Imagine tuning into a podcast where innovation and creativity take center stage. That's exactly what happened when Forbes 30 under 30 entrepreneur Ashay, founder of Thaely—the world’s first 100% vegan and recycled sneaker brand—and rising rapper ZZ, known for his authentic music, joined Kunal Singh Chopra on the debut episode of the NightCap with KSC podcast. 

They talked about everything from revolutionizing sneaker sustainability to the booming Indian music scene, and their personal journeys. 

Here’s a recap of the best moments where passion meets purpose and creativity knows no bounds.

Making Sneakers Sustainable and Stylish

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Ashay started the chat by introducing his brand, Thaely. He explained, "I invented this leather replacement that's made entirely out of waste plastic bags, which is why we call it Thaely, and then we use that to make our shoes." 

Each pair of Thaely shoes uses 10 plastic bags and 12 plastic bottles, showing their commitment to protecting the environment.

Ashay’s love for sustainability comes from his upbringing in the Middle East, where eco-friendly practices were a part of daily life. "My parents have instilled in me the importance of sustainability. Like 20 years ago, we had solar lights, solar heaters, solar cookers," he shared. This background inspired him to create eco-friendly sneakers that blend technology and art.

The conversation also highlighted "Zellerfeld," another innovative brand in the sustainable footwear industry. Zellerfeld specializes in 3D-printed, environmentally-friendly shoes. Ashay's interest in Zellerfeld shows his commitment to exploring various sustainable solutions within the sneaker industry.

ZZ, initially a fan of Thaely, soon became an investor in sustainability. "Brands like Thaely are good for the earth and needed right now," he said.

ZZ also has plans to launch a non-alcoholic beverage with sustainable packaging, showing his commitment to eco-friendly practices.

ZZ’s Journey in Music: Passion, Growth, and Authenticity

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ZZ’s music career started in high school, but he found his true voice just three years ago. 

He talked about the growing Indian music scene, saying, "The reason why those things are happening is because of the economy, right? So, disposable income's increasing, people are actually buying tickets and going and spending on these artists." This economic growth has created more opportunities for artists.

A big moment for ZZ was the success of his song "Icy." Despite his initial doubts, the song was a hit. "People started sending me videos of it playing at clubs in Delhi... kids screaming it at the top of their lungs," he recalled. This success pushed him to stay true to his authentic style and high-quality production.

ZZ has always aimed to keep his music real. "I've always been the aux kid," he reminisced, referring to his days of choosing music for his friends. Influenced by artists like Future and Tribe Called Quest, as well as directors like Martin Scorsese, ZZ creates music that tells stories and has dynamic beats.

Delhi's Nightlife: Room for Improvement

The conversation took an interesting turn when discussing Delhi's club scene. Both Ashay and ZZ highlighted some issues that need addressing:

1. Safety concerns: "I've seen so many fights break out in clubs in Delhi... it needs better curation," Ashay pointed out.
2. Overcrowding: ZZ emphasized, "The number one thing that makes me have a good time is the music today... don't let in so many people."
3. DJ dilemma: There's pressure on DJs to play it safe with popular tracks instead of introducing new music. As Kunal Singh Chopra, the host, noted, "An essential job of a DJ is to introduce people to new music."

These observations highlight the tension between business interests and creating a vibrant, innovative music scene.

This pressure to play it safe prevents the local music scene from growing with new and experimental sounds. 

Kunal added, "DJ’s should not be confused with promoters, whose job is to attract people to events. DJ’s only focus is music."

Sustainable Fashion Trends in India

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The discussion on fashion trends in India revealed some interesting insights:

• Thrifting is gaining popularity as a sustainable option, though ZZ humorously pointed out its limitations: "There are certain things you can't just thrift… like a white T-shirt… underwear and socks."
• Brands with cult followings, like Blinkit and Subko Coffee, are successfully venturing into merchandise. As Ashay noted, "Even though that's not the brands' actual job, this emphasizes the evolving fashion scene of India."

These trends show how sustainability and community engagement are shaping India's fashion landscape.

The Rising Stars of Indian Music

ZZ highlighted upcoming musical talents like Cash Cobain and JSMN, suggesting listeners check out their work. "The global spotlight is now on India’s flourishing music industry," ZZ said. 

India's music scene is booming with new festivals and a growing market for DJs, rappers, R&B, and alternative artists. 

This surge, driven by increased disposable income, allows artists to showcase their talent beyond traditional platforms like weddings and Bollywood.

Wrapping It Up: Where Passion Meets Purpose

This podcast gave us a peek into the minds of two young innovators who are changing the game in their fields. From eco-friendly sneakers to authentic rap tracks, Ashay and ZZ are proving that you can follow your passion and make a difference.

Ashay's commitment to sustainability through Thaely shows how fashion can be both stylish and eco-friendly. His innovative approach to using waste materials in sneaker production sets a new standard for the industry.

ZZ's journey in music reflects the growing opportunities in India's evolving music scene. His success with tracks like "Icy" demonstrates the power of authenticity and high-quality production in connecting with audiences.

Both Ashay and ZZ represent a new generation of creators who are conscious of their impact on the world. They're not just making products or music; they're pushing for positive change in their respective industries.

As India's cultural scene continues to evolve, these are definitely two names to watch. The conversation highlighted how increased disposable income and changing consumer preferences are driving growth in both sustainable fashion and independent music.

The podcast also shed light on areas that need improvement, particularly in Delhi's nightlife scene. The discussion about club culture and DJ practices points to opportunities for positive change in creating safer, more enjoyable experiences for club-goers.

In the end, this conversation shows the exciting transformations taking place in India's cultural landscape. It's driven by individuals who are passionate about sustainability, music, and innovation. As Ashay and ZZ continue to push boundaries and challenge norms, their work will undoubtedly influence and inspire the next generation of creators and change-makers.

Who knows? The next time you're grooving to a fresh beat or rocking a pair of sustainable kicks, you might have Ashay and ZZ to thank! Their stories show that with passion, creativity, and a commitment to making a positive impact, it's possible to create products and art that resonate with people while also contributing to a better world.

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