DJ, turntablist and composer NikNak delivered a Canadian premiere performance at the latest edition of MUTEK Montréal, bringing what she described as her own version of “a Black British Afrofuturistic sonic story, or world” to the festival. The result was an immersive set both sonically and visually, with the Montréal crowd locked into the moment from start to finish. Tap in.
Who: NikNak.
Where: Originally from London, now based in Leeds.
What: I’m heavily inspired by dub, so echoes and reverbs play a big part in my music and performances. I also love warping field recordings and sounds via turntablism. When that happens, new sounds emerge, and that’s fun to get inspired in the moment, too. Being able to use the turntables in my work and performance in new ways is very inspiring to me whenever I get on stage and play, because there’s always something different that happens, and I love that surprise. Overall, I work mainly within electronic music, but I’m not tied to one sub-genre within it, either. I find inspiration in jazz, classical music, and other forms of Black music.
When: MUTEK Montréal 2025, my first time performing in Canada. The crowd was so engaged and vibing with everything, and I have to give a massive shout-out to Hailey Guzik, who did the visuals on the night, too. Looking back at people’s Instagram stories and the official photos taken on the night really showed me what Hailey was doing, and it was incredible.
It was a moment for me to bring my version of a Black British Afrofuturistic sonic story, or world, to Montréal. I’m so grateful to everyone who came, danced and received me and my performance so warmly. At the end, I took a bow, and everyone cheered as the words “Free Palestine, Free Sudan, Free Congo, Free All Oppressed Peoples” came on the screen behind me, warranting even harder cheers from the crowd. Again, I give props to Hailey for including this in the visuals.
I truly felt seen at MUTEK by the crowd, sound engineers, organisers and volunteers, and I was able to really push the boat out with this performance. I was definitely combating my nerves during it. People even came up to me after and spoke about the show, which I’m also very grateful for. My warmest thanks again to the team at MUTEK for having me; it really was a dream come true.
Why: For me, it’s an opportunity to tell sonic stories that can reflect who you are in the moment, what you’re thinking about, and so much more – especially when you’re doing a live set of your own material. I feel like it offers me a chance to take the audience to a safe, new and immersive place where I can try out some new ideas, and we can just share a special moment, especially as things continue to get more and more turbulent everywhere else.
Listen to the full live series here.
Live from MUTEK Montréal: NikNak
Live from MUTEK Montréal: NikNak
DJ, turntablist and composer NikNak delivered a Canadian premiere performance at the latest edition of MUTEK Montréal, bringing what she described as her own version of “a Black British Afrofuturistic sonic story, or world” to the festival. The result was an immersive set both sonically and visually, with the Montréal crowd locked into the moment from start to finish. Tap in.
Who: NikNak.
Where: Originally from London, now based in Leeds.
What: I’m heavily inspired by dub, so echoes and reverbs play a big part in my music and performances. I also love warping field recordings and sounds via turntablism. When that happens, new sounds emerge, and that’s fun to get inspired in the moment, too. Being able to use the turntables in my work and performance in new ways is very inspiring to me whenever I get on stage and play, because there’s always something different that happens, and I love that surprise. Overall, I work mainly within electronic music, but I’m not tied to one sub-genre within it, either. I find inspiration in jazz, classical music, and other forms of Black music.
When: MUTEK Montréal 2025, my first time performing in Canada. The crowd was so engaged and vibing with everything, and I have to give a massive shout-out to Hailey Guzik, who did the visuals on the night, too. Looking back at people’s Instagram stories and the official photos taken on the night really showed me what Hailey was doing, and it was incredible.
It was a moment for me to bring my version of a Black British Afrofuturistic sonic story, or world, to Montréal. I’m so grateful to everyone who came, danced and received me and my performance so warmly. At the end, I took a bow, and everyone cheered as the words “Free Palestine, Free Sudan, Free Congo, Free All Oppressed Peoples” came on the screen behind me, warranting even harder cheers from the crowd. Again, I give props to Hailey for including this in the visuals.
I truly felt seen at MUTEK by the crowd, sound engineers, organisers and volunteers, and I was able to really push the boat out with this performance. I was definitely combating my nerves during it. People even came up to me after and spoke about the show, which I’m also very grateful for. My warmest thanks again to the team at MUTEK for having me; it really was a dream come true.
Why: For me, it’s an opportunity to tell sonic stories that can reflect who you are in the moment, what you’re thinking about, and so much more – especially when you’re doing a live set of your own material. I feel like it offers me a chance to take the audience to a safe, new and immersive place where I can try out some new ideas, and we can just share a special moment, especially as things continue to get more and more turbulent everywhere else.
Listen to the full live series here.
