1: Hasan, how did growing up between Canada and Pakistan influence your approach to electronic music?
Hasan: Growing up between Canada and Pakistan gave me a unique musical perspective. In Canada, I was deeply involved in the underground electronic scene, while in Pakistan, I got to be part of the early days of electronic music when the scene was still developing. Being exposed to traditional beats and dhol rhythms from a young age naturally influenced my productions, giving them a distinct groove. The contrast between these two musical worlds helped shape my sound, blending deep, emotive storytelling with rhythmic energy.
2: And Hussain, how has your Pakistani culture shaped your sound?
Hussain: Pakistan has a rich and diverse musical heritage that blends South Asian influences with elements from Central Asian, Persian, Turkish, Arabic, and modern Western music. Unlike Western music, which primarily relies on major and minor scales, Pakistani music also incorporates variations of Eastern classical scales, which add depth and complexity. I’ve had the privilege of studying under various vocal teachers and local musicians to truly understand the essence of our music. This foundation has helped shape my sound and gives my productions a unique touch.
3: Can you tell us about the creation of your EP „Distant Lands“ and what themes or emotions you wanted to convey through the tracks?
Hasan: The EP was inspired by my experiences of moving to different parts of the world and the emotions that come with it—nostalgia, excitement, and change. Working with Hussain on this project felt natural because we’ve collaborated before and understand each other’s styles. I started with the main idea, and Hussain took it further, adding his unique touch along with incredible vocals that truly brought the track to life.
Hussain: While keeping up with the modern melodic techno sound, we wanted to create something that resonates with listeners on an international scale. The themes we focused on include love, loss, passion, and hope. The fusion of our styles, with Hasan’s powerful bass lines and my melodic elements and ethereal vocals, really gave the track a special character.
4: Hasan, how did the transition from the underground music scene in China to the international scene in Toronto impact your music?
Hasan: My time in China gave me a deep appreciation for underground electronic music and a tight-knit community where pushing musical boundaries was the norm. Moving to Toronto exposed me to a more globally connected scene where I could refine my sound and collaborate with a wider range of artists. I built strong friendships there, often organizing beach events and playing in intimate underground venues. One standout moment was performing at TOnnel TO, a rising underground venue in Toronto. The video of my set was aired on YouTube recently and received a great reception.
5: Hussain, what were your first steps into electronic music and how has your style evolved over time?
Hussain: My love for electronic music started when I was a teenager, listening to Global Underground and KISS FM. They featured legendary artists like John Digweed, Sasha, Sander Kleinenberg, and Paul Oakenfold. Hearing those pioneers opened my mind to the vast world of electronic music, and I started exploring different genres, from tribal, trance, and deep house to progressive house, techno, funk, and afro beats. My sound is constantly evolving, but right now, it’s a fusion of melodic techno, afro house, and tech house, blending the best of both rhythmic and melodic elements.
6: Your EP was released on Reckoning Records, Hasan. What does the label represent for you, and how does it reflect your musical vision?
Hasan: Reckoning Records isn’t just a label to me—it’s a movement. It stands for creative freedom and serves as a platform where artists can experiment and push the boundaries of underground electronic music. My vision aligns with the label’s commitment to deep, melodic, and driving techno. Reckoning Records has always been about bringing global talent together, and I love being part of something that’s both forward-thinking and community-driven.
7: How do you find working together despite the distance between Toronto and Pakistan? What creative approach brought you together on this project?
Hussain: Music has no boundaries. Thanks to all the latest technological advancements, collaborating online has become super easy. Since Hasan and I both use the same software (Albeton) and plugins, we can seamlessly share ideas and build tracks together without any major technical barriers.
8: What creative approach brought you together on this project?
Hasan: Hussain and I have been working together for over four years now. We’ve always shared the same vision and have similar tastes in music, which makes our collaborations feel effortless. Our unique styles naturally complement each other.
Hussain: Exactly. Our remixes and collaborations just seem to sync together automatically. Hasan’s powerful bass lines and bass stabs really inspired me to come up with strong leads and ethereal vocals. We constantly push each other to become better producers, and that’s what makes our partnership work so well.
9: Both of you have experienced different and stimulating music scenes. What are your upcoming projects and how do you plan to evolve your sound in the future?
Hasan: Before leaving Canada, I hosted a Reckoning Records showcase, bringing together DJs from all over the country. Hussain even flew in from Pakistan to play with us in May 2024, and that experience was amazing—it really reinforced how important in-person connections are. Now that I’m in Thailand, my focus is on expanding Reckoning Records’ reach in Asia, hosting live events, and creating a bridge between Canada, Europe, Pakistan, and Asia. Musically, I’m diving into deeper, hypnotic textures while maintaining the energy people know me for.
Hussain: We plan to collaborate on many more tracks and eventually tour together internationally. One of our biggest goals is to incorporate even more of Pakistan’s rich musical influences into our future projects. We want to put Pakistan on the global electronic music map and showcase its unique sound and culture to the world.
