Blanka Barbara visited to discuss her passion for melodic dance music, her newly established label and event brand UNTOLD, and more.

The melodic house and techno genres continue to enchant listeners, with a new wave of artists breaking new ground. Blanka Barbara stands out among these talents, drawing attention with her impressive releases and captivating performances that leave audiences in awe.

Originally hailing from Poland and now residing in the UK, Blanka Barbara has made a name for herself through tracks released on labels like This Never Happened, J00F Recordings, Natura Viva, and ICONYC. Her ascent in the music scene has also been marked by performances at iconic venues such as Ministry of Sound and The Steelyard, along with appearances at events like ADE and Techno Las Festival.

Recently, Blanka Barbara embarked on a new chapter by launching her own imprint and event brand, UNTOLD. She described this venture as a “long-held aspiration,” with the label debuting earlier this year with the release of “Mirali.” This track, part of her Late Arrivals project, offers a beautiful atmosphere that captivates listeners. This is just a glimpse of what’s to come from UNTOLD, which promises fresh releases and curated shows in the near future.

Before diving deeper into her plans for the year, we caught up with Blanka Barbara to discuss her journey into electronic music, her vision for UNTOLD, and much more. Enjoy her guest mix and read on for the full interview!

Listen to EDMID Guest Mix 460 || Blanka Barbara on SoundCloud:

Hi Blanka, I appreciate you taking the time to chat with me today. Let’s reflect on your journey. Who were some of your early influences in electronic music, and how did your love for melodic house and techno develop?

Thank you for having me! Reflecting on my early influences, I can identify several iconic artists who shaped my appreciation for electronic music. Growing up, I was drawn to the innovative sounds of Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk, and Jean-Michel Jarre. While those are popular choices, I later discovered Susumu Yokota, who was brilliant at transforming something familiar into a completely new artistic creation.

I began my journey into electronic music through classical composition, incorporating bolder effects and electronic sounds into my concerts. A highlight was my opera ‘Out at Sea’, which was performed multiple times across Europe. In addition to a small chamber ensemble, I integrated electro-acoustic elements, amplifying singers and experimenting with effects on their voices to create a unique atmosphere. A friend invited me to DJ at an event, and I embraced the challenge. I started with Ableton and a simple MIDI controller, and then transitioned to decks, exploring music from other producers.

Fast forward to my melodic house and indie dance phase, where I was drawn to the genres’ imaginative and atmospheric qualities. I enjoy dance music that evokes emotions and engages the mind, whether at a festival or on the dancefloor. Artists like Bicep, Bonobo, Maceo Plex, Sasha, Lane 8, Four Tet, and DJ Koze continue to inspire me in this ever-evolving industry.

You grew up in Poland and now live in the UK. How have your experiences in these two countries influenced your work and creativity?

Honestly, my time in Poland meant I missed out on the vibrant rave scene, as I was more immersed in ballet and classical concerts than clubs.

Moving to the UK changed everything for me. Here, I found artistic freedom. I still attend classical concerts and focus on curating my events at the Southbank Centre, but my true foray into electronic dance music began here. Discovering venues like Printworks, Fabric, and Steelyard, and witnessing artists like Bonobo at Boiler Room or Max Cooper at the Barbican was a revelation; I was captivated by how unique and engaging the experience of electronic music could be.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far? Have you managed to overcome it?

In the beginning, I often felt pressured to conform to trends and expectations in my chosen genre, trying to fit into established molds instead of pursuing my unique approach. Over time, I learned that true artistry thrives when one embraces authenticity. The challenge has not been about overcoming external obstacles but rather my own doubts about creating music differently and presenting it as I wish to experience it. This realization partly inspired me to launch UNTOLD.

Your music has been featured on labels from This Never Happened to J00F Recordings, Natura Viva, and ICONYC. What does it feel like to receive such support from these respected imprints?

Each release feels like a significant achievement! On every release day, I am filled with gratitude and joy. A tremendous amount of hard work, energy, and creativity goes into each track, so when a label selects a tune, it feels like forming a partnership—a collaboration that fuels our shared ambitions. It’s essential to consider where these partnerships can lead, as they open doors to more releases, a broader audience, and potential live events. Each label has its unique identity and vision, and collaborating with them means joining paths toward a shared goal.

