Changing Industry

The music industry is notoriously fast-paced, with trends shifting rapidly and algorithms dictating visibility. Saleem is acutely aware of this reality. “The biggest challenge? Keeping up with an industry that changes faster than a Spotify algorithm,” he notes with a mix of humor and realism. Despite this, he remains committed to staying true to his artistry while embracing innovation. “Trends come and go, but I focus on honing my sound and staying curious. Innovation and adaptability are the name of the game.”

His recent recognition as the IMD Electronic Artist of the Year 2024 is a significant achievement, but in his view, it is only the beginning. “Winning IMD Electronic Artist of the Year 2024 was a huge milestone, but I see it as just the beginning. I want to push my sound further, experiment with new styles, and explore more global collaborations.” One of his key ambitions is to expand his work into sync licensing and scoring for visual media, a natural progression given his background in filmmaking.

Finding Balance: The Role of Passion and Mental Well-Being

For all its glamour, the music industry can be intensely demanding, often isolating artists and placing relentless pressure on them to produce. Saleem recognizes this and takes conscious steps to maintain his mental well-being.

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“I make sure to take breaks and step away from music when needed."

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"Staying connected with close friends and family helps me stay grounded,” he shares. Beyond music, his passion for cricket serves as a much-needed escape, offering both a mental reset and a social outlet. “Cricket gives me a break from the studio and helps clear my mind. It's a mix of strategy and spontaneity, much like music, and often sparks new ideas.”

This awareness extends beyond his personal routine; Saleem believes the industry itself must evolve to better support artists' well-being. “The industry needs to create a culture where artists' mental well-being is prioritized, not just their output,” he asserts. Transparency in contracts, financial stability, and realistic expectations are among the structural changes he sees as essential. “Mental health resources, therapy access, and open conversations should be the norm, not an afterthought.”

His perspective aligns with the belief that a healthier creative industry leads to better artistry. The phrase mens sana in corpore sano—a healthy mind in a healthy body—rings particularly true in his philosophy. Creativity, after all, thrives best when nurtured, not forced.

Defining Moments: The Power of Connection Through Music

For an artist, there are moments that reaffirm why they create. For Saleem, two such instances stand out. “One was seeing people genuinely connect with a couple of tracks I made, Aaj Kal and Confide—it’s an indescribable feeling,” he recalls. Another was the unexpected experience of hearing his song played in a setting he hadn’t anticipated.

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“It made me realize the reach of my art. Moments like these remind me why I create.”

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Music, at its core, is about connection. It is the ability to translate emotions into sound, to bridge gaps between cultures, and to resonate with strangers across the world. For Saleem, this connection is what fuels his creative journey.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Moosa Saleem

Moosa Saleem’s career is a continuous evolution—a journey defined by curiosity, adaptability, and a deep respect for storytelling through sound. Whether through his genre-spanning music, his cinematic compositions, or his advocacy for artist well-being, he is shaping a path that is uniquely his own.

Like the Jhelum River, Moosa Saleem’s journey is one of constant movement—shaped by where he’s been but always forging new paths. His music flows through genres, traditions, and emotions, carrying with it echoes of Kashmir and the pulse of global soundscapes. As he continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: his artistry, much like the river, will never stand still.