{"id":75650,"date":"2025-05-30T09:50:07","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T04:20:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ticketfairy.com\/word\/?p=75650"},"modified":"2025-06-05T12:31:42","modified_gmt":"2025-06-05T07:01:42","slug":"the-power-of-sonic-identity-and-creative-freedom-with-dnkle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ticketfairy.com\/word\/2025\/05\/30\/the-power-of-sonic-identity-and-creative-freedom-with-dnkle\/","title":{"rendered":"The Power of Sonic Identity and Creative Freedom With DNKLE"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>We spoke with the Mumbai-based DJ and producer about his latest releases, his record label, and the art of carving out a niche in India&#8217;s thriving techno scene.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">About a decade ago, techno was still lingering on the fringes of India\u2019s dance music landscape. But in what feels like no time at all, the genre has surged to unprecedented heights and reached a level of dominance unmatched by any other style of dance music in the country. At the forefront stands <strong>DNKLE<\/strong>, whose journey epitomizes the essential formula for success in this competitive space: unwavering authenticity, niche mastery, and constant innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among them, DNKLE stands out as a shining example of staying true to one&#8217;s artistic identity. From the outset, he has carved a distinct niche for himself, continuously evolving while holding firm to his core sound. It\u2019s a challenge many artists struggle with, but DNKLE has managed to strike that rare balance between artistic consistency and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since his breakout performance at Burj Bhenswara, where he captivated audiences with an exclusive set of unreleased, all-original material, DNKLE has carved his name into India&#8217;s techno landscape with his signature hypnotic, melodic sound. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"DNKLE LIVE @ BURJ BHENSWARA | MELODIC HOUSE &amp; TECHNO | 4K\" width=\"702\" height=\"395\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eDRnXJ2kPUE?start=224&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His evolution continued with the introspective single&nbsp;&#8216;Love For Me&#8217;&nbsp;before taking a deeper plunge into his sonic universe with&nbsp;&#8216;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ticketfairy.com\/word\/2025\/05\/20\/dnkle-offers-tantalizing-soundscape-in-obscurite\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"74411\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Obscurite<\/a>&#8216;&nbsp;on his newly founded imprint, GITA Recordings. Launched in 2024, the label serves as both a creative playground and a platform for immersive, forward-thinking techno.&nbsp;&#8216;Obscurite&#8217;&nbsp;perfectly encapsulates DNKLE\u2019s artistry of brooding atmospheres, hypnotic rhythms, and meticulous sound design converging into something uniquely his own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With his career accelerating at breakneck speed, we sat down with DNKLE for an in-depth conversation about his latest release, the vision behind GITA Recordings, India\u2019s thriving techno movement, and what\u2019s next on his rapidly unfolding journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>TFword: Congratulations on \u2018Obscurite\u2019! How does this track build on the story you started with \u2018Love For Me\u2019?<br>DNKLE: <\/strong>\u2018Obscurite\u2019 takes the emotional introspection of <em>Love For Me<\/em> and ventures into a darker, more cinematic space. Where the former was about vulnerability, this one explores resilience and the beauty of chaos. It\u2019s like going from heartbreak in a candle-lit room to dancing alone in the ruins of a city\u2014still poetic, just with more reverb.It\u2019s like <em>Love For Me<\/em> graduated, got a leather jacket, and now listens to Joy Division in the rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>TF: \u2018Obscurite\u2019 has this beautiful tension between darkness and emotion. What was the creative inspiration behind the track?<br>DNKLE: <\/strong>The inspiration was imagining a post-apocalyptic realm where tension and beauty coexist\u2014where you can hear the echo of both destruction and rebirth in the same chord progression. I wanted the listener to feel like they were standing still in a storm, overwhelmed but oddly at peace. <em>Think of it as the musical equivalent of crying in the club, but make it couture.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>TF: You\u2019ve described your music as immersive and soul-stirring. How do you translate those abstract ideas into actual sounds?<br>DNKLE: <\/strong>It starts with texture\u2014ambient layers, analog synths, evolving automations. I sculpt sounds that feel like they\u2019re breathing, not just playing. I also let silence speak where it needs to. It&#8217;s like scoring a film that only exists in your head.<strong> <\/strong>Basically, I\u2019m out here trying to make synthesizers cry\u2014and some of them do, especially when my system is overheating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: Obscurite\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"352\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/album\/64WJr9WWHsNhhXq3i30LvQ?utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><strong>TF: <\/strong>Melodic techno often walks the line between emotion and technicality. How do you ensure your tracks resonate on both levels?<br>DNKLE: <\/strong>I obsess over detail but always let feeling guide the framework. It\u2019s about crafting a structure that\u2019s technically sound but emotionally fluid. Melody, for me, is the bridge\u2014and rhythm is the heartbeat that keeps the listener grounded in the moment. I aim for tracks that make you cry a little and still dance like no one\u2019s watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><strong>TF: <\/strong>GITA Recordings clearly feels more like an extension of your artistic identity <strong>than just a label<\/strong>. What was the initial vision behind launching your own imprint?<br>DNKLE: <\/strong>GITA was born out of a desire to control the narrative\u2014not just musically, but visually, emotionally, and conceptually. It\u2019s a sanctuary for raw ideas and nuanced execution. I didn\u2019t want to wait for validation; I wanted to build the platform that speaks my truth. A big part of the drive also comes from having spent years on the other side of the industry. When you\u2019ve seen how things work behind the scenes\u2014and you know you have the resources and vision to do it better\u2014you shouldn\u2019t wait. You should\u2019ve started yesterday. With GITA, that\u2019s exactly the ethos: to raise the standard and, in time, reflect the very best this industry has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: Love For Me\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"352\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/album\/49Ko0FmdRMRRKW1zrQGx2I?utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>TF: How does having your own label affect your creative freedom compared to releasing with other imprints?