Nick, first of all—welcome to Lost Kommunication Records! 'Eagle Strike' is an absolute weapon. Can you walk us through your creative process behind this track and what you wanted listeners to feel when they hear it?
Thank you—it’s an honour to be part of the Lost Kommunication family! 'Eagle Strike' was born out of pure adrenaline. I wanted to capture that feeling of raw flight—power, speed, freedom—but also precision, like a strike from above. The creative process was very instinctive; I started with a heavy, rolling bassline and layered in some aggressive 303 acid to give it that bite. The breakdown is euphoric but short-lived, because this track doesn’t give you much breathing room—it’s relentless. I wanted listeners to feel like they’ve been launched into a mission, no turning back—just pure rave warfare.
You grew up in Albania, where musical opportunities were limited, and made the bold move to the UK to pursue your dreams. How did that journey shape the artist you are today, both musically and personally?
That journey shaped everything. Growing up in Albania during the '90s, access to music—especially electronic music—was very limited. But I was hungry for it. I'd pick up any cassette or burned CD I could get my hands on. Moving to the UK was like stepping into another world. Suddenly, I had record shops, underground raves, pirate radio, and all-night events right in front of me. Personally, it made me resilient. I know what it means to fight for your dreams, and musically, it pushed me to soak in every influence, every breakbeat, every synth. That hunger has never left me.
Hard trance, 303s, pounding basslines—your sound clearly pays homage to the golden era of rave culture. What artists or experiences in the UK scene inspired your love for that classic hard trance energy?
Ah, where do I start! The UK rave scene in the early 2000s was pure magic. I’ll never forget the first time I heard a Lab 4 set—absolute chaos in the best way. Artists like Marco V, Sander van Dorn, Marcel Woods, Scot Project, Fred Baker, BK, Nick Sentience, and Kai Tracid, really carved out that aggressive but euphoric edge I fell in love with. Then there were those unforgettable nights at venues like Frantic at Camden Palace or Godskitchen in Birmingham. That energy—laser lights, fog, pounding 140 BPM—it left a permanent imprint on my soul. It wasn’t just music; it was a movement. That’s what I try to channel into every track I make.
From banging on pots as a kid to now producing with a full-blown studio setup—how has your approach to making music evolved over the years, and what gear can you just not live without?
Haha, yes—pots and pans were my first drum kit! Back then it was all about the rhythm in my head, but no tools to get it out. Now, with a full studio and years of experience, I can translate those ideas instantly. My approach has evolved from trial and error to a much more intentional process, but I never let go of that raw energy. Gear-wise, I can’t live without my Access Virus Ti—it’s a trance monster. Also, my Roland JP-8080 and Nord Lead rack get a lot of love. The TB-303 clones bring in that acid magic, and my Eurorack modular setup adds the unpredictability. I love fusing vintage grit with modern polish.
Looking ahead, what kind of musical journey can fans expect from Nick Van Kukaj? Are there specific styles or collaborations you’re itching to explore next?
I'm always evolving, but the spirit of trance and rave is my core. Fans can expect more hard trance weapons, for sure—but also some genre-bending hybrids. I’ve got a few melodic techno and progressive tracks in the pipeline, and I’m experimenting more with breaks and cinematic intros. In terms of collabs, I’ve been connecting with some legends from the early 2000s rave scene, and also working with new-gen producers who are bringing fresh fire. With few to name: Yusef Kifah, Gav Crayton, James Pound, and of course legendary Lab-4, It’s going to be a big year—raw, emotional, and full of energy. The journey’s only just begun.
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