Karan Dhingra, better known as House of TUNEMAN, didn’t start out planning to become a DJ or music producer. In fact, it took a while before music became anything more than a hobby for him. Now, he’s a rising name in the world of electronic music, blending Afro-Indian rhythms and ethnic sounds in ways that stand out. His latest release, ROVER, gives a good sense of where his sound is headed and the creative process behind it.

The Making of “ROVER”

Set to release on September 24, 2024, ROVER pulls from Karan’s love for travel and cultural exploration. It’s a mix of influences from different places I’ve been and sounds that stuck with me along the way,” he says. One of the key tracks, Moon Chaser, brings together Indian instruments like the tabla and bansuri with Afro percussion. “Nights are peaceful and quieter, which is why I named it Moon Chaser,” he adds. It’s got a calm but steady energy, keeping things subtle but never flat.

Another track, Maneye, goes in a completely different direction. Built around Afro-house beats, the song is all about getting people moving. With its layered percussions, strong vocals, and high-energy vibe, it’s meant for the dance floor.

For Karan, getting his music featured on Cafe De Anatolia was a major step forward. “I’ve been following their sound for a long time, so it felt like the right fit,” he shares. Being part of their roster validated years of work and long hours in the studio. Their blend of organic sounds and deep electronica has influenced his own style, and you can hear those vibes coming through in his music.

From Tailoring to Tracks: Karan’s Unexpected Path

Before music, Karan was running his own tailoring accessories business. DJing wasn’t even on his radar until friends started noticing the playlists and sets he put together. “It wasn’t something I thought would turn into a career,” he admits. But after getting a few gigs and learning the ropes of DJing and music production, things started picking up. His breakthrough came with Bombay Bustle, a track that fused Indo-Afro tech-house elements and ended up getting a lot of attention, even landing him some airplay on VH1.

That track changed everything. From there, Karan began performing alongside artists like Korolova and Jad Halal, solidifying his place in the scene. “It was definitely a turning point,” he says.

Karan’s creative process is all about keeping things fluid. He’s not one to force a track if it’s not working. “I usually have a few different projects going on at once,” he explains. “Sometimes I’ll sit with a track for months, even years, before it’s ready.” He draws heavily from ethnic sounds, experimenting with different instruments and styles until something clicks.

Collaboration is also a big part of his process. Working with regional musicians and folk artists allows him to incorporate fresh sounds and ideas into his tracks. “They bring something different every time,” Karan says. “It keeps the music evolving.”

Staying Connected with Fans Through Social Media

As an independent artist, social media has been key to getting Karan’s music out there. “It’s not something I’m an expert at, but it’s helped me reach an audience I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise,” he admits. Whether through live sets or streaming platforms, social media has been a way for him to connect with listeners all over the world.

Karan’s next big show is on September 7, 2024, where he’ll be opening for Jad Halal at the AVA Experience festival in Kashmir. Beyond that, he’s working on a live project that involves collaborations with local folk artists, adding even more depth and originality to his sound.

For Karan, the journey is just beginning. Whether it’s exploring new musical territories or finding inspiration in unexpected places, House of TUNEMAN is all about pushing boundaries while staying true to the organic, rhythmic sound he’s known for.

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