The Rise of Electronic Dance Music in New Paltz

New electronic beats and strobing lights have danced their way into the heart of the Hudson Valley, creating a fresh and vibrant music scene at SUNY New Paltz. With emerging artists like Anjali Hebel and Krishna Finkenberg leading the charge, a new wave of electronic dance music (EDM) is taking shape, offering an exciting outlet for students and fans alike.

Introducing DJ Ganjali

At the forefront is 20-year-old Anjali Hebel, who performs as DJ Ganjali. Originally from San Diego, Hebel moved to New Paltz in July 2025. Her passion for DJing ignited shortly after her arrival when she recognized an opportunity to immerse herself in a fresh musical landscape. “I didn’t have a whole lot of friends, and I had so much time to myself, so I figured now would be the perfect time to practice,” she recalled, emphasizing her initial need for exploration and connection.

Hebel found herself inspired not only by her friends back in California but also by her innate love for electronic music. “And also, the ladies love a DJ,” she laughed, shedding light on the social aspects of her endeavor. However, her excitement was met with an initial disappointment upon discovering that the EDM scene in New York, particularly in New Paltz, was less robust than she had anticipated.

A New Wave of Rave with DJ Krish

Joining Hebel in this mission is Krishna Finkenberg, widely recognized as DJ Krish. Finkenberg’s journey began nearly two-and-a-half years ago, stemming from a desire for a unique musical experience that he couldn’t find within the conventional offerings at local venues. “I was craving more of an artistic, auditory experience,” he explained, laying the groundwork for his experimental approach to DJing.

Finkenberg has been progressively incorporating experimental disco elements into his sets, aiming to build high energy through slower beats. “I guess I wanted to be the change that I wanted to see,” he stated, capturing his motivation to enrich the local music scene with innovative sounds. Like Hebel, he described his entry into the music world as intimidating, particularly in an environment where DJing and electronic music were not yet mainstream.

Crafting a Community

Navigating the early stages of their careers has led both DJs to a crucial realization: while the EDM scene is still developing, there is ample room for growth. “The house shows and people that host events were really open to doing DJ nights,” Finkenberg noted, highlighting the supportive local community eager to embrace new musical forms. This welcoming atmosphere has allowed both artists to connect with like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of camaraderie among their peers.

Hebel reflects on her experience, sharing that creating her own connections led her to form a mini-rave community right there in New Paltz. “We are aiming to be the pioneers of the EDM community in New Paltz,” she proudly mentioned. With plans for her friends from San Diego to join her in New York and kickstart a collective, there’s a promise of exciting developments on the horizon, including potential performances in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Expanding the EDM Landscape

As both DJs focus on establishing their presence in New Paltz, they share a common vision for the future of electronic music in the area. “We do have a plethora of genres at this campus, but you don’t see a whole lot of electronic [music], and I feel like we should bring that [here],” Hebel said, emphasizing the need for more diverse subgenres to take root.

The engaging atmosphere created by DJs like Ganjali and Krish not only enhances the local music scene but also inspires other artists to explore their own creative pathways. Their shared journey reflects the evolving landscape of music in the Hudson Valley, where vibrant beats and exhilarating performances are starting to create a significant impact.

Through their innovative sets, these artists are carving out a space for electronic dance music enthusiasts in New Paltz, bridging connections and nurturing a culture that celebrates rhythm, creativity, and artistic expression.