KiNK fired up the debut edition of Stone Techno Festival with over two hours of texturally rich, varied, and rocket-fuelled house and techno. Taking place at UNESCO World Heritage site Zeche Zollverein – a massive former industrial site and coal mine in Western Germany – Stone Techno also featured the likes of Dax J, Ellen Allien, D. Dan, and more.

Hailing from Sofia, Bulgaria, KiNK brought his characteristically interactive live performance to the festival. Amongst his dizzying array of live equipment is a remote that he swings through the air and occasionally hands over to members of the crowd. With each swoop, a percussive sample is released through the speakers, bringing an explosive level of energy.



According to KiNK, it was one the most challenging sets he’d ever played, as the strong sunlight made it impossible for him to read his gear. Nevertheless, the incredible vibe and electric atmosphere never dipped.







KiNK ascended the ladder of the music industry without a support network, campaign, or any media hype, but through his music alone – both live and in the studio. He first gained recognition in 2008 with his collaborative releases alongside Neville Watson on Amsterdam’s Rush Hour imprint. Later, an unassuming video of KiNK tweaking a drum machine at home led him to a slot at Berlin’s iconic Panorama Bar, which was followed by years of global touring.





Catch KiNK at a torrent of upcoming festivals and clubs this year, including Sonus Festival in Croatia, and Contours Festival in Paris.



Follow KiNK on Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud

KiNK Breaches the Gap Between Audience and Performer in Stone Techno Festival Debut

After an unforeseeable two-year hiatus, the world’s leading indoor techno festival makes its monumental return to the states. On November 19th and 20th, Time Warp US will transport attendees to another dimension with its otherworldly attributes and spellbinding soundscapes spanning two modernized dance floors in a brand new Brooklyn location. 

Recognized for its entrancing lineups packed with techno’s finest, and cutting-edge audio and visual production design, this industrialized area in the city that never sleeps hosts the perfect underground environment for a beaming techno-infused celebration of this caliber. 

Time Warp US never ceases to astonish, but this year’s highly-anticipated production welcomes some extraordinary b2b performances and live acts that will add an unusual touch to the already alluring festival. 

What makes Time Warp so special is its unwavering devotion to techno, consistent authenticity, and sense of community throughout each installment. If you’re planning on attending next weekend, read on to gain more insight on seven Time Warp US b2b sets and live acts you don’t want to miss!

 

Ben Klock b2b Marcel Dettman

 

German techno titans Ben Klock and Marcel Dettman will bring a taste of that true Berlin sound everyone just can’t seem to get enough of. The Berghain club mainstays and resident DJs never fail to stir up a crowd with their flawless chemistry on the decks, always fusing their slightly distinct approaches to techno in the most harmonious manner. After catching a glimpse of their recent b2b set at Secret Project Festival during ADE last month, there’s no doubt this upcoming performance will leave attendees begging for more. 

 

 

Seth Troxler b2b Jamie Jones 

 

Fans were already thrilled for a Seth Troxler solo set since he was announced on the lineup in phase one. A few weeks ago, the festival curators unveiled that he would be playing alongside Welsh Hot Creations label boss Jamie Jones, an unexpected—yet welcome— surprise. After living in dance music-savvy cities like Detroit, Berlin, London, and Ibiza, Troxler has established himself as one of underground house and techno’s most iconic artists. Combined with Jamie Jones’ innovative soundscapes, this is one dynamic duo you won’t want to skip out on. 

 

 

 

 

 

Mink b2b O.Bee




Brooklyn native Mink has made a name for himself across NYC’s thriving music scene with his groundbreaking performances and all-encompassing compositions. Slated to take the stage next to Istanbul-born Brooklyn-based O.BEE, the two talented musicians will enlighten festival-goers with their rebellious, forward-thinking sounds during their unified Time Warp US debut. Both known for incorporating classic New York flavor into their sets, there’s a reason these two flourishing acts were enlisted for the festival this time around. 

