10/12/2025
Based between Vancouver and Istanbul, HKNC is a seasoned DJ and producer with over a decade behind the decks and eight years in the studio. Having previously caught attention with tracks like ‘Mas Que Nada’ and ‘Ortaya’, racking up over a million combined streams in the process, he now brings his maturing production style and sound to a new home as he steps onto Hottrax for the first time with his two-track ‘Groove Culture’ EP - crafting a two-track package designed to move dancefloors.
Opening the EP, the title track ‘Groove Culture’, featuring Turkish pairing 1TWO, layers hypnotic rhythms with punchy percussion and a rolling bassline, establishing a commanding peak-time groove, before ‘Tube Town’ follows with a slightly pared-back approach, combining crisp drums and melodic textures while maintaining kinetic energy throughout. With this debut, HKNC introduces his sound to Hottrax audiences with two cuts that hit the spot, demonstrating a balance of technical skill, rhythmic sensibility, and a clear feel for modern club-driven house music.
Q: Please introduce yourself
Hey, I’m HKNC, a DJ and producer originally from Turkey and now based in Vancouver. My sound sits between rolling tech-groove and hypnotic minimal, with deep percussive bass lines and soulful textures. I aim to make music that feels raw and emotional but still works perfectly on the dance floor.
Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?
Definitely Jamie Jones, not just because he inspired my sound, but because I’d love to talk about how he balances underground creativity with global success. He’s one of the few artists who kept his roots while pushing house music forward.
Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Time travel. I’d love to go back to the early Ibiza days and experience the origins of house culture, feel the raw energy of those first sunrise sets that shaped everything we love about this music.
Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score, what movie would you choose and why?
I’d score Drive (2011), it has that dark, emotional tension and rhythm that fits perfectly with hypnotic electronic textures. I’d love to blend a tech-groove aesthetic into that kind of cinematic world.
Q: Who has been the most influential in your music career? And why?
Jamie Jones and Butch. Jamie for his ability to groove endlessly without losing emotion, and Butch for his fearless approach to creativity, always breaking patterns and blending cultures.
Q: Tell us about your journey, what got you to where you are today?
I started producing in Turkey and spent years developing my own sound before moving to Canada. The turning point came when I decided to focus fully on quality over quantity, pushing for label-level grooves and working closely with the Hottrax sound. It’s been a journey of patience, detail, and passion for the craft.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out their career in music?
Don’t chase trends. Learn how to express your own emotion through sound design and rhythm, that’s what creates a timeless identity. It’s better to build slowly than to blend in fast.
Q: Can you recall a DJ set or performance of yours that remains unforgettable to you? Where did it take place, and what makes it stand out among all others?
Yes! A late after-hours in Vancouver where I played one of my unreleased tracks for the first time. The crowd connected instantly, and I felt that pure exchange of energy between my music and the room. That night confirmed I was on the right path.
Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?
It started more melodic and emotional, then evolved into a tighter, groove-driven minimal tech house style. I learned to focus on energy and rhythm, making every sound serve the groove.
Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?
Probably psychedelic rock, artists like Pink Floyd and Erkin Koray shaped how I think about atmosphere and story in music. That connection between feeling and space is similar to what I try to bring into my tracks.
Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?
1. Jamie Jones – Hungry for the Power (Remix), showed me groove can be deep and sexy.
2. Butch – Lale, pure hypnotic energy with cultural texture.
3. Booka Shade – In White Rooms, taught me how minimalism can be emotional.
Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?
The Aegean coast of Turkey, especially near Didim or Bodrum, cliffs by the sea, ancient ruins, and warm sunrise energy. It’s the perfect blend of nature, history, and freedom.
Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?
I have a two-track EP coming on Hottrax that represents my new direction, high-energy tech groove with emotional edges. I’m also working on follow-ups that explore deeper minimal grooves and collaborations with other underground artists.
Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?
Before making music, I used to design small businesses and wellness spaces. That attention to atmosphere and detail actually helps me a lot in producing, I treat every track like an environment people can step into.
HKNC, 1TWO - Groove Culture EP [Hottrax]