IN CONVERSATION WITH BRBKO
interview by MARIE-PAULINE CESARI
Numéro Netherlands Digital presents an interview with elusive UK underground artist Brbko, ahead of his debut LP BRAK VS. BRAK—dropping this June via Scenic Route. Known for pushing sonic boundaries and rejecting trends, Brbko shares insights on his creative journey, spiritual awakenings, and why his new single WE ALL IN GOD’S PUM is a love letter to divine femininity.
What first sparked your love for music as a kid?
My dad used to collect CDs — that was his thing. He always had a new album on rotation in the whip. Definitely impacted the way I listen to and make music, ‘cause it made me really appreciate full-length projects and gave me a wide palette.
Who were your biggest inspirations growing up?
I’m inspired by people who truly pioneer — the ones who follow their own vision even when no one else sees it yet. My closest friends have always been a little unconventional, outsiders in their own ways. More than anything, I draw inspiration from new experiences, exploration, and learning more about myself. Routine and jadedness drain me — that’s when I start to lose my spark.
How did pirate radio and the rave scene shape your sound?
Bass. Also, in those settings it’s all about having the most out-there sound — the aim of the game is moving people in real time, getting reloads, all that. That “WTF is this, I’ve never heard anything like it” factor — that’s what always catches my ear.
Your music blends grime, downtempo, and more... How do you keep it cohesive?
I don’t really like to think of my music in those terms. I’m not a mathematician, and I’m not too fussed about genres and labels. I’m not even sure what “downtempo” really means — that just came from another article I was featured in. Grime, to me, is more of a culture I’ve grown up in and actively participated in, rather than something I deliberately draw from. Whatever I make will naturally carry that influence. It all feels cohesive because it’s simply an expression of how I’m feeling in the moment.
What does ‘BRAK VS. BRAK’ say about your own inner conflict?
The title comes from an episode of Samurai Jack where his adversary is an evil clone of himself. I often relate my environment to the world of Aku that Jack’s trapped in — shifting landscapes, nature destroyed, every walk of life under tyranny and malevolence. Jack defeats his clone after realizing it’s just a manifestation of his own darkness. It’s easy to blame our surroundings for our demons, but I guess, like the track itself, mine are of my own making. My life is not that bad, after all.
Do you often feel like you're in battle with yourself creatively?
Never. To be honest, the biggest creative battle for me happens when the people I’m working with aren’t on my wavelength. Usually that comes down to taste level, closed-mindedness, or mentality. I also find it hard to make music with haters in the room, spreading insecurity and bad vibes — but I’m working on being able to stay in my own frequency regardless of the environment.
Dream collab — who’s on your list?
To be honest, I really would love to work with OPN — Oneohtrix Point Never. We’ve gotta make some beats together.
What do you want people to feel when they hear the full LP?
I just hope they feel something. There’s so much noise out there, so much trendy music made just to blow — I’m rarely moved. My music comes from a very real place, from real experiences and emotions. A lot of sacrifice went into this record.
How does fashion play into your artistic identity?
Fashion’s just another medium of expression to me. What I’m wearing or the fashion I’m into always reflects my interests, mood, and whatever I’m up to. Like with the music, I’m not mathematical about it. I like a lot of custom stuff, one-of-ones, memorabilia, etc. Come to think of it, I don’t shop online much. Most of my clothes have a story behind them — like, I clearly remember where me and them first met.
Which city or stage feels like home — or one you still want to play?
Over the years I’ve learned that “home” is very temporary. A lot of the venues or nights I used to frequent or play at don’t exist anymore, or just aren’t the same — same goes for the places I’ve lived. That said, current venues that feel like home are definitely Ormside Projects (South East London) and Soup Kitchen (Manchester). Those are the two spots I’ve been to and performed at the most.
