Interview with HC
Hemachandra Vedala or HC as the expansive EDM world knows them, is introducing their explosive music style beyond their home country of India. Conjoining the intricacies of traditional attributes of Indian rhythms with a riveting techno-rave pulse, their new single “MA NI” explores a message most pertinent to the musician’s ideology. The galvanizing track utilizes the dialect of HC’s native language Telugu, the title “MA NI” meaning “money” and adjacent phrases “pa-ni,” meaning “work” and “ga-da” meaning “isn’t it” to spell out an encouraging mantra: “Stay true to your work, and wealth will follow.” This statement has proven more than successful for the artist, starting out as a playback singer in the Telugu industry and now moving their music in a more free-spirited direction. HC’s impenetrable reach is set only to grow as their ferociously expressive sound commands an audience while staying indubitably true to their identity.
Q. Your new song “MA NI” incorporates various musical textures and follows the Indian musical tradition of Swarakshara. How does this technique create a unique presence for the track?
A. “MA NI” is a fusion of the music I grew up on and how I see the world today. When these vibes come together, it creates something magical for me. The track has strong Indian roots, which isn’t something you hear in the mainstream right now. The beats give it its core, while the Indian influences add soul and depth. It’s a fresh blend of tradition and modern sound, giving it a unique global vibe that hits differently.
Q. You’ve crafted a name for yourself in the Bollywood scene and are now trying to expand your reach to the U.S. and beyond. Talk about how EDM music specifically unites listeners across the globe.
A. Yeah, my roots are totally from India, but honestly, music is like the ultimate universal language. You vibe with it, no translator is needed. Authenticity is what connects anyone, anywhere. For this track, I picked EDM, but trust me, my music doesn’t stay in one lane. To keep it 100%, I like to say my sound is basically AMFJ; All Mix Fruit Juice, because I’m always blending flavors!
Q. You serve as a playback singer for a variety of Indian films, providing vocals for widely successful productions including the Oscar-winning RRR. What can you say about the process of recording music specifically for the film world?
A. RRR has been one of the dream come true moments. All the legends at one place and myself who is standing in the same spot watching the magic in the execution. That spark is definitely one of the reasons for me to stay indie and put my music out with more confidence and authenticity.
Q. Your style of EDM fuses classic hyper-techno beats with clever wordplay and a strong underlying meaning. What’s your secret to bringing these elements of music so cohesively together?
A. I always felt that every sound that’s there in the universe teaches us something or the other. I want my songs to do the same. So here is one of the experiments that I have heard frequently but executed very rarely while growing up. I like doing experiments rather than being one in the race. So I chose this with a strong belief that I have which is “We are born with a reason. 99% of the corruption is created by the external factors which are just passing clouds. do what you have to do, rest shall follow you”
Q. The note progression in “MA NI” utilizes your native language of Telugu to illustrate the simple yet impactful mantra, “stay true to your work, and wealth will follow.” How does this message represent you as an artist?
A. I am excellently carved by my dad. He always has been my backbone. No matter what I wanted to do in life, the only words I heard from him are; You like it? You do it and bury the worry, just keep cooking the curry. Such metaphorical words kept me grounded & authentic.
Q. You’ve recently announced that your music journey is reaching an exciting precipice saying, “This is just the beginning, and trust me, the music I’m about to drop is gonna hit different.” What has been the most surprising for you thus far as you’ve infiltrated the music industry?
A. With this support, to say what I’m gonna do in one line is; I am not here for a hit. I am here to hit!