How Dubai upbringing set Indian expat on a path to global music career
Palash Deshpande, now 26, first picked up a guitar at a small music academy in Karama when he was 12. Before that, he was a teenager in Dubai teaching himself to make songs by following YouTube tutorials. Born in Mumbai, Deshpande spent eight formative years in the emirate from 2010 to 2018, an experience he credits with giving him the space to experiment, gain experience and build the confidence to pursue music.
Early inspirations in Dubai
Deshpande told Gulf News: “I didn’t necessarily know that music would become my career but Dubai gave me the environment, exposure, and confidence to discover that possibility.” His early exposure went beyond guitar lessons. As he taught himself music production, he noticed how audiences reacted to what he played. “One of my fondest memories is getting opportunities to DJ at school events. At the time, I was just a teenager experimenting with music in my bedroom, so having hundreds of students enjoying something I was doing was incredibly encouraging,” recalled Deshpande.
Family connections and community support
Deshpande’s family, who still live in Dubai, played a key role in opening doors. His father, Rajesh, worked in the city’s professional audio industry. Through his father’s connections, Deshpande secured an internship at a live sound company, where he gained first‑hand experience in audio engineering. At 16, he completed an audio production course, becoming one of its youngest students. He said the combination of school support, family ties and practical experience allowed him to explore different aspects of music while he was still deciding his future. “I think what made Dubai special was the combination of international exposure, excellent educational opportunities, and a community that encouraged young people to explore their ambitions. My family moved to Dubai seeking new opportunities, and in many ways, those opportunities became the foundation of the career I’m building today.”
A global career takes shape
In 2018, Deshpande moved to Boston to study at a contemporary music institution, having decided by the end of high school that he wanted to pursue music professionally. “Growing up in Dubai had already exposed me to people from different cultures and backgrounds which made adapting to an international environment easier,” shared Deshpande. After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles to work in music. His collaborations led to placements with artists and an invitation to spend a month in China writing and producing music with established local musicians. He later earned a master’s degree in music production and recording, focusing on the science and psychology behind memorable songs. He now shares that research through educational videos online and mentors artists, songwriters and industry professionals from around the world. “When I look at this journey, I see Dubai as the starting point. The technical knowledge, confidence, and international outlook I developed there helped prepare me for everything that followed.”
Growing up in Dubai also shaped his musical tastes. He listened to everything from Bollywood to American pop, electronic dance music and international hits. “One of the most unique things about growing up in Dubai is that you’re constantly surrounded by different cultures. That exposure shaped my musical identity. I never felt that I had to limit myself to one genre, culture, or musical tradition,” stated Deshpande. As he now works with artists from diverse backgrounds, he noted that the ability to understand and appreciate varied styles is something he developed in the emirate. “When you grow up in a city where people from all over the world live and work together, pursuing a global career doesn’t seem quite as distant or impossible.”
Lessons for the next generation
Deshpande’s advice to young people growing up in the UAE is to make use of the opportunities around them, but not to wait for someone else to give them permission to start. He emphasised that taking the first step matters more than having everything perfectly planned from the beginning. “For me, home isn’t necessarily just where you were born. It’s also where you grow up, discover who you are, and begin imagining what your future could look like,” said Deshpande. He added: “Dubai was where I first picked up a guitar, produced my first songs, performed for audiences, and decided that music was something I wanted to dedicate my life to. No matter where my career takes me, those experiences will always connect me to the UAE.”
