Producer Interview: 6RAJ
6RAJ talks overcoming creative blocks, routines, and plans for the new year
To kick off the new year, I’m excited to launch a new series of interviews with creatives and producers. First up is my friend Khaleel, a music producer, DJ, and record label manager based in Berlin.
Khaleel and I first connected during our university days in the U.S., where we were part of the same DJ collective and co-organized events within our local rave community. Reconnecting here in Berlin has been serendipitous, allowing me to follow his journey as an emerging artist making waves in the city’s techno scene.
Last month, I visited him at Riverside Studios, overlooking the river Spree, where he hones his craft. We discussed his creative routines, his path into melodic techno, and his plans for the year ahead.
Henry
Hey Khaleel, thanks for welcoming me to your beautiful studio. I am excited to have you on the debut episode of my creative interview series!
Khaleel
Thanks for having me!
Henry
I sometimes struggle to stay on track with creative projects or finish tracks. Can you share some of your routines or methods for overcoming creative block?
Khaleel
Sure. For me, it’s really important to intentionally take breaks from the creative process. That could mean setting aside specific times during the day or week to step away—whether it’s taking a walk, doing some exercise, meditating, or even planning vacations or holidays.
Being present in the world, connecting with nature, communities, and what society is offering us—it all helps me recharge. These experiences can be inspiring and offer fresh perspectives. I also think it’s important to detox from the constant pressure to produce. We live in a world that often pushes us to endlessly release new music and create more content, but stepping back helps me reset.
Henry
What does an ideal day look like for you?
Khaleel
I like starting the day slowly and intentionally. Meditation is a key part of my morning—it sets a good tone for the day. I have a light breakfast, enjoy a good coffee, and tackle more mechanical or administrative tasks like emails, planning, or editing text in the morning when my focus is sharp.
Afternoons are slower. I might meet a friend for coffee, go for a walk while it’s still light out, or run errands. These moments of downtime help me recharge and approach creative sessions with fresh energy.
Evenings are when I really thrive creatively. I love cooking dinner—especially Indian or Asian food—and, when possible, doing it with friends. After dinner, I’ll usually head to the studio. As a night owl, my most productive creative sessions often happen late. Sometimes, I’ll invite friends for a late-night collab or just work solo with a tea in hand.
On weekends, I love capping off the night by going out to hear amazing DJs or live music. Living in Berlin, I’m fortunate to experience incredible talent regularly, and those moments are deeply inspiring.
Henry
Let’s talk about your journey with melodic techno. Can you pinpoint when your excitement for the genre first developed?
Khaleel
It started when I was living in Cape Town. It was 2018 and I was getting into the local Afro house scene, and during those magical sunset moments at events, DJs would transition into darker, groovier melodic techno as the night went on.
I started Shazaming tracks, digging deeper into the scene, and discovering innovative labels blending Afro house with Berlin-style techno. The more I explored, the more hooked I became. I wanted to collect the tracks, and eventually, I felt inspired to start producing them myself.
Henry
When did you start producing music?
Khaleel
Before I began producing, I started DJing, at a pretty young age. During my time in middle school and high school in Toronto, I was usually playing a mix of hip hop, pop, and EDM at house parties and school events. Later, while studying abroad in Maastricht, living in Cape Town, and building a small local techno scene during university in the U.S., I got more into the electronic music universe—I especially gravitated towards Afro house, deep house, melodic techno, breakbeat, and trance.
As my DJ sets evolved and became more electronic, I wanted to create tracks I could incorporate into my sets. That’s when I started experimenting with production, and it’s been a journey ever since.
Henry
You’ve been releasing music under your label, Interdependence. How did you come up with the name, and what was your goal when starting it?
Khaleel
Interdependence is a concept that resonates deeply with me—the idea that everything and everyone is interconnected. Humans, and all living beings, thrive through mutual support and collective action, and we suffer the most in times of isolation and division. Realizing this interdependence illuminates the path towards a better future.
The name originally came from a charity compilation I released to support a refugee nonprofit. It stuck with me, and when I launched the label, it felt right to center it around those same values.
The goal was to create a platform for storytelling—not just mine, but also for others who share my vision of music as a connective force. A lot of the value-based reasons behind why we make music or express ourselves creatively often get lost amid the challenging realities of entertainment capitalism.
Our record label and global event series draw on the power of shared musical experiences to promote spirituality, community building, and collective liberation. I welcome other artists and community members who share that vision into the Interdependence family.
Henry
You’ve toured quite a bit this year—Ibiza, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and now Montreal. What was your favorite moment from 2024?
Khaleel
That’s tough, but I’d say my debut Interdependence event in Ibiza stands out. It was challenging to organize, but the experience was unforgettable. We were on a boat, watching the Mediterranean sunset, surrounded by an amazing crowd and talented musicians who shared my vision.
That mix of community, music, and a stunning setting captured everything I want Interdependence to stand for. It’s a moment I’ll always treasure, and I can’t wait to create more experiences like that.
Henry
What are your goals for 2025?
Khaleel
On a personal level, I want to take better care of my body—eating well, exercising more, and making touring sustainable.
On the professional side, I’m excited to make an exclusive announcement to your audience, Henry: I am finalizing my first studio album, which will release on Interdependence in 2025. I’m developing a cohesive long-form project that I’m proud of, and I would be excited to turn it into something tangible like a vinyl or CD. Albums are less common in the digital age, but they hold a special place as a career goal for many artists, including myself.
Henry
That’s so exciting! Until then—how are you going to survive the Berlin winter?
Khaleel
Vitamin D helps! But honestly, it’s about staying social—planning cozy activities with friends and getting out of the house. Winters can feel isolating, but creating warmth through community makes all the difference.
Henry
Any travel plans for warmer places?
Khaleel
Yes, though I’m at a colder place right now—I’m in Canada, visiting my family for the holidays. But I do have some warm destinations lined up for the new year.
Henry
If you could sample a pop song from the early 2000s for a track, which one would it be?
Khaleel
Great question! I’d probably go for something by Dr. Dre or Timbaland—legends of early 2000s hip hop production. It’d be a fun challenge to blend that energy with a modern club vibe.
Henry
Awesome. Can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store for 6RAJ and the Interdependence label.
Khaleel Rajwani, known professionally as 6RAJ, is a Canadian producer whose life has taken him through cities like Toronto, Maastricht, Cape Town, and Montreal, each leaving its mark on his musical identity. Now based in Berlin, he’s launched his own label, Interdependence, and embarked on a touring schedule that’s taken him to Ibiza, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and other European cities. You can follow his projects on Instagram and SoundCloud.
Amazing interview!! Congratulations to you both
<3