Operating at the crossroads of sound, film, and immersive storytelling, Nikka Lorak has carved out a distinctive space in the global underground. Shaped by the contrasts of growing up between Egypt and Belgium, now based between London and Dubai, her approach to music is both emotionally raw and meticulously controlled – a duality that defines everything from her atmospheric productions to her energetic live sets.
With a new track “Desire” which dropped a couple of weeks ago, recent appearances at IMS Dubai, and interdisciplinary projects spanning fashion, film, and VR, Nikka Lorak is building a creative universe where intention trumps decoration and depth outlasts hype. We caught up with her to discuss toxic passion, phone-free dancefloors, and why developing taste matters more than chasing visibility.
Your new track “Desire” drops later this month. Can you walk us through the creative process behind it?
“Desire” started from an emotional state rather than a musical idea. It was written while I was going through a relationship that was toxic but deeply captivating, unhealthy yet intense and passionate. That contradiction became the core of the track. I wanted to explore tension and inner conflict rather than energy or release.
Once the vocal collaboration came into place, the production shifted toward a more minimal and atmospheric structure. A lot of the final version was shaped by removing elements and allowing space and restraint to carry the emotional weight of the experience.
You recently spoke at IMS Dubai. What was the main message you wanted to get across, and how did it feel to step onto that stage given your background in visual storytelling?
The main message was that visual identity should be intentional and connected to sound, not decorative. Coming from film and photography, it felt natural to speak about structure, narrative, and emotional clarity. Stepping onto that stage felt like a moment of alignment where different parts of my creative life finally connected.
Growing up between Egypt and Belgium must have given you a pretty unique lens on the world. How do you think those two environments shaped the way you approach music and performance today?
Egypt gave me a sense of scale, emotion, and intensity. Belgium gave me structure, discipline, and a darker musical foundation. Together they shaped the way I approach music as both emotional and controlled. I’m comfortable with contrast, and that duality shows up clearly in how I build sets and tracks.
What’s the local scene like in the places you’re based now? Are you finding community and inspiration there, or do you feel more connected to a global underground that exists beyond geography?
I feel more connected to a global underground than to one specific place. The scenes I move through are very different, but the values I connect with are the same. Depth, intention, and trust between artists and audiences. Community for me is built through shared mindset rather than location.
You’ve played everywhere from underground raves to large-scale festivals. Which show has been the most special or memorable for you so far, and why?
A standout moment was my sold out headline show in Goa at Raeeth. The crowd came without phones and fully committed to the music. The level of presence and emotional engagement was unlike anything I’ve experienced elsewhere. It reminded me what a real connection between artist and audience can feel like.
How has your sound evolved since you first started producing? Can you take us back to how you got into production in the first place, and what does your studio setup look like now?
I’ve always been driven by experimentation, while staying loyal to the core elements I love, bass, energy, and acid. I started producing alongside my work in film, where I became deeply interested in how sound shapes emotion and physical response. That curiosity naturally evolved into creating my own music rather than only supporting other narratives.
My studio travels with me. Because I’m constantly moving, I’ve learned to build my production environment anywhere, whether that’s in a hotel room, a temporary studio, or a collaborator’s space. I collaborate with vocalists and sound engineers around the world. For me, collaboration is at the core of any art form. Exchanging perspectives and energy keeps my sound evolving and grounded at the same time.
Do you have a preference between touring and being in the studio? Does one feed the other, or do they pull you in different directions creatively?
They feed each other. Touring shows me how music lives in real spaces, while the studio is where I process and refine those experiences. I need both. Too much of one without the other creates imbalance.
You’re working on interdisciplinary projects across fashion, film, and even VR. How do you see these worlds colliding with your music in the near future?
I see music as the foundation. Film, fashion, and immersive technologies extend the emotional world of the sound. In the near future, I’m interested in creating experiences where music, visuals, and space are designed together rather than layered afterward.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to producers or DJs who are just starting out and trying to find their voice in a saturated scene?
Focus on developing taste before technique. Learn to listen deeply and understand why something moves you. A clear point of view matters more than speed or visibility.
Looking ahead, what does success look like for you in 2026? Is it about releases, live shows, creative collaborations, or something completely different?
Success for me in 2026 is about coherence. Releasing music that feels honest, performing in spaces that value depth, and building collaborations that expand my artistic language. It’s about longevity rather than numbers.