ZVUK & CHUK talks to Konstantin Gabbro
Interview by Dssy Missy
Konstantin Gabbro thrives in the experimental margins of electronic music. From synth-laced cabaret to textured soundscapes and genre-defying dancefloor cuts, his work consistently dodges the expected. Starting out with piano and theory lessons, he swapped the classics for synths and samplers, eventually co-founding the cult labels Orac (with Caro), Adjunct Audio (with [A]pendics.shuffle), and Zoombézoom.
Now based in Sofia, his latest venture - a.k.a. chic records - kicks off with a 5-track cassette EP under the new alias Многомашинничка, that got launched May 24, 2025. Ahead of his guest appearance on Zvuk & Chuk (10.06, live artist talk and DJ set - location TBA), Konstantin sits down with Dssy Mssy, a pivotal figure in Bulgaria’s underground electronic and clubbing scene and mastermind and main host of Zvuk & Chuk, for a warm-up conversation on aliases, aesthetics, and the future of raving.
Dssy Mssy: We’re catching up just before your new label a.k.a. chic launches on May 30 at Café 8 - I’m curious about your approach. You’ve co-founded several cult labels. What did you learn from Orac, Adjunct Audio, and Zoombézoom that you’re bringing into a.k.a. chic?
Konstantin: I’ve learned a great deal through those label experiences, in all aspects of their life - which has always and only been a labor of love for me. The main thing I’ve realized, and will carry into a.k.a. chic, is that the people make the party. It’s all about the incredible characters and their music. That’s what makes a label exciting, and I hope this time is no different
Dssy Mssy: With so many aliases and styles, how do you maintain a sense of artistic identity across your projects?
Konstantin: Coming up with different names for projects, titles, and so on is something I’ve always loved doing. I don’t think artistic identity has to be one big umbrella - it can remain strong within each separate project. The variety of names and styles is a fundamental part of the fun for me when making music.
Dssy Mssy: How do you see the electronic music scene in Bulgaria evolving? What role do you hope a.k.a. chic will play in it?
Konstantin: I’ve only discovered bits and pieces of the Bulgarian scene so far, so it’s hard to fully predict its future. But I’m drawn to music that brings something new - whether it’s entirely experimental or bending within an existing genre. There are definitely crews here doing that, and I believe this kind of approach will always have its place. I also hope that the people making this music get more recognition and that curiosity around it continues to grow. As for a.k.a. chic, I hope we can connect with like-minded artists in Bulgaria and help the scene evolve by contributing through releases and live events.
Dssy Mssy: What’s your prediction for the future of club culture?
Konstantin: The ebb and flow of club culture seems to follow a fairly steady rhythm. People will always want to go out, dance, meet up, and hear new music - even as digital life changes how we connect. These kinds of recreational gatherings have existed since the dawn of days, in every culture. The rave will live forever, whether it’s in clubs or out in the mountains.
Don't miss out the a.k.a. chic records label launch: 30.05 at Cafe 8, Sofia followed by the upcoming Zvuk & Chuk Artist talk with Многомашинничка - 10.06 @tabarecordstore -more details coming your way soon!
Follow the label online here:
https://soundcloud.com/a-k-a-chic-records
https://akachicrecords.bandcamp.com/album/
https://www.instagram.com/a.k.a._chic_records