On September 6th, 2024, renowned EDM artist Papa Khan took to social media to announce the end of his decade-long music career. Known for his unique blend of emotional melodies, hard-hitting beats, and experimental soundscapes, Papa Khan became a beloved figure in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene. His rise to fame began in 2014, and over the years, he amassed a loyal fanbase with tracks that blurred the lines between future bass, dubstep, and other EDM subgenres.

Akhmad Iqbal Ansyari, widely known by his stage name Papa Khan, is an Indonesian EDM artist who began producing music in 2013. Over the years, he built a significant reputation within the electronic music community, recognized for his innovative approach to sound design and his ability to evoke deep emotions through his tracks.

Papa Khan’s discography features releases under some of the most prominent labels in the EDM world, such as NCS (NoCopyrightSounds), Monstercat, Joytime Collective (founded by Marshmello), Xoxltn Records, Spicy Cake, and Railbreakers, among others. These platforms gave him the opportunity to share his unique style and vision with a global audience, helping him become a notable figure in the scene.

His most famous and widely beloved track, "Rain", released in 2020, played a pivotal role in his rise to fame. With 7 million streams on Spotify, "Rain" captured listeners with its emotional depth and lush production. This track not only boosted Papa Khan’s visibility but also solidified his standing as one of the most innovative and emotive producers in the genre. His ability to mix future bass, dubstep, and emotional electronica resonated with fans worldwide.

In a 2022 interview with DJLifeMag, Indonesian EDM artist Papa Khan shared insights into his journey and creative process. He revealed that his early exposure to electronic music came from his parents, who played disco, and later, discovering Skrillex sparked his interest in producing music. Influenced by artists like Skrillex, Zomboy, and Getter, Papa Khan’s love for bass music stems from its complex sound design.

A gamer at heart, he enjoys playing PUBG, Warzone, and other FPS games in his free time. His studio setup includes Yamaha HS7 monitors, Audio Technica M50x headphones, and a Presonus Studio 24c interface. When producing, he often chops up random melodic samples and adds effects. For inspiration, Getter’s Visceral album had a profound emotional impact on him.

Papa Khan’s advice to aspiring producers is to follow their heart and develop a unique sound. He also shared that his track “Never Cared” was born from a personal experience with an abusive relationship, which fueled his raw emotions for the song. Reflecting on his second release with Monstercat, he expressed excitement about achieving a long-time dream. Looking ahead, Papa Khan teased plans for a tour and new music in the pipeline.

Throughout his career, Papa Khan’s music has been characterized by a fusion of intricate melodies, bass-heavy drops, and an unmistakable sense of vulnerability and personal storytelling.

Papa Khan’s departure marks the end of a significant era in EDM, where he was celebrated for his innovation and emotionally charged productions. His music often resonated with listeners on a personal level, connecting through themes of introspection and self-expression.

In his announcement, Papa Khan reflected on his 10-year journey, expressing gratitude to fans and collaborators, but also mentioning "Over the past few years, I've struggled to make music for Papa Khan. I can't seem to enjoy what I'm making and I hate myself for it and it's only getting worse from time to time". While the news came as a shock to many, fans and fellow artists alike poured out messages of support, acknowledging the mental battles the artist faces.

Though his music career has come to an end, Papa Khan’s legacy in EDM remains, influencing a new generation of producers with his distinct style and emotional depth. We will surely miss and forever cherish his music and his legacy, and wish Papa Khan a healthy and happy life ahead of him.