Exclusive Interview: Skrimor and Kryptomedic Discuss 'Animals' Release

In the ever-evolving landscape of drum and bass, few collaborations generate as much anticipation as the union of rising producer Skrimor and seasoned MC Kryptomedic. Skrimor, who has rapidly ascended the ranks since his debut in 2023, has already made his mark with releases on esteemed labels like Eatbrain, C4C, and Neuropunk. His dynamic sound design and innovative approach have garnered attention across the scene. On the other hand, Kryptomedic, with over a decade of experience and a rich discography featuring collaborations with industry stalwarts such as State of Mind, Agressor Bunx, Maztek, and Mindscape, brings a wealth of experience and a distinctive vocal presence to the table. Their joint effort, “Animals,” set to release on February 14, 2025, via Evolution Chamber, promises to be a compelling fusion of their unique talents. We sat down with Skrimor and Kryptomedic to delve into the creative process behind this track, their perspectives on the current state of the drum and bass scene, and what the future holds for both artists.

Animals brings together Skrimor's intricate basslines and Kryptomedic's commanding vocal delivery. How did you approach this collaboration, and what was the creative process like?

Kryptomedic: Originally, I was contacted about Skrimor remixing one of my tunes…shortly after, we started discussing doing more tracks together. Skrimor sent me some tunes, I wrote the lyrics and recorded them here in Munich, Germany. I then sent the vocal stems back to him to work into the track.

Skrimor: That’s right! Honestly, I’m a big fan of Mike, and I was thrilled to collaborate with him.

Skrimor, your rise in drum and bass since 2023 has been extraordinary, with releases on Eatbrain, Blackout, and Evolution Chamber. What do you think has been the key to this rapid success?

Skrimor: I can’t measure success, really—I just keep working hard and creating. I’ve spent years in my home studio finding my own sound as Skrimor. For me, it’s about having my own rules and formula for production and staying true to that. My goal is to share my perspective on drum and bass and be honest with my music.

Kryptomedic, reaching your 100th release with Animals is an incredible milestone. How does this track reflect your journey in the drum and bass scene so far?

Kryptomedic: I can’t help but smile when I think about it—it’s definitely a huge milestone. I’m so thankful to still be doing what I love and to have it resonate with so many fans and listeners. Reflecting on the journey, it’s a bit of a full-circle moment. James and I first crossed paths in the scene back in the early 2000s, and we each went on our own paths in the industry. Over the years, we’ve played together a few times—hosting for Magnetude, for example—but now, to release on the label with Skrimor, and knowing it’s likely the first of many collaborations, just feels amazing. I’m really excited to be working with both the producer and the label.

Social media has played a significant role in showcasing Skrimor's work, particularly through viral DNB Step campaigns. How do you both feel about the increasing role of online platforms in pushing drum and bass to new audiences?

Both: Social media is an incredible tool for connecting with audiences worldwide, reaching new listeners, and collaborating with like-minded creatives. For example, the DNB Step campaign has been a fantastic way to engage with the community and bring people together and is something I would very much like to continue to do.

That said, there are challenges that come with the growing reliance on social media for self-promotion. Many artists I’ve spoken to, particularly those who are more introverted, often find it overwhelming and immensely stressful to create videos and other content when they’d prefer to let their music speak for itself.

In a recent conversation I had with a label manager, he mentioned that he had a meeting with his distributor, who emphasised that platforms like TikTok and Instagram and "the numbers" on these platforms are now the key factors when pitching new releases to stores. He was told that the metrics from these platforms are now the deciding factor whether music gets featured in playlists or receives visibility and was told that having good quality music carries no weight.

While adapting to market changes is essential, I can't help but feel a concern that this shift might overshadow the value of quality music, potentially disadvantaging incredibly talented artists who find content creation challenging.

With its cinematic build and impactful drop, Animals feels like a true dancefloor weapon. What were you each hoping to achieve with the track, and how do you think it will resonate with listeners?

Kryptomedic: Early on, making tunes felt like more of a guessing game—trying to figure out the impact and where they might go. But at this stage, it’s a bit easier to call it. This one, though? From the very first listen, start to finish—it was a banger, no question! Collaborating on this has been incredible, especially getting to link up with upcoming talent. It’s such a great feeling, and I can’t wait to see it played out and a new generation dancing to it all around the world.

