Electronic music has seen a monumental rise in popularity in recent times. Hence, the creators dabbling in this genre are evolving at a breakneck pace. One such maverick making a name for himself is Delhi-based producer and DJ Karan Dhingra, better known as House of Tuneman. He has just released his latest EP, ‘Rover’, featuring two tracks, ‘Moon Chaser’ and ‘Maneye’ – both of which are foot-tapping tunes made by fusing ethnic sounds with Afro-inspired beats. The EP is a testament to Tuneman’s ability to blend the elements of world music with electronic house music.
Its first track ‘Moon Chaser’, evokes tranquillity and serenity. As he explains, “With a captivating blend of Indian and Afro sounds, it reflects my vision of a solo traveller, weaving together the cultural diversity they experience along the way.” The track is heavy on Indian instruments like the Ghatam, Bansuri (flute), and Tabla, which are seamlessly combined with Afro instruments like the Djembe, Doshu shakers, and claps. The Swiss handpan is added to the mix for another interesting layer, along with airy pads and side-chained brass sounds. Altogether, it makes for a unique sensory experience. “The fusion of organic sounds and ambient textures gives the track a deep, meditative quality, reminiscent of the peace and serenity that comes with exploring new terrain.”
Tuneman says he was inspired by the serenity of nighttime while making ‘Moon Chaser’. “Nights are more peaceful and serene to wander about in,” he explains, “So, I named the track after my experience of chasing the calm, celestial beauty of the moon. With its Afro-Indian fusion, Moon Chaser reflects my passion for combining global influences to create something deeply personal and organic.”
The other track, ‘Maneye’ is a high-energy Afro house track which is sure to make listeners light the dance floor on fire. Its fast-paced beat is a result of mixing Afro percussion, wooden claps, and shakers with Latin drums. Deep Afro vocals are the cherry on top to ensure an infectious rhythm. This track makes it clear that Tuneman’s forte lies in creating a sound heavily reliant on percussion. He particularly excels at putting together multiple layers of sound for complexity and depth. Tuneman shares, “The track builds gradually with Afro vocals carrying a sense of urgency and intensity, creating a high-octane vibe that is perfect for peak-time sets.”
House of Tuneman made his debut in 2020, and has since become a prominent name in India’s electronic music scene. “I believe it is my passion for blending house music with world music elements that has resulted in a distinctive sound which stands out in an increasingly crowded industry,” he says with candour. In the past few years, he has belted out 20 tracks, which include multiple collaborations with European and Indian labels, making waves both in India and abroad. The track ‘Forest Humms’ was lauded by industry heavyweights such as Nick Warren and Sabo NYC, while his 2023 release Bombay Bustle featured on VH1 and radio stations around the world. Tuneman also enjoys collaborating with folk musicians from smaller cities around India. He shares, “I have made it my mission to infuse traditional music into electronic performances to add a spontaneous and artistic edge to my live shows.”
Tuneman’s musical identity thrives on fusion, incorporating elements of deep house, Afro, and tech house into his productions. As a DJ, he has performed at numerous events spanning the length and breadth of the country. He has also shared the stage with renowned artists like KOROLOVA, GUY MANTZUR, Stephan Jolk, Sam Paganini, Argy, and more, showcasing his versatile skills.
“My inspiration for DJing and music production extends from my extensive travels, where I have absorbed diverse music scenes and festival atmospheres from 22 nations. I believe my work is deeply embedded in Delhi’s nightlife, and I have learnt tremendously from taking on roles in organizing, co-hosting, and consulting for mid to large-scale house and techno events at some of Delhi’s most prestigious nightclubs, including Soho, Playboy, Olive Group, Monkey Bar (across India), Zylo, Rooh, and more,” he shares.
Tuneman’s tracks also frequently feature on popular techno pages around the world which include Sound Of Techno, Techno Institution, Rave Girls, Techno by Gas, and many more. They are also in the regular rotation of global artists such as Goldcap and Sabo. Another feather in Tuneman’s cap was lending his musical talents to the award-winning Covid-19 precaution campaign made by USAID and Nishtha.
His new EP ‘Rover’ has been released by Cafe De Anatolia, an independent record label founded by Monika Ilieva, Nikola Iliev (Nickarth/Rialians On Earth), and Zoran Iliev (Billy Esteban) in Vinica, North Macedonia. Since its launch six years ago, the label has become a global name in the field of electronic music. “It is built on the idea that music and spirituality are deeply connected, and its mission is to create a space where dance music brings people closer to a more spiritual way of living. With over 2,000 releases from nearly 900 artists worldwide, Cafe De Anatolia has become a platform for emerging talent in the electronica, organic house, and downtempo genres. Artists like Armen Miran, Nikko Sunset, Tebra, and Billy Esteban are part of its diverse roster. The label also focuses on building a community where people from different cultures can connect and understand each other through music,” says Tuneman speaking about this collaboration.
Tuneman hopes to continue to push the boundaries of electronic music by incorporating ethnic and cultural elements into his productions. He concludes, “With the release of this new EP, I hope to cement the merger of Afro rhythms with Indian sounds, creating a cross-cultural experience that resonates with my listeners everywhere.”
Noor Anand Chawla pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog www.nooranandchawla.com.