In Conversation with Dunk: Master of the Minimal Returns with ‘Nightmare’

With his signature bass-driven minimalism and deep Brazilian roots, Dunk has carved out a space entirely his own within drum and bass. From his early days as one half of Jam Thieves to an unstoppable solo career, his sound continues to evolve with raw energy and surgical precision. Returning to Innerground Records with the menacing new single Nightmare, Dunk delivers a track that’s as unsettling as it is dancefloor-ready. We caught up with the São Paulo-based producer to talk studio discipline, creative influences, and what it really means to leave a legacy in modern drum and bass.

Nightmare is a weighty, ominous track with serious low-end pressure. What was your vision for this tune, and how did it come together in the studio?

Well, I'm always shaping myself, that means I go into the studio every day with some references, but without losing my personality. I really like the guys from The Sauce, I think they're very creative, and that inspires me a lot to make some different beats.

You’ve released on a range of top-tier labels, from Innerground to Dispatch and Sofa Sound. What draws you to a particular label, and how does Innerground fit into your artistic journey?

That's a good question. Innerground is a good reference because DJ Marky has a very broad vision of the dance floor. When I send songs to him, he listens to them and knows if they're going to work or not. That's very important to me because it becomes a reference for how my music is at the moment. So it's very important to have that feedback from Marky and, of course, to be able to work with him.

Your sound has been described as 'the master of the minimal.' What keeps you inspired within the minimal framework, and how do you push the boundaries of this style?

Look, I worked hard to have this title, ha! (and I still work hard), so I created this 15 years ago. It's a style that comes from several musical references, like rap, hip-hop, and techno, among others. I always liked music with a lot of bass, and that made me create something strong in this way, of course, with our Brazilian flavour.

Since going solo, you’ve had a relentless release schedule. How do you maintain that level of output while keeping the quality so high?

Thank you for the compliment. I am disciplined with myself, and I also left my job to live from music—I have to give my best in every way. Every day, I need to overcome myself, so I look and always try to deliver incredible music to leave my legacy in Drum' n Bass.

We’ve seen a resurgence in vinyl releases in drum and bass, and you recently put out the ‘True Funk’ EP on wax. How important is physical media to you in an era dominated by digital platforms?

I swear I didn't read the questions before. So, about leaving a legacy, this is talking about vinyl, something that if it's no longer here tomorrow, someone will touch something I created with love—Marky once said that (about vinyl with me), that it's a work that will always be alive. In terms of the platforms, this is normal. With technology, things have evolved, so we have to adapt to everything.

Brazil has long been a powerhouse for drum and bass, with legends like DJ Marky paving the way. How do you see the Brazilian scene evolving, and where do you see yourself within it?

Our Brazil is doing very well in this scenario. We have big names circulating all over the world. My part in this is to always tell everyone who is starting out that it will not be easy, but with a lot of work and dedication, we always have good results. So I always try to share experiences about going after dreams. I have achieved several with drum' n bass, so sharing experiences with others also helps.

Your tracks often blend gritty textures with deep funk influences. Where do you draw inspiration from outside of drum and bass?

Three months ago, I created a new techno project called Minimalyst, so my influences have always been techno and, of course, others like jazz, funk and soul.

You spend a lot of time in the studio, often dedicating five hours a day to production. What’s your workflow like, and do you have any studio rituals that help you get into the creative zone?

I make my schedule based on office hours so I don't get lazy, so I usually listen to some music beforehand. I go into the studio every day with my head empty of problems because otherwise, it doesn't flow as if it were a portal, haha! I have cats at home, and oddly enough, their energy makes me feel at peace. Basically, my ideas come with the energy of these moments in my life.

Social media plays a huge role in promoting music today. Do you find it a necessary evil, or do you enjoy engaging with fans in that way?

To tell the truth, I like it because the internet is a gauge of how things are going on the other side, so I am part of all the things that I can give 100% attention to. I have fans who left Instagram, and today, I speak normally on WhatsApp. This proves that we can create bonds with everyone.

Finally, if you could press a dubplate of just one drum & bass track to take with you on a deserted island, what would it be and why?

‘Wicked’ hahaha!

Well, I would take the last song I made because I would have something new of my own for when I leave the island. I could have some stories with this dubplate.

Big thanks to Dunk for taking the time to share his thoughts with us. Nightmare is out now on Innerground Records—don't sleep on it.