Magnetic Mix 251: Blanka Barbara

Blanka Barbara has always moved between different creative spaces—whether composing for theatre, playing club sets, or experimenting with electronic textures. Her new label, UNTOLD, is the next step in that journey, giving her a platform to explore music beyond strict genre lines.

Coming off the back of KS6: Small Forward at London’s Barbican Centre, Blanka was reminded of how much she values storytelling in music. UNTOLD is built around that idea—blurring the lines between club culture and cinematic soundscapes, where each release adds to a bigger narrative. The debut track, Mirali, started as part of KS6 and has since evolved for the label, capturing the energy of a live sports moment through layered, emotive production.

In this chat, she talks about what led to UNTOLD, how theatre and club culture feed into her work, and why she’s drawn to collaboration – and drops an exclusive mix for us.

Launching UNTOLD feels like a natural evolution of your artistic journey. What inspired you to take this step now, and how do you see the label shaping your direction moving forward?

Having returned to my roots in stage music with the “KS6” project currently running at the Barbican Centre in London, I reminded myself what I had missed from my creative life. I love having a wide creative landscape where I’m not confined to a specific genre; instead, I can explore various styles and sounds.

I believe that music serves to enhance a narrative, a greater storyline; and with UNTOLD, I have the perfect platform to showcase my ideas and artistic vision. By establishing my own label, I can curate projects that resonate with my identity as an artist and connect deeply with my audience. Moving forward, I see UNTOLD as a space for experimentation and collaboration, where stories and sounds can intertwine in unique and meaningful ways.

“Mirali” was originally written as the closing piece for “KS6: Small Forward”. How did the theatrical context influence the composition, and did you have to adapt the track for its release on UNTOLD?

Working with real actors on the stage of a serious theatre company presents an entirely different creative process. The script serves as the primary source of inspiration, and through workshops with the actors, we strive to uncover the emotional depths of the play. The visual elements are also powerful, especially in “KS6”, which draws inspiration from a real personality in basketball – Katya Snytsina, playing under number 6.

“Mirali” was inspired by the exhilarating moment when Katya’s London Lions team won the Eurocup last year – I was actually at the game in Copper Box Arena and shocked at their unexpected victory!! The overwhelming joy from that experience profoundly influenced my composition, which I aimed to convey in the track.

In theatrical context, “Mirali” celebrates this triumph. For its release on UNTOLD, I extended the soundtrack and introduced new narrative elements. Additionally, I plan to create a DJ-friendly rework of the track, so stay tuned for that!

Your music often bridges the worlds of club culture and more cinematic, immersive experiences. How do you balance those two influences, and how does UNTOLD reflect that duality?

I always incorporate piano, synthesizers and drum machines into my productions to create a rich and authentic sound. Preserving the essence of club culture and digesting new immersive experiences is going to be essential. I find that blending these elements enhances both and creates a new dimension; perhaps a new genre will emerge…

UNTOLD is designed as an event concept that promises immersive performances, where the visual aspects will play a vital role. By engaging visuals and storytelling, we aim to fully immerse the audience in the experience, bridging the gap between a vibrant club atmosphere and a narrative-driven, often staged, performance. This balance allows listeners to feel both energized and emotionally connected to the unfolding story.

“Mirali” is a collaboration with Late Arrivals. What was the creative process like, and how did their input shape the final track?

Late Arrivals is my alter ego, a collaborative project I’m shaping with pianist and composer St. Ignatius. Our duo functions like a band; during our performances, we have a live set-up with me on synthesizers and Ableton, and St. Ignatius on piano, keyboards, percussion.

The same collaborative spirit guided the creation of “Mirali”. We wanted the track to feature authentic drums, giving it a raw, unpolished, and genuine feel. The excitement of the London Lions winning the Eurocup and the roar of the stadium was unbelievable. To encapsulate that emotion, we mixed stadium samples into the track, ensuring we captured the essence and joy of that victorious moment.

UNTOLD’s vision emphasizes storytelling and emotional depth. Beyond the music itself, how do you plan to develop that narrative through the label’s releases and overall aesthetic?

UNTOLD is all about the fusion of genres, creating a home for electronic music misfits. Stylish aesthetic, where a narrative plays the most crucial role. Each release will not only be a standalone piece but will also contribute to a larger storytelling experience.

For me, music must always tell a story. I envision UNTOLD as a space where every track resonates, drawing listeners into a deeper narrative. Whether through thematic releases, visual elements, or live performances, we’ll aim to create an immersive journey that enhances the connection between the audience and the music.

You’ve performed in a wide range of settings, from club residencies to theatre productions. How has working in these different environments influenced your approach to composition and performance?

My background in classical music laid the foundation for my journey into electronic music. I see each professional experience as a springboard, as an inspiration pool from which I eagerly drink. Each environment, whether opera, a theatre production, or a nightclub, allows me to use my creative skillset in a different yet somehow homogenous way. I thrive in spaces where I can focus on the creative process absolutely, as they inspire me to blend elements I haven’t thought of combining before.

UNTOLD spans a range of sub-genres, from cinematic electronica to melodic house and techno. What connects these different styles under the label’s umbrella, and how do you curate artists and releases to fit that vision?

UNTOLD thrives on the idea of diversity within cohesion. While we span a range of sub-genres, the common thread connecting these styles is their storytelling potential. Each piece of music, regardless of genre, is designed to captivate the listener and evoke feelings that resonate.

I look for those who share a similar vision – musicians and producers who are not afraid to experiment and push boundaries. “Tell me something I haven’t heard before” is our motto – it’s literally in the name!

What can you tell us about the mix you’ve put together for us? Any specific tracks you’d like to highlight?

My mix is quite experimental and emphasises the importance of storytelling in music. I’ve blended old gems that shook the Earth, like “Firestarter”, and fresh renditions of classics, like Skrillex’s take on “Fine Day” and CamelPhat’s remix of “Right Here Right Now”. In addition, I gave in to the temptation to add some of my IDs that will be released on UNTOLD later this year.

With upcoming performances at the Barbican and major past events like Southbank Centre’s ‘Concrete Lates x Rave: Recharge,’ how do you see your work evolving in live settings alongside the launch of UNTOLD?

There are several exciting projects in the pipeline that I am eager to announce soon, including a couple of curated events and intensive work on an upcoming album.

UNTOLD symbolises a critical moment in my artistic life – a time when I needed to solidify my creative efforts. I call it my ‘creative adulthood’. It’s about embracing the growth and evolution of my output, as well as the importance of exploring new concepts and collaborations that will elevate the new experiences we create on stage.

Mirali is out now on UNTOLD

Tracklist:

1 Colline – Poursuite
2 Âme – Asa
3 Hard to Tell – Be Waiting
4 Number One – Solar Breath
5 Kölsch – Kir
6 Skatman – Save Me (Tal Fussman Remix)
7 Jackers Revenge – Let there be house
8 Blanka Barbara – ID
9 Fatboy Slim – Right Here, Right Now (CamelPhat Remix)
10 Blanka Barbara – ID
11 Fred Again – Jungle
12 The Prodigy – Firestarter
13 Boys Noize, Opus III & Skrillex – Fine Day Anthem
14 Daniel Steinberg & Fatboy Slim – Bus Stop Please
15 Erik Hagleton – Wolliner (CamelPhat Remix)
16 Blanka Barbara & Late Arrivals – Mirali