Lost boy
Haider uppal
Lost Boy and Haider Uppal operate between Toronto and Lahore. Their music connects Western house and techno influences with South Asian melodic structures.
Lost Boy
Lost Boy is a Toronto-based producer and the founder of the For The People label. He established the Senseless festival in Toronto, held at Evergreen Brickworks, which featured headline sets from Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Rodriguez Jr., and Isolée. He has since expanded these events to New York and Asia.
As a classically trained sitarist and former member of the duo Talal & Zoi, he performs live sets that combine traditional instruments with electronic arrangements. He has opened for artists such as HVOB and Stimming, performing in major hubs including London, Berlin, New York, and Medellín.
His label history includes releases on Bar25, Seven Villas, Sol Selectas, and Warung., with previous projects appearing on Dirtybird, Kindisch, Traum, and Rawthentic. His 2018 album, 1987, was featured by DJ Mag North America for its blend of indie DIY ethos and raw, melancholic vocals. Outside of music, he is the Captain of the Canadian National Tent-Pegging team.
The Lahore Connection
The electronic scene in Lahore traces its roots back to 2007, when Talal organized the city’s first major event, “Shut Up and Listen To The Music!” before moving to Toronto. This landmark party established the foundation for the flourishing community of DJs and producers in the region today. Both Lost Boy and Haider Uppal represent the evolution of this movement, bringing a local legacy to a global audience.
Haider Uppal
Haider Uppal began producing in 2014 after hearing a Stavroz remix of Talal. His work ranges from melancholic, dub-infused soundscapes to groove-focused house music. While in Michigan, he soaked up the house and techno culture of Detroit, which became a foundational influence on his production style. He made his international DJ debut, warming up for Anjunadeep head honcho Jody Wisternoff’s Detroit debut show.
In a 2024 print feature for DJ Mag North America, the editor selected Uppal for an emerging artist spotlight, noting that “Haider’s rising star is no accident.” They described the debut album, Graduated, as a beautiful and assured collection that shares the hallucinatory qualities of artists like YokoO and the house modes of late Mike Huckaby.
Uppal’s catalog includes collaborations with YokoO and remixes for Nightmares On Wax and Powel amongst many others. He has also worked with BLOND:ISH’s Abracadabra imprint. His tracks have been supported by Lee Burridge, Sasha, John Digweed, and Petre Inspirescu of RPR Sound System. This support has brought his music to international stages, such as Fusion Festival in Germany.
In addition to managing the Lisbon-based label Satya with YokoO, Haider has released a focus remix for Nabihah Iqbal’s Dreamer LP on Ninja Tune and stepped up for a guest mix on her NTS show.
Performance Formats
In 2025, Mixmag Asia featured the duo as a significant musical export from the region. Their debut collaboration, ‘Get Real,’ was highlighted by Resident Advisor in 2024. Their 2025 EP ‘1 top Oneness” has received support from DJ Harvey, Sv4 of Ghostly International, Nabihah Iqbal amongst many other selectors. The duo offers two distinct configurations:
Duo DJ Set
Lost Boy and Haider Uppal perform a high energy joint set characterized by a driving, groove-focused selection. These performances prioritize momentum and rhythmic precision, creating an atmosphere designed for peak-time club environments and festival stages.
Lost Boy (Live)
Lost Boy also performs a live set centered on his vocals, keys and drum machines. This performance integrates live instrumentation with modern electronic production, creating a unique experience. This format is intended for curated rooms and festival slots that require a blend of traditional textures and contemporary arrangements.