Hip-hop artist Ashwin Gane is a boundary-pushing hip-hop artist, producer, and songwriter redefining the intersection of cinematic sound and storytelling. Hailing from Detroit, Ashwin Gane blends his Indian cultural roots with modern hip-hop, creating a unique sonic experience that fuses symphonic orchestration with hard-hitting rap. With a commanding bass-baritone voice and a storyteller’s precision, he crafts music that balances raw intensity with melodic finesse.
We chatted with Ashwin to discuss his new single “Energy”, a smooth, laid-back track about instant chemistry, attraction, and enjoying the moment.
Congrats on your latest release “Energy”. What’s the new song about?
Thank you! “Energy” is flirty, confident, and smooth. It’s about feeling like the guy, moving through life effortlessly, and letting your energy do the work. Whether you’re in the club, riding through the city, or just soaking in the moment, it’s the kind of song that makes you feel untouchable.
When you start to make a song, what comes first beat or lyrics?
For me, the beat always comes first—98% of the time. The production sets the mood and dictates the direction of the lyrics. Before I even start writing, I listen to the instrumental and let it guide me. The rhythm, the chords, the overall feel, they all tell me what kind of song it’s going to be before I even put a pen to paper.
Interestingly, this beat actually started as something I originally made for a soundtrack. The person I was working with at the time passed on it because they wanted something more aggressive, even though they specifically asked for an R&B track. That just reinforced something I’ve learned over time: some people don’t actually know what they want or need. But I knew.
From the beginning, I knew I wanted something R&B-driven but with a bounce. The beat had that throwback R&B feel—smooth, luxurious, and effortlessly cool. It had that late-night vibe, something you could imagine playing at an upscale lounge or cruising through the city at night. Even though it’s modern, it has that 90s glam rap and R&B fusion—that rich, indulgent feel that makes it timeless.
That’s why I always start with the beat. It sets the mood, tells me what the song is supposed to feel like, and the rest follows. The instrumental already had its own personality—I just had to match its energy.
Love that! How did the lyrics match up with the instrumental?
The first spark for the song came from my own interactions and experiences with people. Something I hear all the time is, “I love your energy” or “I love your vibe.” It’s one of those phrases that stuck with me because it happens so often. There’s something about energy, presence, and aura that plays a huge role in attraction, sometimes even more than words or looks. After that initial vibe, came from a feeling I think everyone can relate to—that moment where you wonder, “Are they into me?” Whether it’s a stranger, someone you just met, or even someone you’ve known for a while, there’s always that curiosity. Initially, I thought about making the song lean into that uncertainty, but as soon as I sat with the beat, I knew that wasn’t the right direction.
The music video for the song was also just released. What can fans expect from it?
Friends and supporters can expect a fun, entertaining, and luxurious visual that fully immerses them in the lifestyle of this playboy main character. Unlike some of my more serious videos—like Outside, which had a dark, cinematic, and atmospheric feel. this one is all about confidence, indulgence, and having a good time. It’s lighthearted, smooth, and dripping with style.
The video takes you through a full night in the life of this character. You see him getting ready because, of course, presentation is everything. Then you see him arrive at the club, moving through the scene with effortless cool, completely unbothered, like he owns the place. Inside, he’s lounging in luxury, surrounded by beautiful women, sipping on Hennessy, fully in his element. And then, of course, the night doesn’t end when the lights come on there’s always an afterparty, and that’s where things get even more intimate.
Visually, it’s bold, vibrant, and stylish, with deep blues, golden hues, and neon lighting that give it that high-end, nightlife feel. It has the energy of a 90s glam rap video: smooth, flashy, and larger than life but with a modern twist. Everything about it, from the wardrobe to the way the scenes are framed, plays into that world of effortless confidence and luxury.
How can people keep up with your news?
You can find my latest music and news on my social media platforms here and on my website.
Feel the “Energy” and watch the music video here:
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