INTERVIEW: Brbko
Brbko is a name you might not hear in mainstream circles—but within the UK underground, his presence looms large. Originally from Manchester and now based in Lewisham, the elusive artist and producer has quietly built a mythos around his work, blending grime, experimental electronics, and something deeper: a raw sense of spiritual and personal inquiry. With co-signs from GQ, The Face, and Dazed, and collaborations ranging from Alice Glass to Zed Bias, he’s carved out a sound that feels equally rooted in British tradition and defiantly untethered. Now, with his debut album BRAK VS. BRAK on the horizon via forward-thinking label Scenic Route, Brbko is poised for a new chapter. The project follows a string of striking singles and live shows that lean into themes of faith, conflict, and transformation—often delivered with a disarming sincerity. We caught up with Brbko ahead of the album release to talk about his creative process, live energy, and what it means to live the movie.
You’re based in Lewisham now, but you’re originally from Manchester. What’s the biggest contrast between the two places, creatively or otherwise?
Nowadays that’s a harder question, I think they are both kinda headed in the same direction. Manchester is changing rapid. That being said I think in Manchester the bar has always been much higher creatively cos ‘success’ is much further away. In London you can get away with mid. There’s more opportunities.
You recently released ‘BRAK VS. BRAK,’ a track inspired by a Samurai Jack episode. How did that concept come together?
It just kinda happened. I made the beat late 2021 when testing out Gaika’s Spitfire VST. Took me like 20mins. It grew on me over time I guess.
A few months later I wrote the lyrics out of frustration. About a year after that i laid down the hook and i guess in that time i’d realised I’m the problem.
‘WE ALL IN GOD’S PUM’ is a raw, spiritual ode to femininity and transformation, can you tell us a bit more about that?
It’s a true story. Me and God are really tight like that.
What’s your current studio setup like? Any instruments, VSTs, or workflows you feel you couldn’t live without?
All i need is my lappy and logic pro tbh anything else is a bonus.
You’ve collaborated with artists like Alice Glass, Kelvin Krash and D33J. How do those experiences shape your own music?
Legends fr. I love working with great musicians.
What was the last track by another artist you were obsessed with? Tell us how you encountered it, when you would listen to it, and why it obsessed you.
It’s an album - Anysia Kym’s ‘Truest’. I listen all the way through most days.
You’ve been described as having a “necromantic stage presence.” How do you approach live performance vs. studio work?
On stage I’m an MC. I just love spitting tbh. In the studio I’m more of a producer.
What advice would you give yourself if you were starting today? Or what advice would you give to a young musician or DJ starting today?
Live the movie.
Your music often explores darker themes, both sonically and conceptually. What do you get out of making darker, more introspective work?
I don’t really be thinking too much tbh I just be vulnerable myself and give my subconscious free reign.
Sometimes I don’t even want to be saying certain things but when u try and control it that's when you end up making generic music.
Tell us about your full release BRAK VS. BRAK out in June, how does it feel to be putting that out?
Ruud Van Nistelrooy vs. Arsenal October 2004 ‘Battle of the Buffet’.
What’s next? Are there other projects, collaborations, or releases we should keep an eye out for beyond that?
Don’t Get Lemon.
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