IN CONVERSATION WITH MERA BHAI

interview by MARIA MOTA

With a career rooted in experimentation and cultural fusion, Mera Bhai has steadily emerged as one of the UK underground’s most dynamic voices. Known for his work with Flamingods and Daytimers, the multi-instrumentalist and producer has long operated at the intersection of sound, identity, and global club culture. 

Now, with the release of his latest EP, Now I Need You, Mera Bhai steps into a new chapter. The record explores the emotional depth of dance music, described by the artist in three words as Euphoric, Melancholic, Joyful. We caught up with Mera Bhai to talk about the vision behind Now I Need You, the process of artistic reinvention, and how fashion, visual art, and club culture continue to shape his creative world.

Congratulations on your newest release! Can you share with us the vision behind Now I Need You?
The vision for Now I Need You was to craft something that gave me the opportunity to explore the dance music space more. It was important for me to maintain a balance of romantic and melancholic elements, delivered with a tough, club-focused sound.

The EP balances peak-time club energy with emotional depth. Was that contrast intentional from the start?
Definitely. When I’m writing, it’s impossible for me to overlook the narrative of the track. From the energy of the bassline to the vocals or instrumentals I’m sampling (or playing/singing), I’m always asking what story is being told, and whether what I’m doing is the best and most direct way to tell it. I ask myself questions like: “Are you being taken on a journey?”, “Is it cohesive?”, “Do you feel connected to it when you listen?” At the same time, I was motivated to work on a much more club-focused record than in the past, and this was an important balance to strike. There’s a real simplicity in how a lot of peak-time club music is written, which is a direction I find myself moving closer toward.

What was the most challenging or rewarding part of making Set You Free?
The most rewarding part of making Set You Free was how seamlessly it all came together. Often, when I’m writing, there’s a spark, but the harder I push or the more I chase it, the further it can move away from me if I’m not in the right headspace. With this one, it all came together quickly — all the big decisions happened in the moment. It felt very clear and intentional rather than “easy.” I find that going into sessions with a clear headspace helps me get into this mode of working much more.

You’ve moved from being part of collectives (Flamingods, Daytimers) to carving your own lane. What’s been liberating or difficult about that transition?
It’s been freeing to have time to explore my practice more meaningfully. Prior to this, it just wasn’t possible with all of the responsibilities I had from the other projects. While I’ve been transitioning into this new era of Mera Bhai, I’ve been exploring working in different ways — I’ve been writing for and producing other artists, working on TV & film score, and of course nurturing the Mera Bhai project. It’s important for me to have a multi-faceted practice, and this is all done with a long-term view. This has meant that I’ve had to become insanely organised and have much more realistic goal-setting and planning, which has taken a bit of teething.

How do fashion, visual art, and club culture intersect in your creative process?
I’m always thinking about how the music translates into the club space — how it makes people feel. I consider imagery and artwork, colors, shapes, era, and fashion — how it’s styled and what it communicates. It’s about how the vision translates and what it communicates. These elements are also important in setting my creative space. I wear clothes and surround myself with art that inspires me. Some days I go into the studio in monochrome outfits, other days in a suit — it all contributes to the energy I’m channeling.

The UK underground scene is constantly evolving — where do you see your work fitting within it right now?
We’re lucky in the UK to be part of such a multicultural society, so we have this amazing exposure to so much global culture, which has always made underground culture here even stronger (amongst other things). Having lived in many different countries, I draw immense inspiration from that experience. I find myself moving closer toward a sound informed by this connection. I also feel a responsibility to keep what I share broad — music, sound, culture, fashion, and art that feels diverse and open, rather than fitting into a specific scene. That has never been my goal.

Who are some contemporaries or emerging artists that inspire you?
At this moment: AKU, DJ Habibeats, Palms Trax, Meeko, Daphni, K-Lone, Client_03 — and I’m really enjoying what Nervous Records is putting out through their new subsidiary, Nervous Labs.

Last but not least, what’s next for you? Anything you can share with us?
My focus right now is developing a new sound for my next record. I’m keen to explore new territory and make more of a cultural statement with it. I’m also looking forward to a series of writing sessions with artists I admire from now until the end of the year. I have a few collaborative releases coming out this year: one with Mafro on his brand-new label ADORN (out October 10), one with Lawrence Hart on Domino in November, and one with Moving Still in December.