e live in the age of algorithms and artificial intelligence. Research tells us that across various major audio and visual platforms, these technological advancements play a significant role in what we consume as listeners and viewers. And beating this tech growth, in some ways, is just not easy. For example, if you’re listening to an artist from one particular genre, the algorithm will guide you towards other similar artists. This means that the music on offer is limited and keeps you away from other diverse musical styles and artists.

Fortunately, this algorithmic form of finding and consuming content, is not applicable to every record label. A case in point: Cape Monze Records (CMR), a Karachi-based indie and electronic record label. Looking at their 2023 releases alone, it is abundantly clear that they’re not pushing listeners towards very, very similar artists. What they offer are artists who are promising, talented and refreshing.

In 2023, Cape Monze Records led by example, releasing singles and EPs that were a smorgasbord of different musical styles by artists you may not have found otherwise. The producers are not the same nor is the idea behind each single or EP.

Examples include Taraqiati Kaam by Tarbooze, 18C by TMPST, ‘Dukh’ by Misbah, ‘Gardish’ by Honeyjamn feat. Wishaal Khalid, Conveyance (EP) by Sawali, ‘Essa // Work’ by Sidd, ‘Laraztay’ by Misbah, and ‘Bas Aik Din’ by Moazzam Faridi.

If you go further back, this theory will become even more clear. The singles and the EP don’t have the same narrative or sound. CMR is beyond algorithms. It is, therefore, a very cool snapshot of what the counterculture music has to offer.

Perhaps CMR is what it is because it is founded by Daniel Arthur Panjwaneey, with Art Director Sana Nasir.

Mr. Panjwaneey is a seasoned musician, producer, engineer and a significant member of the counterculture scene for nearly two decades. His experience goes beyond running a label, though. He has been selected for multiple residencies, one of the few names to have featured on Boiler Room’s Pakistan edition and creator of lasting music in a solo capacity, as Kukido (Alien Panda Jury).

“Directed by Shahbano Farid, Karachi at Night documents how Pakistani artists overcome cultural and structural obstacles to push electronic music in the metropolis. Featuring insights from Kukido (Alien Panda Jury), Karachi Community Radio, Lyla and Rudoh, among others, the film offers a glimpse into the past, present and the future of local nightlife.”

In recent years, Mr. Panjwaneey is one of the forces behind the “collaborative” and one-of-its-kind music festival called Good Scene, which was held in Islamabad for two years in a row.

As 2024 arrived, we asked this cool cat of music what’s in store in the New Year. And, as always, the very polite and candid Mr. Panjwaneey, obliged with answers that showcase his vision without any fuss, considering his rising influence as an artist, a label runner, producer and a thrilling festival co-founder.

“In terms of plans for the label in 2024, we are possibly going to be looking into expanding in the region a little bit,” said Mr. Panjwaneey, pointing out that the label had released Bollywood by Aman Karna, a Nepali artist. “So, what we want to try for 2024 – in addition to focusing on Pakistan - is maybe look at other regions as well like Nepal and other South Asian countries that surround us and expand on the South Asian scene.”

While there are no immediate plans for Good Scene festival, it remains to be seen if and when the festival comes back for another run, somewhere in 2024.

Shining a light on his future as an artist, Mr. Panjwaneey noted that there is a new Alien Panda Jury x Shorbanoor EP on the cards. The two artists have collaborated in the past as well, which culminated in an EP called Nothing Pictures. “We have Nothing Pictures II, which is one of those EPs that Shezzy (Shehzad Noor, aka, Shorbanoor) and I just sat down and created over the course of a night. I have a few Kukido tracks coming up as well throughout the year.”

As Mr. Panjwaneey explained, there are some travel plans for 2024 which means playing, hopefully, in a few other places (not to be mentioned at this point in time). Overall, he confirmed that the idea in general was to expand as an artist and expand the label.

And since we’re talking to one of the cool cats of the counterculture scene, a curious development that shouldn’t be missed is a short documentary called Karachi at Night, which is about Karachi’s underground club scene and is directed by Shahbano Farid.

As Resident Advisor notedin its review, “it documents how Pakistani artists overcome cultural and structural obstacles to push electronic music in the metropolis. Featuring insights from Kukido (Alien Panda Jury), Karachi Community Radio, Lyla and Rudoh, among others, the film offers a glimpse into the past, present and the future of local nightlife.”

Karachi at Night had its premiere in NYC on February 14 and by the time this piece is printed, it will be released on Resident Advisor.

If you’re remotely captivated and interested in knowing how artists navigate their way in the city that never sleeps, and contributed to the rise of a formidable underground club scene, against all odds, do check out this documentary.