Broken beats and the politics of animal activism

Some artists chase sound, Errorbeauty protects it. With the same devotion she gives to stray cats on the streets of Varna, she builds her world quietly and deliberately, one vinyl at a time, one rescued life at a time. There’s no facade here, no ego-driven performance. Whether she's running her label with her sister, preparing five-hour sets that stretch across genres, or setting up medicine drives for abandoned animals, it all comes from the same place: care. In a world of distraction, that feels like resistance.

Your work rescuing cats in Bulgaria is deeply moving. How did this begin, and what has animal activism brought to your life, especially during times of personal or global crisis?

Back home, I found solace in cat rescue operations, which helped me feel better during tough times. I've always been an animal lover, but my special affection for cats inspired me to start this rescue mission. Cats are incredibly special to me; they have such unique personalities. I feel a deep sense of responsibility toward them and am dedicated to ensuring they have a safe, healthy life. To further support this cause, I’ve set up a GoFundMe page titled "Varna Street Cat Fundraiser for Medicines and Foods", where we raise funds to provide essential care for these wonderful creatures.

How has the community around you, both in music and activism, supported your journey and shaped the way you create and care?

Since the very beginning of my musical journey, I have been fortunate to receive tremendous support from the community, which has significantly helped me develop as an artist. My roots in Bulgaria, particularly with friends from the drum and bass and dub culture, provided a strong foundation. During this time, I played regularly with them, and the people, vibe, and music were incredible. Meeting members of the Crobot Crew, N-Ter, and DJ Zed marked the beginning of my international performances. Moving to London and finding my place in the scene was like a dream come true. Attending The Dodo Club London for the first time with my sister profoundly changed my life for the better. With the best friends and music, I enjoyed some of the most amazing times. In Berlin, I met great artists and had the pleasure of playing at many parties and being a resident at Suicide Circus. I also played many times at Tresor, a highly respected and fantastic venue. When the pandemic hit and I had to return to Bulgaria, the music world slowed down but the cat rescue work filled that void. It gave me a way to keep giving back, to feel useful, and to stay connected.

You began your journey as a DJ before collaborating with artists like Plaid, Mr. Switch, and Andrea Parker. How have those connections influenced your sound and philosophy?

The beginning of my journey as a producer came a few years after I started playing music as a DJ, and many artists initially inspired me. At first, I had little experience and no clear idea how to achieve the sound I wanted, so I spent a lot of time experimenting with different techniques. Being able to collaborate with artists like Plaid, Mr. Switch, and Andrea Parker has been truly humbling and an honour. They are not only immensely talented musicians but also genuinely kind individuals who are deeply passionate about music. These experiences have profoundly shaped my artistic vision and approach to music production. Throughout my music career, I’ve met many amazing and talented individuals, but my greatest inspiration will always be ADJ. He has been my best friend and biggest supporter since I moved to London. His energy, kindness, and passion for music define him not just as a DJ and producer, but as a remarkable human being. I began my DJ career playing tracks from ADJ’s label, Pyramid Transmissions, and Andrea Parker’s Touchin' Bass, never imagining that one day we would play together and become friends. I continually draw inspiration from listening to other artists and musicians, and I now find creating music much more enjoyable and fluid. It’s clear that time and experience play crucial roles in honing one’s artistry. I am deeply grateful for all the great artists out there who continue to inspire and motivate us.

Your five-hour set at Atonal in 2017 became a reference point in dark, experimental techno. What compels you to push those boundaries, and how do you prepare for such intense performances?

Playing at Atonal was one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had. The energy from the music and the audience was so captivating that I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of that nearly five-hour set. I find a deep satisfaction in mixing electro and broken techno music. These genres seem to complement each other perfectly, creating a synergy that resonates profoundly with my artistic sensibilities. The robust style of broken beats fuels my passion, and blending these two styles injects just the right amount of energy needed for an electrifying clubbing experience. Preparing for such intense performances involves a lot of mental and physical preparation. I spend considerable time exploring and experimenting with new sounds and beats that can push the boundaries of hardcore techno. It's about more than just practicing; it's about getting into a creative mindset that allows me to connect deeply with the music and, ultimately, with the audience. Playing the Boiler Room in Sofia in 2021 was just as intense.

What tools and techniques define your sound, and how has your approach evolved over the years?

In my production work, I primarily use Ableton, along with an Elektron analog drum machine and various plugins. I often employ samples, which I meticulously cut into small bits. One of my favourite tools is the ABL3, an acid plugin that I frequently combine with distortions to create unique sounds. Interestingly, my approach might be somewhat unconventional; I usually begin with synths and melodies before adding drums. As a DJ, I have been playing music for over 22 years, and the process has become quite instinctive for me. I particularly enjoy DJing with vinyl. It’s the most enjoyable and authentic experience for me. There’s simply nothing that can replicate the tactile feel of vinyl under my fingers.

You co-founded Arkada Records with your sister. What drives the label, and how has it reshaped your role in the scene?

Arkada Records was founded in 2017 by myself and my sister, XOR12. Our inaugural release was a collaboration between T15DM and myself, which was an exhilarating project that allowed us to share the music and artists we love with the broader music community. The bond I share with my sister is incredibly strong, and she has been a pivotal figure in my music career as well as in managing the label. She was the one who truly launched my journey into music by generously lending me 100 vinyls from her collection along with a pair of turntables and a mixer when I was just 18 years old and living in Bulgaria. At that time, electro music was a new and fascinating world for me. Together, we created Arkada Records to champion and support the artists we admire. This endeavour has not only allowed us to share our musical passions but has also broadened my perspective on the music industry, deepening my appreciation for the creative and operational aspects of running a label. We focus primarily on physical releases, especially 12-inch vinyl. This format holds a special significance for me as a DJ. I must also mention our amazing artwork designer, Lawrence Clift, who has been by our side since the very beginning. Without him, Arkada Records wouldn’t look the same. His unique art is made from real, captured live creatures, making it incredibly distinctive. We’re also proud to have Lawrence, under his alias Phausis, as one of our artists. Some of the notable names from our releases include ADJ, JFank, Phausis, Adrien d’Elzius, and more.

You recently contributed to EC Underground’s "BSI Vol.1" vinyl. What did this collaboration mean to you, and how do projects like this shape your creative direction?

I am truly honoured to be a part of the EC Underground label's "BSI Vol.1" compilation and to collaborate with the incredible artists involved. Working alongside Adj, Syrte, Illektrolab, Pablo Funk, and Francois Dillinger, who are all amazing talents, fills me with pride and gratitude. I have been a fan of their music for a long time, and sharing this platform with them is very rewarding. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to EC Underground for their support, hard work, and dedication not only towards this release but also in their general operations. The care and love they show to us artists is incredible, and I deeply appreciate it. This vinyl compilation is a perfect example of how artists with diverse visions and styles can come together, collaborate, and deliver a unique sonic experience that showcases each of our distinct sound perspectives. Looking ahead, I am excited to showcase our new release, Arkada 005, which will be available very soon. This project continues to shape my approach to music production, inspiring me to blend various influences and techniques to create something truly unique. Our Arkada 005 release features two amazing artists that we really respect and admire, Arsonist Recorder and Sigma Algebra. Their contributions have undoubtedly enriched this project, and we are excited to share the final result with our followers and listeners.

Gofundme - Varna Street Cat Fundraiser for medicines and foods