With his latest offering ‘Pressure’ set for release this week, we caught up with Indian artist DNKLE to get a deeper look behind this powerful track & more.

HMWL – Let’s start with “Pressure”, it’s described as a bold, emotionally charged track rooted in defiance. What inspired the mood and message behind this release?

DNKLE – “Pressure” was born out of that feeling when the world keeps telling you ‘no’ or makes you feel like you’re not enough. It’s about taking all of that rejection and using it as fuel to rise above. No matter what people think or say about you, it ultimately comes down to you and your ability to overcome obstacles and turn every downfall into power. Sonically and emotionally, I wanted the track to feel like a rising force, heavy with purpose yet freeing in its defiance.

HMWL – You’ve said “Pressure” is about flipping rejection into power. Was there a specific moment or experience that triggered this track creatively or emotionally?

DNKLE – “Pressure” was created as a message to everyone who feels weighed down by obstacles, it’s about transforming that heaviness into strength through your creative outlet. It’s rooted in resilience; knowing that whatever comes your way, you have the power to rise above it. For me, it came from a deeply personal place. A past partner once told me I’d never be able to build the collaborations or professional relationships I dreamed of in India. Today, some of my secret upcoming collabs are with the very artists who inspired me to start. This track is my way of saying: no matter what anyone thinks, your journey is yours to define.

HMWL – Sonically, the track feels both cinematic and club-ready. Can you walk us through your production process for “Pressure”? What tools or techniques shaped its sound?

DNKLE – The basics behind this track lie in my use of systematic sequencing and profits sequential techniques. What allowed me to break through with “Pressure” was simplifying the synthesis while keeping it dance-friendly, using my custom-made kit to create dynamic movement throughout the track.

HMWL – You chose to release “Pressure” on your own label, GITA Recordings. What led to that decision, and how does having your own platform change the way you approach music?

DNKLE – The basics behind this track lie in my use of systematic sequencing and profits sequential techniques. What allowed me to break through with “Pressure” was simplifying the synthesis while keeping it dance-friendly, using my custom-made kit to create dynamic movement throughout the track.

HMWL – GITA isn’t just a label, it’s also an events platform and creative house. What’s your larger vision for GITA, and how does it tie into your identity as an artist?

DNKLE – The vision for GITA is to become a cultural force beyond just music releases. It’s about events, creative collaborations, and showcasing art that’s authentic and disruptive. For me, it’s an extension of my identity, not just as an artist making tracks but as someone trying to build ecosystems for underrepresented voices to thrive.

HMWL – Your previous release, “Love For Me,” made serious waves. How did the response to that track influence your approach to “Pressure,” if at all?

DNKLE – We’ve always approached music with the intention of maximising creative control, whether that’s in the artwork, release strategies, or the mastering and mixing techniques we employ. Keeping a consistent flow of quality is critical to me. The standard presented through “Love For Me” is something I aim to carry forward in all forthcoming tracks, including “Pressure”.

HMWL – The Indian electronic music scene is evolving fast. As someone pushing boundaries within it, how do you see your role in this moment, and what excites you most about the scene right now?

DNKLE – I see myself as a small but significant changemaker within the industry. As the scene grows, my hope is to cater to a larger audience and bring global attention to the movement behind GITA. This intention isn’t just about our label; it ties back to the core message of the Gita as a book itself, which has always aligned with our vision.

HMWL – Tell us about your current studio setup, what’s essential to your workflow, and is there any gear or software that really defines the DNKLE sound?

DNKLE – One of my key instruments is Native Instruments, which has been my go-to for over a decade now. Some of the essential gear involved in my production process includes the Moog Sub Phatty Subsequent 37 and the Roland System-8, along with my staple drum production units – Maschine 3.0 and the Ableton Push

HMWL – There’s a strong emotional thread that runs through your music. How do you balance raw feeling with club functionality in your production style?

DNKLE – Correct arrangement styles and formulating strong keywords while producing or writing lyrics form the backbone of my process. But according to my mentor and close friend BLOT, one thing I’ve truly learnt is that vocals are essential to the structure and functionality of any club-friendly sound.

HMWL – Finally, what can fans expect next, both from DNKLE and from GITA Recordings? Any collaborations, events, or projects on the horizon?

DNKLE – We plan to launch our first IP, which will be announced in the coming months. Beyond that, there’s a slew of collaborations lined up with both Indian and global artists, spanning Melodic Techno, Afro House, and Pop music. Stay tuned.

Keep up to date with DNKLE here – https://linktr.ee/dnkle