Contributing WriterKiRiK has a passion for high-fidelity sound that defines all the music he makes. He’s been active since 2008 with an ever-evolving style, making everything from deep house to spaced-out tech, all while playing across some of Europe’s most tasteful clubs and events. KiRiK also heads up several labels, including vinyl-only outlets Crocus, Memory Remains, Uzvar and Razom and has released on the likes of Moscow Records and Romania’s Tzinah.
KiRiK! Welcome to Music Is 4 Lovers. How has 2025 been for you so far?
Thanks for having me! 2025 is just getting started, but it already feels exciting. At the beginning of the year, I had my first show in Courchevel — it was amazing to combine the performance with some family time in the mountains. I always try to bring my wife and daughter with me wherever I go. After that, we spent some time in Italy — again mixing gigs and vacation. We visited Turin, Milan, Verona, and the beautiful Lake Como. That was pretty much my March and April. And I just got back from Romania, where I played in Deva for the first time — great crowd, really cool vibe. Then I had a little break in stunning Budapest. So yeah, 2025 is already off to a great start!
This month, you’re stepping onto Groove Motive Records with ‘Truth’; what can listeners expect from your latest cut?
My upcoming track “Truth” was inspired by the phrase: “Let the truth be your guiding star.”
I try to stay honest in everything I do, and at that moment, I felt like I wanted to turn that into music. After many tries with vocal generators, I finally found the right voice that gave me goosebumps. I added some 808 sub to give it a bit of tension and edge. The arrangement is pretty minimal, maybe even dry — but it’s all about the mood and that feeling inside. This track is about staying true to yourself. Hope you’ll feel it too.
What would you say sets apart your music from others?
I’m definitely a mood-driven person, and that really comes through in my music. Over the years, my sound has changed — at least that’s how I feel — but people still say they can recognize my style. They often mention the melodies and emotions. I always try to put a piece of my soul and state of mind into each track. I’m not chasing trends — I just listen to myself and how I feel in the moment. You can’t lie to yourself, right? And there’s always a bit of romance and a touch of… let’s say, sensuality in my tracks. Haha Maybe my music needs its own genre — let’s call it Deep Sex House! Someone tell Beatport to add it!
How have you been prepping for summer and where can we expect to see you playing?
For me, summer means the sea and the beach — I love the sun, the ocean, and that relaxed vibe. I’m planning to mix gigs with some quality time with my family. That’s really important to me. I already have parties lined up in Ibiza, along the coasts of France, Greece, Italy, and Croatia. So hopefully I’ll get fully recharged with some salty air and sunshine!
Could you tell our readers how you discover new music, and which 2025 records have stood out to you so far?
I get a huge amount of promos — I don’t always manage to reply to everyone, but I do listen to everything! So thank you, please keep sending — I really appreciate it. Sometimes I discover real gems from unknown or up-and-coming producers, which is always a special feeling. I also spend a lot of time digging through music from the ’90s and 2000s. There’s always magic in those decades — and often I get ideas and inspiration for new tracks while listening. I collect vinyl too, across all kinds of genres, from jazz to alternative rock. One of my latest records is Curse Of Lono – People in Cars — great to listen to while having breakfast, and it’s even pressed in my favorite color: yellow! I’m really a cross-genre person — if the music touches me, that’s what matters.
There have been a lot of great releases in 2025 already, but here are a few that come to mind right away:
Nick Curly – A Little Conversation (Franky Rizardo Remix)
Andrew Azara – The Jam
Leyo, Thierry Ganz, Easttown – Circus
Joe Vanditti – Clean Up
Blackchild (ITA) – Nothing Better Than Music
Prospa – Don’t Stop (Extended Mix)
So yeah… as long as it’s got that feeling, I’m in!
Do you have any passions apart from music?
Absolutely! I still play football whenever I get the chance — no matter where I am. My boots are always with me, just in case! I used to be a professional footballer from 2002 to 2013. In 2004, I even had a trial with Shakhtar Donetsk for almost three months. It didn’t work out back then — I was young and a bit wild, haha.
From 2005 on, I played in the Ukrainian league with clubs like FC Borysfen Boryspil
Illichivets Mariupol, Olkom Melitopol, MFC Mykolaiv, FC Enerhiya Nova Kakhovka, and my hometown team, Krystal Kherson. After my professional career, I played for amateur teams like Kolos Khlibodarivka and FC Tavriya Novotroitske in the Kherson region, and for nearly 10 years, I played in the city league for my favourite team, Elit Taxi.
Now that I’m living in Croatia, I’ve been playing here too — from 2022 to 2024 I played for NK Croatia Hrastje, then for NK Gradići, and in 2025 I joined NK Lonja Lonjica. I even scored my first goal for them last week! I’ve also just started playing for their veterans team, so now I’ve got two games a week. Can’t complain!
What do you think of phones on the dance floor?
I wouldn’t say I’m totally against it, but sometimes it feels like people are just there to show they were there, like, “Look, I’m filming, I was here.” That kind of approach I don’t really like. but at the same time, it’s part of our era…
This is just how things are now, and there’s no way around it. Let them record — maybe later, they’re feeling down, and those videos help them reconnect with the vibe and emotions they felt in the club. Like, imagine you had an amazing time in Ibiza in the summer, and then one day in winter you’re feeling low… You open your phone, watch that clip, and boom — the memories come back, you smile, and feel that energy again. So, yeah, I get it.
Thanks so much for chatting with us; is there anything else in the works you can share with us?
Thank you for the chat! Yes — there’s one piece of news I’ve been waiting to share for almost 15 years. I have an upcoming release on one of my all-time favourite labels — a label I’ve been following since the very beginning. You’ll see it very soon 🙂
To everyone reading this — sending you a big hug! To all the guys — a firm handshake, and to all the ladies — a kiss! Thanks for supporting good music — and mine too.
Instagram – Soundcloud – Beatport
