KRÆK and Nickbee weather the storms on "The Survival EP"
InsightsWritten by Brian Grimmlin on
The spider web effect of the Ukrainian war rages on with devastating effects, affecting the world in a host of unexpected ways. Coupled with the fallout created from the COVID pandemic, the introduction of Artificial Intelligence, Brexit, and many other global hardships, the entire world has been thrown into a constant discordant state. Music is a method of making sense of these situations - from helping one cope with its stresses to documenting the state of current affairs; it contains the power to relay unique insights and emotions that do everything from education to providing a voice for our most intense emotions.
The Survival EP on Flexout Audio is a unique specimen of these facts; a collaboration between Kraek and Nickbee, it's a captivating reflection of our current world as it dives into the unfolding anxieties affecting the world while also providing a direct glimpse into the complications of the Ukrainian war itself. Kraek is a German-based producer, with extensive experience in promoting events as well as quickly establishing himself as a heavyweight producer with his recent releases on Flexout Audio. Nickbee currently resides in Ukraine, developing his work despite the ongoing difficulties faced by those living there. With twenty years of music experience under his belt, he has garnered respect due to his expertise in sound production as well as the breadth of diversity present in his catalog.
Living in a war zone affects every aspect of life, and this is acutely felt in the creative process.
NickBee: Since everything began, life has switched into ‘survival mode.’ The economic situation is tough, and so many people have lost their homes. We face power cuts, and we’re not even sure if we’ll have stable electricity or heating this winter. I’m spending most of my time in the countryside, where it’s easier to clear my mind and escape the sadness.
NickBee: Music isn’t just my passion; it’s my way out of the depressive tension around me. Creating lets me disconnect from the reality of my surroundings. I’m lucky to be in central Ukraine, but the tension and danger are always there. I just hope this will pass soon for everyone.
Even the sound design development was drastically impacted by the effects of the war, creating unusual difficulties while also influencing the development that ultimately shaped the color and sound of the release.
Kraek: Both Nick and I are drawn to adding more musical depth to Drum & Bass—melancholic melodies and darker sounds. It naturally reflects the reality of the war without us even having to force it.
Kraek: Collaborating remotely presented its own set of unique challenges, especially when working with different DAWs: Nick’s on Cubase, and I’m on Ableton Live, so we exchange stems back and forth. Real-time collaboration can be tough too, especially with Nick dealing with sudden power cuts. It’s a different workflow, but it has advantages. We often bounce ideas back and forth via messenger, sending snippets and voice notes. It’s completely different from in-person work, but it still works for us. Dominik ‘Smeerlapp’ has also been essential in polishing our productions and bringing that extra professional touch.
Much of the long-term anxiety stemming from the war is being felt through a sense of disconnection from many facets of art and life.
NickBee: It’s definitely changed a lot. As an artist, you usually travel a lot, meet new people, and share your music at gigs—connecting with those emotions is a big part of the process, and that’s not happening right now. It’s sad. So, when I sit down to make music, sometimes I channel that mood, and sometimes I don’t. It really depends on a lot of things.
Channeling those high-strung emotions into a larger context, the artists realized this current situation speaks to the state of the world in general.
Kraek: The last five years have been challenging for everyone, with a constant feeling of survival mode. We have all these fears—will the war escalate, will there be another pandemic, or will extreme politics take over? It’s very unsettling, and I’m sure many feel the same.
Despite the many challenges related to the war and their physical distance, these two producers have crafted a brooding journey that sheds light on a dark corner of modern life. And despite the rolling aggression found throughout the album, they have delivered a body of work that gives voice to our frustrations, inspiring the fight against adversity and the will to come together to combat injustices across the world.
Out December 3 on most major platforms—along with a very special limited vinyl run in support of the Ukrainian Crisis Appeal—this is a release that effectively pairs introspection with an eye toward evolving the dancefloor. It showcases the label’s and artists’ dedication to moving things forward in both the technological and emotive sides of music.
