Originally from Belgium and now splitting her time between Europe and Asia, Nikka Lorak has carved out a niche in the electronic music scene with her distinctive high-energy and passionate approach. With a background in film directing, she brings a cinematic quality to her performances, creating immersive experiences that truly resonate with audiences. We caught up with her at IMS Ibiza, where we sat down with her for an interview for LoudLife.
Interview With Nikka Lorak:
We are at IMS and next to me is Nikka Lorak. How are you?
I’m very well, thank you very much.
How are you enjoying IMS, and what’s your schedule here?
Oh my gosh, it has been very intense because I’ve had a few meetings, and I’m also so curious to attend a lot of talks, workshops, and conversations going on. But until you get there, you see familiar faces and you get into conversations yourself, so it is quite challenging.
So why do you think that IMS is special, especially for you as an artist?
Well, for me, it is a really great opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, to meet professionals—industry professionals—and also to seek perhaps second opinions, advice, and guidance, because I’m a new label owner. My label is called CRUEL KIND, and it is a hub for electronic rock stars. So I have a lot on my shoulders, and I’m really looking forward to taking it off the ground. I need a lot of help and support.
Owning a label is a big thing, so what motivates you to do this? Because as an artist, it’s already a lot to handle—but as a label owner, it’s much harder. So how do you manage all of it?
Thank you so much—oh, definitely. Being an artist already puts so much on your plate, and you are overwhelmed with all the responsibilities and expectations—both your own and those of others. But as a label owner, I think you step into more of a parent role, because you understand that now is your time to give back and create a platform for artists like yourself—who need reassurance, support, and help covering their blind spots.
My background is in film directing and fashion photography, including branding and rebranding, so that’s what I want to bring to the table—to give opportunities to artists like myself who do not know where to start, and to offer them more guidance and support in their careers. This is something I truly believe in.
So what should producers and DJs have to release on your label?
Oh, definitely—they need to have energy. It is all about energy. It’s about high impact. I believe that entertainers should actually entertain. Do you remember how in the 90s we had the era of rock stars—the Freddies, the Madonnas, the Prodigies?
Nowadays, there are many DJs who are great musicians, but some are not really entertaining—and I want to change that. I want to give people a hell of a performance for the money they paid for their tickets.
What’s your schedule for the summer? You just mentioned that you’ve returned from India—is that correct?
That is absolutely correct. I just finished my two-week tour in India—Mumbai, Delhi. Such wonderful places, with one of the most generous audiences. People come to rave, and they give you incredible energy back from the crowd. Oh my gosh, I definitely recommend artists to go there—they will be so well received.
And my plans for the summer—I’m going to Lisbon, and now I have quite a big session in the studio. Unfortunately, my home is bombed now. My base was in Dubai, my studio was in Dubai, so I’m a bit homeless. I hope the situation will stabilise quickly in the Middle East.
Until then, I will be in Europe—so basically the usual: the festival circuit, some studio work, and a lot of exciting collaborations.
And finally, we are in Ibiza—why do you think Ibiza is special?
It is absolutely a special, magical island. I mean, the roots of the electronic music industry are here. Personally, I’ve been coming here since I was about 18 years old—like every kid. When you are in a big club, you are so fascinated by the energy of the crowd—and the DJ is like a god.
So coming here, I always want to be inspired. But also, having the opportunity to give that much energy back to people—for me, it’s a dream. I’m definitely living a dream.
And of course, the industry is very focused here in Ibiza, so it’s a great opportunity for networking and finding like-minded individuals.
Thank you so much. And enjoy the rest of IMS.
Thank you so much—and thank you for having me.
