House of TUNEMAN: A Fusion of Afro-Indian Rhythms and Global Sounds

Karan Dhingra / House Of TUNEMAN

Hailing from the vibrant city of Delhi, Karan Dhingra, better known by his artistic moniker House of TUNEMAN, has taken the world music scene by storm. With a unique blend of Afro-Indian rhythms, ethnic sounds, and deep electronica, House of TUNEMAN is a name that’s becoming synonymous with genre-defying musical experimentation. His journey from a businessman in the tailoring industry to a globally recognized music producer and DJ is a testament to his relentless passion, creativity, and dedication.

The Making of “ROVER”

Karan’s upcoming EP, ROVER, set to release on September 24, 2024, is a compelling showcase of his ability to blend ethnic sounds from various cultures. Inspired by the mindset of a solo traveler who weaves together diverse cultural influences into a unique musical tapestry, ROVER is an exploration of the deep connections between music and travel.

One of the standout tracks, Moon Chaser, is a serene Afro-Indian track featuring a fusion of Indian instruments like the ghatam, bansuri (Indian flute), tabla, and Swiss handpan, alongside Afro elements such as djembe, conga, and Doshu shakers. The panoramic sound created by airy pads and brass adds a sense of movement, capturing the essence of a peaceful, night-time journey under the moonlit sky. The track is very personal to Karan, and he reveals, “Nights are more peaceful and serene to wander, which is why I named it Moon Chaser.”

Another track from the EP, Maneye, is a groovy Afro house track designed for the dance floor. Featuring a rich tapestry of Afro percussions, claps, and strong Afro vocals, it perfectly captures the high-energy vibe of a floor-filling Afro-house anthem. The layered grooves of Latin drums add to its infectious rhythm, ensuring it will be a hit in clubs around the world.

Connection with Cafe De Anatolia

House of TUNEMAN’s connection with Cafe De Anatolia has been both inspirational and transformative for his career. “Cafe De Anatolia’s sound has always been my reference point, both as an audience and as a producer/DJ,” he shares. For Karan, being part of the label’s roster feels like a culmination of years of hard work, recognition, and persistence. The influence of Cafe De Anatolia’s distinctive sound can be heard in his work, which expertly blends deep, organic vibes with Afro, Indian, and Middle Eastern sounds.

A Career Born from Passion

Despite not having a formal music background, Karan’s love for music has always been a driving force in his life. Initially, he shared his curated playlists and home-recorded sets with friends and lounges, purely for the love of music. It wasn’t until his playlists started gaining traction that he realized the potential of turning his passion into a career.

“I never thought I’d be a musician,” he reflects, “but when my playlists started getting recognized and I received offers to go live, I decided to learn DJing and production.” His music began gaining recognition in Europe and South Asia, eventually landing him features in major platforms, including multiple appearances in Rolling Stone magazine, and airplay on popular Indian and UK radio stations like 94.3 Radio One and VH1 India.

His breakthrough track, Bombay Bustle, was a significant turning point. The Indo-Afro tech-house fusion became a hit among Indian audiences and DJs worldwide, securing Karan media attention and opening slots for international artists like Korolova and Jad Halal.

Challenges and Setbacks

As an artist who entered the music industry at 33 with no formal training or family ties to the industry, Karan faced numerous challenges. “I didn’t know anyone or who to connect with, and it wasn’t easy breaking into the scene at my age,” he admits. But through persistence, long hours of learning, and a deep commitment to his craft, Karan steadily carved a niche for himself. His advice to aspiring musicians: “Less contemplation, more action. Just keep going, and results will come.”

Collaborations and Creative Process

Collaboration is an essential part of Karan’s artistic process. By working with regional instrument players and folk artists, he brings a fresh and unique flavor to his sound. “They add new dimensions to my usual sound,” he says, highlighting the importance of incorporating diverse musical influences in his tracks.

His creative process is highly experimental, often involving long periods of trial and error. Karan works on multiple tracks simultaneously, allowing his energy and state of mind to dictate which project he focuses on. “I sit with a blank slate and keep working, even through creative blocks,” he explains. Some tracks take months, even years, to complete, but for Karan, the wait is worth it if the final result still resonates after time.

The Role of Technology and Social Media

For an independent artist like House of TUNEMAN, digital platforms and social media have been vital tools for promoting his music and connecting with fans. “Social media has been a boon,” he says. “It’s nearly impossible to reach the right audience through traditional channels, but with social media, you can find your tribe.” His active presence online has helped him build a dedicated fan base, both for his DJ sets and streaming platforms.

Looking Ahead

As Karan Dhingra continues to grow as House of TUNEMAN, his future looks bright. His latest project includes a live collaboration with local folk artists to bring new and unheard sounds to his tracks, a testament to his commitment to pushing the boundaries of musical experimentation.

His next major performance is scheduled for September 7, 2024, at the Ava Experience festival in the picturesque Khyber Resort, Gulmarg, where he will play an opening set for Jad Halal. As for his long-term goals, Karan is focused on consistently delivering quality music that reflects his deep passion for cultural electronica and Afro rhythms.

In the end, it’s this fusion of sounds, cultures, and personal experiences that make House of TUNEMAN’s music truly stand out. For Karan, music isn’t just a career—it’s a way of life, and his dedication to his craft shines through every beat, every melody, and every track he creates.