In Conversation with Khen

As one of melodic house and progressive music’s most respected storytellers, Khen has built a reputation for crafting productions that effortlessly balance deep emotion with dancefloor sophistication. With acclaimed releases on labels such as Lost & Found, Anjunadeep, Bedrock, and All Day I Dream, alongside his own imprint Closure, the Israeli producer continues to refine a sound that is both timeless and deeply personal.

His latest project sees him reimagining Nora En Pure’s evocative ‘Spring Embers’, transforming the original’s organic warmth into a hypnotic, groove-led journey while preserving its emotional core. We caught up with Khen to discuss the inspiration behind the remix, his evolving creative process, and what lies ahead in an exciting new chapter of his career.

What was it about Nora En Pure’s original version of “Spring Embers” that inspired you to take on the remix?

There’s a lightness to it, but also something very emotional underneath that would translate to my style. When the opportunity came up I didn’t need much convincing. It’s the kind of track you feel honoured to be asked about.

The original has a beautiful, organic energy. How did you approach reimagining it through your own melodic and groove-driven lens?

Carefully. My first instinct was to not overdo it. The original works because of its simplicity and warmth, so I tried to honour that while bringing it into the deeper, more groovy world I work in. I wanted someone who loves the original to still recognise what made them fall for it.

Was there a particular element from the original track that became the anchor for your remix?

The melody. It’s the heart of the track and I knew early on I didn’t want to stray too far from it. Everything else like the drums, the textures and the build was made around preserving the original’s core.

Your productions are known for balancing emotional depth with dancefloor impact. How did you strike that balance on this remix?

That tension is actually what I enjoy most about producing. With this one I tried to let the groove carry the energy so the melody could breathe. If the rhythm is doing its job, you don’t need to force the emotion. It finds its own space.

You’ve released music across labels like Lost & Found, Anjunadeep, Bedrock, and All Day I Dream and of course your own label Closure. What was your experience in connecting with these imprints and making your sound stick out from the masses?

I never really approached it as trying to stand out. I just tried to make music that felt honest to me and trusted that the right people would connect with it. Each of those labels has a very clear identity and I think if you respect that and bring something genuine, the relationship tends to develop naturally. I’ve been lucky to have those doors open.

As an artist who has built a strong identity through both originals and remixes, what makes a remix project truly exciting for you?

When you genuinely love the original. If it’s a track that already means something to you, the process feels less like an assignment and more like a conversation with the original. Spring Embers was one of those. I wasn’t approaching it as a task at all.

The remix arrives during a period of growing international recognition for you. How do you feel your sound has evolved since your breakthrough with One Day of Independence?

I think I’ve gotten more patient. Early on there was an urgency to say everything at once. Now I’m more comfortable and patient. I can let a track develop slowly and trust that the listener will stay with it. The roots are the same — warm, melodic, groovy.

You’ve earned support from artists ranging from John Digweed and Lee Burridge to Keinemusik. How has that encouragement shaped your confidence as a producer and DJ?

It means a lot, genuinely. When artists you’ve looked up to for years connect with your music it’s a strange and wonderful feeling. It doesn’t change how I make music — I still make what feels right to me — but it does give you a confidence that you’re on the right track I guess. I’m grateful for it.

Where do you imagine this remix having its biggest impact: in an intimate club setting, during a festival set, or perhaps in one of your signature sunrise moments?

Sunrise, without a doubt. That’s where it lives for me. There’s something about the way the melody opens up that feels made for that moment when the room shifts and everyone’s just floating. That’s the image I had in my head when I was finishing it.

Looking ahead, what can fans expect from Khen for the rest of 2026, and does the “Spring Embers” remix hint at where your sound is headed next?

There’s a lot coming. Especially a collaboration on Closure I’m very excited about.

Connect with Khen