On this episode of our podcast, we’re super excited to have Pandaudio — also known as Visar Hoxha. He’s been a part of Kosovo's electronic music scene since way back in 2004, starting out by posting his DJ sets online and getting great feedback. Now, he’s known for mixing music that makes you wanna dance and listen closely. 🎶
From his first tiny CASIO keyboard to deep, powerful techno sets, Pandaudio has played at awesome places like Sunbass and even Berlin! He’s part of the Prishtina-based Servis collective and always brings that underground techno fire. 🔥
In this Q&A, we asked him about his name, what inspires his sound, his thoughts on the Kosovo electronic scene, and what exciting music projects he has coming next. Spoiler: there’s a new EP and something special with Servis on the way! 👀
Scroll down and get to know the person behind the decks. 🖤
Listen to his set while reading the Q&A with him!
Let’s go! 👇
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| artwork by: Andy Meka |
Hello Pandaudio! Can you tell us about your techno project? When did it start?
Pandaudio: Hello, first of all thank you for having me. For me, everything started in 2004 when online forums were still a thing. Back then there were a lot of active users from the clubbing scene so i decided to post a recorded set of mine where i got a lot of good feedback. After that, i started to take it more seriously and i got my first booking shortly after.
How did you come up with your name & what does it mean?
There’s a story from my childhood, before I could walk - that’s what I’ve heard lol, someone from my family was playing the davul. I stood up by holding on to the couch and I started dancing. My cousin saw me and said, “You bear” :) When I got into electronic music, as well with the black and white photo I decided to go with something from that story. What started out as a joke became my stage name :P
Your music is perfect for dancing & listening. How do you pick the tracks you play in your sets?
Thank you! The thing that has an impact is the mystery of a particular moment during an event. I like to analyze the vibe on the dancefloor in a way that I can receive something from them and at the same time give something to them. So, I can say that it depends on the interaction and the situation, which is only possible when there’s communication between me and the audience. As for the listening part, usually, there’s a reflection of my mood whenever I’m present, and I think that the listeners can discover many things in the music spectrum in the moment they experience the present.
We’ve heard that your first instrument was a small CASIO keyboard. Do you still use old equipment like that?
No, I don’t use old equipment anymore. That was a birthday gift for my grandfather in my childhood. I started playing with it a little bit and I ended up jammin’ for hours. I still do that, but with different equipment and software instruments. In other words, that was the thing that made me who I am today.
You are a part of the underground collective Servis from Prishtine which brings well known techno artists in Kosovo. What do you think about the electronic music scene in Kosovo today?
I think it’s ok but there’s always potential for improvement. Kosovo has a very good clubbing culture heritage, before 1999 in fact and based on my personal experience, I think we’ve seen better. In order to have quality, we must always consider that we can be better.
Who’s your favorite artist, producer or record label by far?
There are too many, but lately I’m really liking Objekt Djrum, Skee Mask, Ad Sudd, Surgeon, Eric Cloutier, etc. The list is endless. I get inspired by labels like: Warp, Editions Mego, Raster-Noton, Macadam Mambo, etc.
Do you produce your own music or that’s something you want to explore in the future?
Yes, I’m working on an EP which I’m planning to publish this year.
You performed at top events like Sunbass and as well in Berlin! What can we expect from Pandaudio? Are there any gigs or new musical projects in your horizon?
There are some events but the event i always highly anticipate is “RE:FORM” from Servis. Lately i’ve been focusing on music research projects. One of them will be the new label I’m starting with Servis where the first release will be the return of an old compilation which I don’t want to reveal yet, but it will be a super project which I hope will open new doors for old and young local producers.
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