Skrimor: It’s always unpredictable with streams, but I’ve played “Animals” several times, and every time, it goes wild—that’s exactly what we were aiming for.

Skrimor, you've collaborated with notable names like Gydra and Teddy Killerz. How have these experiences influenced your artistic development?

Skrimor: Every collaboration has made me stronger as a producer. Working with stems created by giants of drum and bass has been such a learning experience—I’ve gained so much from each of them. What makes it even better is being able to connect with the artists directly and receive their feedback. That interaction is so important and, honestly, it’s the key to growth as both an artist and a producer. I’m incredibly grateful for those opportunities.

Kryptomedic, you've been a staple in the drum and bass scene for over a decade. How do you keep your vocals feeling fresh and relevant in such a fast-changing genre?

Kryptomedic: I just focus on doing my thing without worrying too much about how it connects. If anything, I’d say my approach is the complete opposite of many drum and bass MCs. While their background often comes from listening to drum and bass and its UK roots, mine doesn’t. I grew up on hip-hop, and I place a lot of value on being unorthodox in my writing—stepping outside the confines of what’s expected. That said, some tunes are just so well-constructed that writing to them feels natural, and this one was definitely one of those. The whole vibe screamed “banger” from the start, so for me, it was all about placing the vocals in the right spots with the right energy, rather than just filling out the track. Skrimor absolutely nailed it, finding the sweet spot where everything came together and creating something fire.

Evolution Chamber is known for showcasing cutting-edge talent. How do you feel Animals fits into the label's vision, and why was it the right home for this release?

Kryptomedic: I’ve always loved this label and everything it stands for. Over the past few years, it’s been amazing to see them bring on artists I not only admire but also consider friends—like Joe Ford and Skrimor. It’s such a strong roster, full of incredible talent, and it’s inspiring to be a part of that.

Skrimor and I are both excited about the potential for multiple collaborations in the future. We’d be more than happy to keep rolling them out here on this label as we look ahead. It feels like the perfect place to grow and share our work with the world.

Skrimor: I was aiming to create an instant classic—you know, the kind of track that grabs everyone’s attention because it’s fresh but still grounded in the old-school rules. Maybe it’s a bit old-fashioned to think that way, but to me, it’s the essence of what works. It’s the kind of sound that could fit on any neurofunk label. The only real question is whether you want to have it or not. When Evolution Chamber heard the tune, they signed it immediately. James’s reaction was priceless—he said, “This is sick, brother. I would kill for this tune, but you need to send it to Blackout first.” That kind of response really drives home that we’re onto something special.

Both of you are prolific in your own ways. What can fans expect next from each of you in terms of upcoming projects, releases, or live performances?

Kryptomedic: Over the past few years, I’ve been busy with other projects outside of the music industry, so my releases have been more sporadic—a tune here and there. This year, though, should be different. I’ve been hard at work in the studio recently, whenever I can find the time, and a few solid tracks have come out of those sessions. When it comes to live shows, I’m planning to scale back a bit compared to what people might be used to from me. My other projects are pretty intense right now, so I’ll be focusing on select dates rather than a packed schedule. That said, you’ll definitely still be able to catch me at some key shows!

Skrimor: You’ll be hearing a lot from Skrimor this year, I can promise you that!

For listeners who may be new to either of you, what would you say makes your work stand out, and how does Animals showcase that?

Kryptomedic: As I mentioned, having a background in hip-hop and punk, with roots far outside the drum and bass genre, really shapes my lyrics and delivery. It gives me a style that can feel quite different from others, yet it fits perfectly when paired with the right production. This track is a perfect example of that—a heavy-hitting tune with lyrics that slot right into place. Hopefully, it’s the kind of track that makes listeners want to hit replay and party to it again and again!

Skrimor: I agree with Mike, but I have to say, I really love the vocals too. Mike has such a dope vocal style that fits perfectly with this kind of sound. In my opinion, the vocal adds an extra layer of texture to the tune and gives it a unique sound signature. At the same time, it stays close to the classic formula, which is exactly the point. Thank you!

Thank you to Skrimor and Kryptomedic for sharing their insights and stories with us. Their collaboration on “Animals” is a testament to their shared passion and artistry, and it’s set to make waves when it drops on February 14, 2025, via Evolution Chamber. Be sure to check it out!