KiNK

Active on the European electronic scene since the mid-2000s, Bulgarian producer Strahil Velchev, known as KiNK, has developed a very direct live approach to house and techno. Based in Sofia, KiNK drew attention with a series of dancefloor-oriented maxi singles that combine Chicago’s legacy, Detroit techno, deep pads and acid sequences, released on labels such as Rush Hour, Ovum and Running Back. His work alternates between club-ready tracks and freer experiments, often built around short melodic motifs, punchy rhythms and real-time variations. In 2014 KiNK released the collaborative album Under Destruction with British producer Neville Watson, extending a partnership that began in 2008, and in 2017 he issued the solo album Playground, where raw house, hypnotic techno and more downtempo pieces meet. At the same time, KiNK developed a performance format centered on improvisation, in which tracks are reconstructed on stage, leading him to play many clubs and international festivals and to pursue numerous collaborations, notably with singer Rachel Row.