Few artists move as comfortably between creative worlds as Nikka Lorak. Before stepping behind the decks and into the studio, she built her career as a film director, developing a storytelling approach that continues to shape her music today. That cinematic perspective, combined with years spent navigating fashion, technology, and culture, has helped her craft a distinctive identity within electronic music, one rooted as much in vision as sound.
Now, Lorak is entering a new chapter with the launch of CRUEL KIND, a label she describes as a platform for the next generation of electronic music’s standout personalities. The announcement arrives alongside “Signs,” her recent collaboration with Patrick Scuro and The Post Brothers, and ahead of the label’s debut release, her forthcoming single “CONTROL.”
In this interview, Nikka Lorak speaks with House Nest about the transition from filmmaking to music, the story behind “Signs,” the philosophy driving CRUEL KIND, and why she believes the future belongs to artists who create lasting identities rather than follow trends.
Hello, Nikka. Thanks for joining us today. How are you doing, and how has the start of summer been for you so far?
Thank you for having me. I’m doing great. The start of summer has been incredibly busy but also very inspiring. I’ve been spending time between Europe and Asia, working on new music, preparing releases, and building CRUEL KIND. I always find that travelling exposes me to new sounds, cultures, and perspectives, which naturally feeds back into my creativity. It’s been one of those periods where everything feels like it’s moving forward at once.
You originally came from a film directing background. What inspired you to transition into music production and pursue a career as an artist and DJ?
Music was always present in my life, but filmmaking taught me how to tell stories and create emotional experiences. Eventually I realised that electronic music allowed me to do something very similar, but in a much more immediate way. Instead of guiding an audience through a two-hour film, you can create a powerful emotional journey in a few minutes or on a dancefloor in real time.
The transition felt natural because both disciplines are about atmosphere, emotion, and connection. My background in film still influences everything I do today, from production and performance to branding and visual storytelling.
Let’s talk about your recent release, “Signs,” with Patrick Scuro and The Post Brothers. How did the collaboration come together, and what’s the story behind the track?
I’ve admired Patrick’s energy and approach to peak-time techno for a long time, so collaborating felt very organic. The track started from a shared desire to create something emotional but powerful, something that could connect both on headphones and on a festival stage.
“Signs” explores those moments in life when intuition quietly points you in a direction before logic catches up. We wanted to capture that feeling of momentum, anticipation, and transformation. Musically, it combines driving energy with melodic elements, which reflects the sound I’ve been developing lately.
You recently announced the launch of your new record label, CRUEL KIND. Can you reveal what the label’s first release will be?
Yes. The first release on CRUEL KIND will be my upcoming single, “CONTROL.”
Launching the label with my own record felt like the right decision because it allows me to establish the label’s identity exactly as I envision it from day one. “CONTROL” represents many of the qualities that define CRUEL KIND: high energy, strong emotional impact, attitude, and a sound designed for peak-time moments.
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Speaking of CRUEL KIND, what’s your long-term vision for the label? Do you plan to sign and develop other artists, and what will set it apart from other electronic music labels?
Absolutely. My vision extends far beyond releasing records. I want CRUEL KIND to become a platform that helps artists build complete careers and identities.
There are many labels focused purely on music. I want to focus on the artist as a whole: the sound, the performance, the visual world, the story, and the long-term career strategy.
We will work with artists who have something distinctive to say and who are willing to push themselves creatively. The goal is not to create copies of what’s already successful. The goal is to help create future headliners.
You’ve described CRUEL KIND as a label created for “the rockstars of electronic music.” What does that phrase mean to you, and how do you plan to bring that vision to life through the label?
To me, being a rockstar has nothing to do with genre. It’s about presence, individuality, courage, and the ability to move people.
Electronic music has incredible producers, but I think the industry also needs more larger-than-life personalities and performers. Artists who stand for something, who create unforgettable moments, and who aren’t afraid to express themselves.
CRUEL KIND is built around that philosophy. We want artists who have both musical excellence and the ambition to become cultural figures rather than simply releasing tracks.
Beyond music, you’ve spoken at IMS and UNESCO, and you’ve even served as a judge at Berlin Fashion Week. How have those experiences outside of the studio influenced your perspective as an artist and entrepreneur?
Those experiences have shown me that creativity doesn’t exist in isolation. Music, fashion, technology, culture, and education are increasingly interconnected.
Speaking at international conferences and participating in projects outside the music industry has helped me understand how artists can create impact beyond the dancefloor. It has also reinforced the importance of building a strong personal identity and long-term vision.
As an entrepreneur, it reminds me that artists today are not just musicians. They’re brands, storytellers, community builders, and cultural contributors.
You’re splitting your time between Europe and Asia. How do you stay creative, focused, and grounded while constantly moving between such different cultures and environments?
I actually find movement energising rather than distracting. Different environments challenge your assumptions and expose you to new ideas.
At the same time, I’ve learned that routines matter. No matter where I am, I make time for music, exercise, reading, and reflection. Those habits create consistency when everything around you is changing.
Travel constantly reminds me how diverse the world is, and that perspective is something I value deeply both as an artist and as a person.
Electronic music is evolving faster than ever. What trends or shifts in the scene are exciting you the most right now, and where do you see the industry heading over the next few years?
I’m excited by the return of strong artistic identities. For a while, a lot of music felt driven by algorithms and trends. Now we’re seeing artists focus more on personality, storytelling, and creating recognisable worlds around their projects.
Musically, I also think we’re entering a period where genres matter less than emotional impact. Audiences are becoming more open to records that combine energy, melody, emotion, and unexpected influences.
Looking ahead, I believe the biggest artists will be those who can create genuine connections and memorable experiences rather than simply follow trends.
Finally, what’s next for you this summer, and what can fans expect from Nikka Lorak in the months ahead?
This summer is focused on growth. There will be new music, new collaborations, and the official launch of CRUEL KIND.
I’m continuing to evolve my sound towards a more powerful form of peak-time techno while keeping the melodic and cinematic elements that have always been part of my identity.
Most importantly, people will start to see the bigger vision behind everything I’m building. Not just individual releases, but an entire creative ecosystem designed around music, performance, and artist development.
The next chapter is about creating something that lasts, and I’m very excited for people to experience it.
Nikka Lorak’s “Control” is out on 15th July via her new label, Cruel Kind. Nikka Lorak’s collaboration with Patrick Scuro & The Post Brothers “Signs,” is out now on Animarum Recordings
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