Artist Interview: Bali on Countdown NYE, Mangoes, and the Power of House Music
In this edition of Music Verse Media’s Interviews, we sat down with Bali, the rising house music duo made up of Ahmad and Ankit. Hailing from Champaign, Illinois and Santa Barbara, California, Bali have quickly made a name for themselves in the electronic scene with their infectious energy and passion for tech house and beyond.
With a new single dropping next month and a clear vision for the future, Bali opened up to us about their origins, inspirations, and yes—why mangoes reign supreme.
The Basics
What’s the story behind your artist name?
Bali is the name we landed on as a duo. No big mystery—just a vibe.
How old are you?
22 & 21
Where are you from?
Champaign, Illinois & Santa Barbara, California
Music & Inspiration
What inspired you to get into EDM?
We both attended Insomniac’s Countdown NYE in 2020 and fell in love on the spot. Seeing artists like Galantis and Alesso on the mainstage really flipped a switch for us. After that, we dove deep into the genre, falling in love with house and tech house through artists like John Summit, Kyle Walker, and Westend.
Why did you want to become DJs?
Seeing the crowd’s reaction at Countdown, we knew we wanted to be on that stage someday. It was profound to witness the impact electronic music had on everyone—we knew then we wanted to share our own creative vision.
Favorite genre before EDM? Any emotional connection?
Ahmad: I grew up listening to disco through my parents, and I think that naturally evolved into a love of house.
Both of us also listened to a lot of rap together during high school.
Was there a key moment that pushed you to make music your career?
Galantis’ NYE set at Countdown 2020—the moment the new year hit, it all clicked.
What’s your next step or goal?
To keep sharing our music and build toward a nationwide tour.
Are you committed to music for life?
Yes.
Creative Process & Personal Insights
A tip for overcoming creative block?
Find inspiration in other music—not to copy, but to explore different ideas. Especially across genres.
Do you remember the first time music moved you so deeply you knew you had to make it?
Countdown NYE again—seeing the unity and energy of the crowd was unforgettable.
Was your family supportive of your career?
Yes… but only after the music got good, lol.
Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?
Global touring DJs with our own label/imprint to promote our sound and vision.
Do you work better in routine or chaos?
Routine.
Quick Hits: The Fun Stuff
Why do we park on driveways but drive on parkways?
This question makes our heads hurt, lol.
Favorite touring food spot?
Crown Public House in downtown Phoenix.
Order of dressing?
Boxers, pants, shirt, socks, shoes.
Favorite fruit?
Mangos.
First song you remember hearing on the radio?
Hotel California.
Strangest addiction?
Browsing for new sample packs and VSTs.
What does being an artist mean to you?
It’s about sharing your art with the world. Someone once said, “There’s no amount of money you can pay a creative to stop creating,” and that really resonates with us.
Who on your team gets the least credit?
It’s equal.
What’s on your rider?
Pretty simple right now—we’re focused on the music and building our name.
Last time you cried tears of joy?
When we signed our track “Zimbabwe” to Nervous Records.
Most overlooked production quality these days?
Honestly, attention to detail in mixing and arrangement often gets overlooked.
First gig as Bali?
Rose Garden SB.
Who inspires you outside of music?
My mom. She can hear a song and just play it on piano without sheet music. She’s always believed in me, and I want to make her proud.
Most hilarious fan moment?
No crazy stories yet, but the weird DMs are definitely rolling in.
Final Thoughts
Is the journey the most beautiful part?
Absolutely. We find joy in the journey and trust the process. We believe in ourselves and our sound.
Want to be featured in an artist interview? Contact us at Music Verse Media.
Follow Bali:
Instagram • SoundCloud • Spotify