Tucked away inside the busy headquarters of Qinetic Network, the hum of studio monitors and synthesizer patches fills a dimly lit control room. Here, Sanjoy—the Bangladeshi-American producer and multi-instrumentalist—is already hard at work on his next composition. Having recently delivered a show-stopping performance of his track SIIR SIIR at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Canada, he returned to Dhaka to play a celebratory set for the tournament’s final, marking a triumphant moment for South Asian representation on the global stage.

During his landmark performance in Canada, Sanjoy ensured his heritage remained front and centre. Standing before an audience of thousands in the stadium and millions watching worldwide, he performed wearing a custom-tailored maroon jacket adorned with intricate embroidery depicting Bangladesh’s national symbols: the Royal Bengal Tiger and the water lily (shapla).

“It’s been one hell of a trip,” Sanjoy reflected with a warm, grounded demeanour during a pause between tracks. “Honestly, the entire thing is a bit of a blur to me. I just remember the sheer energy carrying me through the World Cup performance. And when I landed in Dhaka, the love that I received from the people—starting right from the flight itself—made me so grateful.”

When asked about his personal team allegiances during the tournament, the producer offered a subtle, modest smile, steering the conversation back to the prospective growth of football in his motherland. “I don’t want to talk about who I supported, but I definitely want Bangladesh to be playing in the next World Cup. I believe that it is very possible if the tournament expands to 64 teams.” While football analysts might view such a scenario as a distant prospect, that ambition mirrors the exact mindset that has pushed Sanjoy from local studios to international prominence.

Classical Foundations and the Fusion of Electronic Sounds

Sanjoy’s distinctive production style owes much to his classical upbringing. Born into a household immersed in artistic heritage, he was introduced to traditional Indian classical scales and rhythms before he had even learned to speak. By four years old, he had enrolled in formal training in classical vocals and the tabla. This early exposure to intricate Eastern time signatures, polyrhythmic patterns, and complex beat arrangements gave him a profound structural advantage over conventionally trained Western electronic dance music (EDM) creators.

Following his family’s move to California, Sanjoy channelled those fundamentals into digital audio workstations (DAWs) as a young teenager. By combining South Asian melodic phrases with contemporary electronic soundscapes, he caught the attention of established figures in the diaspora. At just 11 years old, he was playing live keyboards and percussion alongside touring Bangladeshi music legends, including the pioneering producer Fuad Almuqtadir.

“I remember being 11 and playing with various Bangladeshi artistes who toured the USA,” Sanjoy shared. “Fuad-bhai will always be one of my biggest inspirations and mentors.”

Over years of steady studio work and international collaborations, Sanjoy broke into the US Top 40 mainstream charts—an unprecedented achievement for an artiste of Bangladeshi descent. “For me, it was about belief. I just wanted to be myself and make music, and the rest would follow,” he noted.

Redefining Artistry, Harnessing AI, and Pushing Cultural Boundaries

Addressing the evolving identity of electronic performers, Sanjoy remains a firm believer in the musicianship required to succeed at the highest levels of the industry.

“Throughout the years, people have redefined what it means to be a DJ,” he asserted. “Look at Martin Garrix or Marshmello—they are incredibly skilled musicians. I am a multi-instrumentalist and a DJ, and I am incredibly proud of being exactly that.”

Where many creatives view the swift integration of artificial intelligence into creative sectors with anxiety, Sanjoy views these digital tools as efficiency enhancers rather than threats. “Of course not,” he laughed when asked if AI could compromise his studio career. “I love AI and use it to fast-track my work sometimes. But I know one thing for sure—AI can never replace me.”

Looking forward, Sanjoy has set his sights on establishing a global footprint for Bangla music, drawing clear parallels to the recent international breakthroughs seen across Afrobeats and Latin urban genres.

“You just have to look at what musicians from other cultures are doing. Afrobeats artistes like Burna Boy are everywhere—and that’s where I want Bangla music to be. Everywhere. Bangladeshi musicians need to have the confidence and grit to take their music to places it has never been before.”

As for his personal trajectory, Sanjoy makes no secret of his ultimate goal: “I want to be the biggest superstar in the world.” With a career defined by breaking established barriers, few would bet against him making that vision a reality.