Among the influential artists responsible for pushing neurofunk, Agressor Bunx truly is a household name, if not for years already.
It’s even safe to say the forward-thinking Ukrainian duo has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of the subgenre throughout roughly 12 years of involvement – their releases so far, after all, total to a staggering amount of more than 40 EPs and four albums.
A recent migration to Poland, followed by a mandatory visit to a drum and bass event in Kraków, called Neurodydaktyka, meant being reintroduced to their highly energetic sound and stellar deck-craft. This called for a round of questions about their current situation and mindset.
There’s plenty to discuss as well. Agressor Bunx’ most recent EP, Chasing the Horizon, was recently released on Eatbrain, marking their tenth EP on the renowned label founded by Jade. Besides, the last interview on UKF with the duo dates back more than eight years, and a lot has happened since then.
What’s more- the current situation for the scene in Ukraine, and how they have been dealing with the challenges involved, deserves attention. So without further ado, read on to hear their take on these matters.
It’s been eight years, since the last time you spoke with UKF – what would be the proudest achievement for you both during those years?
Both: We were able to do a ton of work during these years in terms of producing and the DJing part, too. Meanwhile, we have had an opportunity to release on almost all the famous
Neurofunk labels, like Ram Records, Eatbrain, Blackout, Bad Taste and others.
On top of that, we made remixes for, and did collaborations with, many respected producers, like The Upbeats, Audio, Black Sun Empire. We also got the chance to play on the biggest European Festivals like Let It Roll and Rampage.
The tenth EP release on Eatbrain – Chasing The Horizon – arrived in November. Congratulations on that milestone. Can you tell us more about the creative process behind it. What really stands out in terms of the approach to make this one?
Nick: Our Last EP was difficult for us to make, because we were spending a lot of time on travelling to gigs. These trips often took something like 30 to 40 hours in just one direction. So we decided to spend this time on making music. It was far from comfortable, but it gave us huge inspiration to do so, while being on the road.
This EP still is only a small part of the dozens of releases you’ve done as Agressor Bunx. How do you manage to keep evolving and pushing creatively after all these years?
Alex: We try to analyse everything that’s going on in drum and bass culture, especially Neurofunk scene, because it develops every day, and you must be informed about new trends and what people recognise.
Working together as a duo – how does it help in terms of coming up with new things?
Nick: Actually, it is really simple. Because, music for us is not only a job or hobby; it is our life and passion. We both try to make our own idea of a track, which gives us the opportunity to make totally different content simultaneously. And we also start to work on new tracks separately, but always end up finishing them together. It helps us to maintain our ‘AB approach’.
What’s the best advice you can give based on your experience as a producer duo to other aspiring duo producers in the scene.
Both: In our opinion, the most important thing is creativity. It’s about trying to put some unique things inside your project together. Also, really focusing on the quality of the mix down is key – it gives you better quality production. Staying active on social media is also essential.
It’s been a while since the last album, Ensuing Cataclysm, was released. Can we expect another one anytime soon? What can you tell us about the plans to release another one?
Alex: It would be a great idea for 2025. But let’s see…
So what’s next for Agressor Bunx in terms of upcoming releases?
Both: We already planned some new releases on couple of labels, but it will remain a secret for now!
A subject that deserves to be addressed: the war in your country has been ongoing for more than 1000 days. Political matters aside – how has the ongoing war in Ukraine impacted the drum and bass scene in the country.
Alex: The war has affected the scene really hard, due to different reasons. A lot of people can’t afford to have fun, go to the parties, or even eat. And then there are moral reasons not to be partying, because a lot of people are dying in another part of the country.
There are also missile attacks on power plants. There is a curfew in Ukraine and promoters are forced to hold daytime parties. It’s a big risk to host and not to lose money while doing so. But still, some promoters keep doing it to support the drum and bass culture in Ukraine.
Can you describe how the party scene has responded to these ongoing challenges.
Nick: People are positive, stay strong and just waiting for the end of war.
Have there been any significant changes in the way music is produced and distributed during wartime?
Alex: Not really, just some small things like no electricity sometimes, air alarms etc.
How have the challenges of the war influenced the creativity and output of Ukrainian drum and bass artists?
Nick: In the first year of war, it was almost impossible to make music, but life continues and people eventually learn to adapt.
How has the war personally affected you as artists and individuals?
Both: On a personal level, we began to value our lives more and started to pay more attention to our family and friends. As for the artist part – we try to spend all of our free time for music creation, and spread awareness about the Ukrainian situation.
How does the war influence the way you travel abroad to play events?
Nick: At first it was difficult, because we could not go abroad. Once we started to travel, it was hard to grasp the massive difference between Ukrainian situation inside the country and the one in peaceful Europe. But eventually you accept it and continue to do your job.
Has the experience of living through war influenced your music and creative processes?
Nick: Totally, the emotional changes and stress actually give you more inspiration to create some ideas.
What are your hopes for the future of the Ukrainian drum and bass scene?
Alex: We hope that after the war in Ukraine, people will start living a normal life again, and be able to listen to their favourite music and go to parties. It will help the drum and bass scene to develop and grow. There will also be an opportunity to invite more international artists and host some festivals.
Are there any specific initiatives or projects you want to highlight that support the scene’s recovery and growth in Ukraine and deserve support?
Alex: For now, in Ukraine we have promo groups, like: Funkmasters, Hovanka, Sounds of Ukraine (based in London, UK). Big respect to them for their work in these hard times. We would like to see more activity from other promo-groups, though.
Lastly, what message do you want to convey to your international audience through your music and performances?
Nick: Just have fun, appreciate every moment of your life, value the creativity and enjoy it to the fullest.
Follow Agressor Bunx: Soundcloud/Facebook