Speaking of labels, you recently launched your own, UNTOLD. What motivated you to start this imprint?

Launching UNTOLD has been a dream of mine—an audacious platform that defies genre boundaries and pushes limits. In this fast-paced 21st century, we find ourselves surrounded by stimuli, leading us to seek more immersive and emotionally engaging experiences.

UNTOLD emerged from this realization, dedicated to curating a sonic landscape that transcends the ordinary and enhances the sensory experience. It’s about creating a space where diverse sounds can thrive, inviting listeners on a journey that ignites imagination. Through UNTOLD, I aim to celebrate the beauty of musical exploration and unite those willing to dance along the edges of convention.

Can you describe the mission of this label and what you aim to achieve in the coming months? Will there be opportunities for other artists to join in the future?

Last year, we hosted an event called ‘Rave: Recharge’ in the Foyer of the Queen Elizabeth Hall, inviting my compatriots Catz ‘n Dogz to celebrate rave culture alongside the brilliant VJ Deruba. It was truly powerful.

This year, we are moving to the Purcell Room at the Southbank Centre for an immersive event on April 11th called ‘Undying Sounds: Reinventing Komeda’. This event pays tribute to Krzysztof Komeda, a pioneer of Polish jazz in the 50s and 60s. As part of the electronic duo Late Arrivals, I will merge cinematic electronic music with jazz fusion and intricate AI-powered visuals, crafting an engaging experience that revisits Komeda’s timeless film music themes.

You’ve performed at prestigious venues like The Steelyard and Ministry of Sound. Do you find yourself overpreparing for your sets, or do you prefer to feed off the crowd’s energy?

The energy in a live setting is unmatched, and there’s something magical about connecting with the audience in real time. Each venue has its own unique vibe, influencing my musical choices. Whether it’s a themed event or a venue with specific audience preferences, I feel it’s essential to cater to their mood.

Last year, I had the chance to perform at a unique Gala event in Manhattan, a fundraiser for politicians, activists, and diplomats. It started with a soft DJ set, which seamlessly transitioned into a performance by the sensational drag superstar, Sasha Velour. After her show, I took the stage again for two more hours. Performing for such a diverse crowd is more challenging than it seems—I couldn’t just play abstract melodic techno and hope for the best; I had to engage them with a variety of tracks, including some Abba, to get them moving and enjoying themselves. It often feels easier to DJ at places like Ministry of Sound, where the crowd is already ready to party—it’s hard to spoil a set there!

Just for fun, if you could play at any dream venue or festival in the future, which one would it be and why?

I don’t have a specific dream venue in mind, but I do admire the sound system at Gashouder in Amsterdam. It was there that I first truly enjoyed industrial techno, thanks to its stunning clarity and sound purity.

For similar reasons, I would love to perform at the Park Avenue Armory in New York or give an audacious DJ set at the London Coliseum, but it would need to be part of an immersive event. The common thread is the desire to create clever, imaginative, and immersive experiences. This synergy is what transforms a performance into something extraordinary, regardless of the location.

Lastly, do you have specific goals for 2025? What can we anticipate from you in the near future?

In 2025, I eagerly anticipate releasing my first solo dance album. I have several tracks that were tested during my ‘KS6’ show at the Barbican, and they sound phenomenal—these will form the album’s foundation.

Moreover, I’m excited to develop more material as Late Arrivals; I believe we are creating something fresh and innovative with our sound. I feel liberated blending cinematic influences and approaching each project from an operatic perspective, allowing me to explore concepts as a whole rather than focusing solely on individual tracks.

Looking ahead, UNTOLD has more events planned, emphasizing immersive experiences. By integrating engaging visuals and storytelling, we aim to envelop the audience in an atmosphere that combines the vibrant energy of a club with a narrative-driven, often theatrical performance. There is so much to look forward to, and I can’t wait to share these experiences with everyone!

Connect with Blanka Barbara:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | SoundCloud | YouTube | TikTok