Niles Hollowell‐Dhar

Early Life

Niles Hollowell-Dhar, known professionally as Kshmr, was born in Berkeley, California. He has a rich cultural heritage, with his father being a Kashmiri Pandit who emigrated from India and his mother being American. The name "Kshmr" is derived from Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting his paternal roots, and he has released singles like "Jammu" and "Kashmir" that pay homage to this heritage.

Career

Kshmr's musical journey began as part of the hip-hop production duo The Cataracs, where he collaborated with high school friend David Singer-Vine. They produced hits such as "Like a G6" and "Bass Down Low". After the duo disbanded in 2012, Kshmr transitioned to electronic music, debuting under his new alias in 2014 with the single "Megalodon". His collaboration with R3hab on "Karate" further solidified his presence in the electronic dance music scene. Kshmr's breakout track, "Burn", reached No. 1 on Beatport, showcasing his ability to blend electro house with his cultural influences. He has performed at major festivals like Coachella and Tomorrowland and launched his own label, Dharma Worldwide, in 2017.

Musical Style

Kshmr's music is characterized by its fusion of electronic beats with Indian musical elements, a reflection of his heritage. He has expressed a growing appreciation for Indian music, which has influenced tracks like "Delhi" and "Bazaar". His work has earned him recognition in DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs poll, where he ranked as high as 11th in 2021. In 2023, he expanded his repertoire with the Indian hip-hop album "Karam", further diversifying his artistic expression.