 

Ricardo Villalobos b2b Craig Richards

 

Ricardo Villalobos has been fond of all things music from a young age, and it displays on every single note and melody he shares with fans across the globe. Born in Chile but raised in Germany, the acclaimed DJ and producer is inspired by both countries’ musical histories and is now acknowledged as a leading pioneer of the minimal techno genre. The Time Warp veteran returns alongside nightlife prodigy Craig Richards, whose diversified musical background and captivating techno ensembles mesh perfectly with Villalobos’ exotic beats. While it’ll be hard to top their 2019 b2b set, we’re excited to see these two live in action again.

 

KiNK (Live)

 

Bulgarian artist KiNK wears various hats within the industry but is particularly praised for his state-of-the-art, experimental live performances. The blooming DJ, producer, and beatmaker uses intricate analog machines in conjunction with CDJs when performing on stage, and each performance portrays his impressive sound mixing capabilities and musical expertise in the most alluring manner. KiNK will bring his passion for mixing and his live futuristic techno sounds to Brooklyn as he debuts at Time Warp next weekend!

 

 

Reinier Zonneveld (Live)

 

Reinier Zonneveld is living proof that you can turn your dreams into reality if you give it your absolute all. The self-taught Dutch musician’s decision to drop everything and dedicate all of his time and effort to solely creating techno has surely paid off. Zonneveld’s mesmerizing sonic elements are influenced greatly by his never-ending love for classical music and life-changing warehouse rave experiences, and he brings these devotions to life exquisitely during each live performance. Only he can master intertwining deep and melodic tones with heart rate-inducing acid techno in a live setting. 



 

 

 

Stephan Bodzin (Live)

 

Always humming to the beat of his own drum, Stephan Bodzin has established his own uniquely curated corner of techno. The renowned instrumentalist has headlined some of the world’s most influential venues and festivals, always captivating fans with his ethereal, mind-altering soundscapes. For those who’ve witnessed any of his live sets, it feels like you’re in a dream. A true storyteller on the dance floor, Bodzin portrays his authenticity and impassioned artistic vision flawlessly through each hypnotic melody and live performance. 

 

Aside from these peculiar b2b sets and live acts, all the other remarkable artists on this year’s Time Warp US lineup have a story of their own to tell through their individual mind-bending sounds, so make sure to indulge in as many different performances as possible throughout the festival. There’s a reason why Time Warp made its way across the Atlantic to New York City a few years back, and we’re just as thrilled as you are for its massive return!

For more information on Time Warp USA including time slots, full lineup, and tickets visit their website. 




Catch These Stunning B2Bs and Live Sets at Time Warp USA

Bulgarian DJ and producer KiNK, born Strahil Velchev, has been on the scene for over a decade now and has earned his spot as a crowd favorite. Not only does he perform techno and house under KiNK, he also puts on live shows under his alias Cyrillic, a project he launched back in 2015.

KiNK signed with this first booking agent, Kai Fischer, in 2008 after he had already spent several years making a name for himself in Bulgaria. After signing with Fischer, KiNK built up the courage to start touring internationally but it was no walk in the park. In an 

 KiNK describes the transition to playing for international crowds as being quite difficult.  “It was very difficult to make it work. I think it's because my diverse selection and intense way of mixing didn't fit the crowd's preferences at that time,” says the producer.

Because of his difficulty transitioning, KiNK’s booking agent suggested he start performing live instead of merely DJing. “Playing live was not my first choice, I looked at it more like a door to a DJ career, but meanwhile, I had my live bookings” (

). However, KiNK grew a passion for performing live and has been doing it this way ever since. He says that his sets are not planned in advance but in order to perform live he has all of his production elements imported to Ableton for easy access during the performance.

Performing live is no easy feat as a music producer and crowds are usually pretty receptive to that fact. KiNK goes on, “I can stretch boundaries musically in any way, take risks and [make] mistakes, which I could never get away with [in] a DJ set” (

In 2019, KiNK in collaboration with his buddy Konstantin Petrov (KEi) launched his very own record label named after his hometown, Sofia. The music housed by the label will pay tribute to Bulgarian culture and aesthetics.

KiNK

Articles

Luca Rizzello

Maria Marcano