Today marks the long awaited release of Tech Panda x Kenzani’s ‘Ek Tara’ on their very own Groovebird Records. This single lands as they launch a pivotal sound with a debut Afrotech release and we were lucky enough to catch up with the duo to get a deeper look into their creative process, plans for 2025 and more.

HMWL – “Ek Tara” marks a shift into Afrotech—what inspired this new direction in your sound?

Kenzani – As we’ve immersed ourselves in the dynamic energy of dance festivals, we have found ourselves drawn to the vibrant rhythms and percussive textures of Afrotech. The genre’s communal spirit has resonated deeply with our artistic vision, allowing us to tap into the rich cultural heritage and combine it with our traditional Indian sound. As a result, our sound has evolved to embody the very essence of dance music which is known for creating a sense of community as well as spreading raw joy.

Tech Panda – As producers, we constantly seek to tap into texturally varied and sonically diverse sounds, and Afro was a sound we hadn’t explored before. Blending Indian vocal samples with the sounds of African culture was a challenge we took upon ourselves, and we are quite pleased with the result. We would love to explore this sound further. As a producer, I listen to so many different types of music that I am naturally drawn to creating the styles I hear and admire.

HMWL – Mitika Kanwar’s vocals bring a deep emotional element to the track. How did this collaboration come about?

Kenzani – Mitika Kanwar is a vocal phenom, possessing a rare gift that transcends borders and genres. Her collaborations with producers from every corner of the globe are a testament to her boundless talent and adaptability. We’re honored to have had the opportunity to work with her, and our latest creation together is a thrilling departure from our previous collaborations – a dance floor-centric anthem that harnesses Mitika’s emotive delivery and our own signature energy. The result is a truly electrifying track that’s poised to ignite dance floors worldwide.

Tech Panda – Mitika is one of those rare collaborators we love working with. We have released a lot of music with her in the past but keep returning to her because of her unmatched vocal strength and range. She also understands the mood of the track perfectly, which makes working with her an absolute breeze.

HMWL – Your music blends Indian culture with electronic elements seamlessly. How do you balance tradition with innovation?

Kenzani – We always strive to try to master the art of symbiosis, seamlessly merging the rich, melodic heritage of Indian culture with the forward-thinking pulse of electronic music. The trick is to not pour too much of either of the elements into the mix. After endless musical experiments, the fusion that delivers long lasting goosebumps upon listening makes the cut. We ensure that the final result is both deeply rooted and futuristic.

HMWL – You’re known for your signature sound. How does “Ek Tara” fit into your existing sonic identity, and how does it evolve it?

Kenzani – When you begin hearing music inside your head that is not in your current catalogue, there is a sense of exhilaration for the limitless potential your creative mind can visualize. Producing and finishing what you love to hear feels like something we have to get off our chest. We assured ourselves that we will keep growing our sound so that we stay motivated for years to come and “Ek Tara” does just that. It opens doors to the immeasurable possibilities that are about to come!

Tech Panda – As producers, we would never release work that doesn’t align with our existing sonic identity. We like to push the envelope but always stay true to our original vision and sound.

HMWL – With this being the first in a series of releases, what can we expect next? Is this Afrotech influence here to stay?

Kenzani – Our forthcoming sonic endeavors will unfold over the next trimester, unfolding a profusion of innovative releases that display the essence of our artistic evolution. The Afrotech influence will continue to undergo a metamorphosis, synchronously adapting to the fluctuations of our emotional journey. We are thrilled to share this aural trip with our global audience, inviting them to bear witness to the dynamic, perpetually unfolding narrative of our signature artistry.

Tech Panda – ⁠It’s hard to say—nothing is here to stay. Life is ephemeral, and we are just trying to have fun while giving our listeners something they’ll want to keep coming back to. *TPXK STYLE!*

HMWL – Your music is designed for dance floors worldwide. What kind of energy were you hoping to bring with this track?

Kenzani – As we unveil “Ek Tara”, we aspire to spur a spark within the hearts of our listeners. Our aim is to craft a song that not only compels the body to surrender to its rhythmic allure, but also stirs the soul, evoking a depth of feeling that lingers long after the music fades.

Tech Panda – Exactly! We want songs that can be played on dance floors worldwide, and what better way than two artists from the Indian electronic scene showcasing their rich cultural legacy with just the right amount of global music influences?

HMWL – As pioneers in Indian Electronica, do you feel a responsibility to push the genre forward? How do you see the scene evolving?

Kenzani – We feel the Indian Electronica scene now cements itself as one of the highest growing genres around the world with hundreds of new artists skillfully displaying their love and passion for the genre. We are doing our bit but adding our own milestones to the game. Fortunately, we have been blessed with humongous support from new artists worldwide who have not only been inspired by us but also inspire us!

Tech Panda – We have felt a deep sense of responsibility toward our genre since the day we started, and that feeling has remained constant. As for the evolution of the scene, I believe it’s only a matter of time before Indian Electronica becomes mainstream. It has everything that makes dance floors around the world take notice.

HMWL – Your tracks often chart globally. Do you approach music-making differently knowing your audience is so diverse?

Kenzani – We are not in love with prior planning on how to make a certain track as that reduces the chances of it sounding different to our last releases. We let the track take its unpredictable course till it finalizes. But given the diverse nature of our artistry, we devote considerable attention to curating a thoughtful sequence of releases, ensuring that the emotional arcs that govern our creative vision are conveyed with clarity and consistency. It’s a testament to the open-heartedness of our audience that they’ve embraced each new chapter in our musical journey with such enthusiasm and affection; we’re deeply grateful for their trust and loyalty, which inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of our art.

Tech Panda – The beauty of music is that it transcends barriers of culture and geography. I never create music for a specific audience—it’s for all types of discerning listeners who appreciate a little magic and experimentation in their sounds.

HMWL – Can you share a behind-the-scenes moment from the making of “Ek Tara” that stands out?

Kenzani – “Ek Tara” was first created to be released as an instrumental track. One fateful day at a listening session, we played it out in front of Mitika. She instantly started humming on it and before we knew it, the song began to take on a life of its own. The synergy was intense, and the resulting composition is evidence of the magic that can unfold when artistic spontaneity meets inspired collaboration – a truly magical moment, forever captured in sound.

Tech Panda – Putting this song together was a logistical challenge since Mitika currently lives in Canada with her family while pursuing her music career. Fortunately, we managed to get her in the studio for one session during one of her recent trips to the motherland. The rest involved a lot of back and forth, but the result is for you to hear.

HMWL – For fans and new listeners alike, what’s the one thing you hope they take away from this track?

Kenzani – We hope “Ek Tara” unlocks a unique experience for our fans and listeners alike where they soak all the emotions we intended to display. “Ek Tara” is also a signal that the new musical era of Tech Panda & Kenzani has begun!

Tech Panda – I hope listeners take home the spirit of nostalgia because that’s my favorite emotion when discovering new music and sounds.

Keep up to date with all things Tech Panda x Kenzani here