In the vast landscape of electronic music, some projects have the power to evoke imagery, emotions, and boundless journeys.
Distant Lands, the new EP by Hasan Ghazi and Hussain Dossa, is one of them. Blending techno and house with melodic influences, the duo has crafted a sonic experience that transports listeners through exploration, nostalgia, and energy.
In this interview, we delve into the concept behind the EP, the creative process that brought these two artists together, and their vision of the independent music scene.
Connect with Hasan Ghazi on Instagram / Facebook / Soundcloud / YouTube
Connect with Hussain Dossa on Instagram / Facebook / Soundcloud
“Distant Lands” is an evocative title. What is the concept behind this EP, and what emotions did you aim to convey through your music?
Hasan Ghazi: The idea behind “Distant Lands” was to capture that feeling of exploration—whether it’s traveling to a new place or just getting lost in music. We wanted to create something that feels both adventurous and nostalgic. There’s a mix of deep melodies and driving rhythms that take you on a journey, whether you’re on a dancefloor or just vibing on your own.
Hussain Dossa: Yeah, it’s about movement—physically, emotionally, even mentally. The tracks carry a sense of longing but also excitement, like stepping into the unknown. We love creating music that tells a story, and this EP really captures that energy.
Did your collaboration stem from a shared musical affinity or a long-standing friendship? How did you work together to shape this project?
Hasan Ghazi: We connected through music first. We both have a deep love for melodic techno and progressive sounds, so working together just made sense.
Hussain Dossa: Exactly. It wasn’t like we were longtime friends who decided to collab—we just clicked musically. Hasan brings that high-energy, club-driven sound, and I like to layer in emotion and depth. We bounced ideas back and forth until we found the perfect balance between the two.
Music is a central part of your lives, but what do you do in your free time to disconnect and find inspiration outside the studio?
Hasan Ghazi: Traveling is a big one for me. Experiencing different places, cultures, and sounds always sparks new ideas. I also try to stay active—working out helps clear my head and keeps me balanced.
Hussain Dossa: For me, it’s all about nature and getting away from screens. Whether it’s hiking, spending time by the water, or even just disconnecting from everything, that’s when the best ideas come. Also, digging into different genres of music—sometimes inspiration comes from unexpected places.
Reckoning Records is a cornerstone of the independent electronic scene. What led you to release Distant Lands on this label?
Hasan Ghazi: Well, I run the label, so naturally, it was a perfect fit! But beyond that, Reckoning has always been about pushing forward-thinking electronic music, and this EP really aligns with that vision.
Hussain Dossa: Yeah, Reckoning is all about showcasing artists who bring something fresh to the table. It’s a label that truly supports its artists, and having this EP released here just made sense.
Your EP blends techno and house with melodic influences. Which artists or genres inspired the sound of Distant Lands?
Hasan Ghazi: We both pull from a mix of influences—classic progressive house, deep melodic techno, and even a touch of cinematic sound design. Artists like Hernán Cattáneo, Anyma, and Tales of Us have definitely influenced our sound in different ways.
Hussain Dossa: I’d also add guys like Ben Böhmer and Frankey & Sandrino. We love blending deep, emotive melodies with club-ready energy. The goal was to make something that feels immersive but still hits hard in a set.
The music industry is constantly evolving. In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges for an independent artist today, and how do you tackle them?
Hasan Ghazi: The biggest challenge is visibility. There’s so much music being released every day that breaking through the noise is tough. You have to be consistent—not just in releasing music, but in building your brand, connecting with fans, and staying relevant.
Hussain Dossa: Yeah, and staying true to your sound while adapting to changes in the industry is key. Streaming, social media, and algorithms make it harder for organic growth, but at the end of the day, good music and a strong community always win.
Thank you!