<br>DNKLE: <\/strong>It\u2019s incredibly liberating. There are no deadlines unless I set them, no stylistic limitations, and total freedom to experiment, evolve, and release music when it truly feels ready\u2014not because a schedule says so. It keeps the art honest and the vision sharp. Sure, the only A&amp;R meeting I attend is just me arguing with myself in front of the monitor\u2014but even then, I never compromise the standard I always wished to see in the industry. With that much freedom comes real power\u2026 and as a wise old man once said, with great power comes great responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>TF: Your live performance at Burj Bhenswara was a breakout moment. What did it mean to you to see it go viral, and how did it shape your trajectory afterward?<br>DNKLE: <\/strong>It was surreal. That set was a deeply personal expression and to see it resonate globally reminded me that authenticity connects. It pushed me to trust my instincts more and commit to the kind of storytelling that\u2019s both cinematic and club-ready.<strong> <\/strong>To be honest, I was just trying to give my best for the camels but I&#8217;m glad that the internet noticed as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>TF: Performing a set of all-original unreleased material is a bold move. How do you prepare for a show like that, both technically and emotionally?<br>DNKLE: <\/strong>Technically, it\u2019s a meticulous process\u2014custom stems, restructured versions and testing transitions. Emotionally, it\u2019s about confidence and vulnerability coexisting. You\u2019re opening a window into your inner world and hoping people dance inside it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>TF: You\u2019re emerging from Mumbai\u2019s electronic scene. How has India\u2019s growing appetite for dance music impacted your journey?<br>DNKLE: <\/strong>It\u2019s exciting. Audiences are more curious, open, and emotionally present than ever. The shift from purely functional sets to immersive, story-driven performances has allowed artists like me to thrive. The hunger is real\u2014and it\u2019s cultural, not just recreational.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>TF: What\u2019s one thing you\u2019d like to see change about India\u2019s electronic music industry, be it infrastructure, audience culture, or artist opportunities?<br>DNKLE: <\/strong>I\u2019d love to see more long-term investment in artist development and creative venues that prioritize storytelling over spectacle. Also, more collaborative spaces where different disciplines\u2014visuals, tech, performance\u2014can merge to create unforgettable experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>TF: With just two releases, you\u2019ve already established a clear sonic identity. What\u2019s next for DNKLE in 2025?<br>DNKLE: <\/strong>2025 is about expanding the GITA ecosystem\u2014more releases, more visual collaborations, more live shows in unexpected locations. I also want to push deeper into the intersection of music, architecture, and motion graphics.<strong> <\/strong>I\u2019m basically building an audio-visual universe. Step one: figure out how to collab with a museum and a laser at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>DNKLE:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/dnkle1709\">Facebook<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/dnkle_\/\">Instagram<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/dnkle\">Soundcloud<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/artist\/33eIzKWuPSt1RcMO5Birdk?si=ti2lezofRpquos1hgx7kmg\">Spotify<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dnkle.com\/\">Website<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@dnkle_\">YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>GITA Recordings<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=61566707817727&amp;mibextid=LQQJ4d&amp;rdid=99kMPiM2MANy7kMI&amp;share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2FP1EXL1qe4b6C317M%2F%3Fmibextid%3DLQQJ4d\">Facebook<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/gitarecordings\/\">Instagram<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/gita-recordings\">Soundcloud<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>For more artist interviews, keep up with\u00a0TFword\u00a0on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/tf.word\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thefckingword\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/thefckingword\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">X<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:9px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You May Also Like<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ticketfairy.com\/word\/2025\/05\/20\/dnkle-offers-tantalizing-soundscape-in-obscurite\/\">DNKLE Offers Tantalizing Soundscape in \u2018Obscurite\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ticketfairy.com\/word\/2025\/05\/29\/tfword-spotlight-new-music-releases-from-saroj-kashyap-max-kate-kairvina-and-more\/\">TFword Spotlight: New Music Releases from Saroj Kashyap, Max Kate, Kairvina and more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ticketfairy.com\/word\/2025\/05\/28\/melon-bomb-dive-into-their-evolution-from-dancefloor-icons-to-label-founders\/\">Melon Bomb Dive Into Their Evolution From Dancefloor Icons to Label Founders<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We spoke with the Mumbai-based DJ and producer about his latest releases, his record label, and the art of carving out a niche in India&#8217;s thriving techno scene. About a decade ago, techno was still lingering on the fringes of India\u2019s dance music landscape. But in what feels like no time at all, the genre<\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ticketfairy.com\/word\/2025\/05\/30\/the-power-of-sonic-identity-and-creative-freedom-with-dnkle\/\" title=\"Read More\">Read More<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":184965152,"featured_media":75651,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":0,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3014,4294],"tags":[4036,8429,1386,2823,5494,4540],"coauthors":[5152],"class_list":["post-75650","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-interviews","category-music","tag-dance-music","tag-dnkle","tag-india","tag-indian-artists","tag-melodic-techno","tag-techno"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ticketfairy.com\/word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/75650","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ticketfairy.com\/word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ticketfairy.com\/word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ticketfairy.com\/word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/184965152"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ticketfairy.com\/word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=75650"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.ticketfairy.com\/word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/75650\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":82297,"href":"https:\/\/www.ticketfairy.com\/word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/75650\/revisions\/82297"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ticketfairy.com\/word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/75651"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ticketfairy.com\/word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=75650"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ticketfairy.com\/word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=75650"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ticketfairy.com\/word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=75650"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ticketfairy.com\/word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=75650"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}