The Prague-based producer and DJ channels a wide spectrum of influences into a sound that feels both melancholic and powerful, organic yet unpredictable.
Photo credit: Blackloud – Facebook
With roots in guitar-driven garage bands and a discovery of electronic music through university radio, his journey has been one of experimentation, risk-taking, and a fierce devotion to feeling over formula.
Known for his versatile productions, including the breakout track ‘Switch It Up’ on Diynamic, Blackloud crafts music that builds connection and evokes deep emotion—whether through warm basslines, lush melodies, or groove-forward percussive hooks.
In this conversation, he opens up about the freedom that came with creative validation, the importance of energy in his latest work, and why inspiration can come from the kitchen or a random quote just as easily as it does from a modular synth.
EG: Hi, Blackloud! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now?
Blackloud: Hey there! Just got back from a vibrant weekend in Barcelona—played a set that turned into an impromptu sunrise session, caught up with some old friends, and met a few new ones who felt like old friends. Now I’m back in my Prague studio, brewing a strong coffee and reflecting on the beautiful chaos of it all.
EG: First of all, thank you for your contribution to our EG After Series! Tell us, what can fans of the series expect to find on this mix? Is there a concept or notion linking these tracks? How do you usually go about crafting recorded mixes?
Blackloud: Thank you for having me! This mix is a snapshot of my current state of mind—energetic, hopeful, and a bit nostalgic. I don’t follow a strict concept; instead, I let the tracks guide me. I spend hours digging through music, looking for pieces that spark something inside me. Once I have a collection that feels right, I blend them together, aiming to take listeners on a journey that mirrors the emotional rollercoaster of a night out.
EG: Now, we’d love to know more about your origins. How did you come across electronic dance music? When did you learn production and DJing?
Blackloud: I started in a different world—playing guitar in a garage band, dreaming of rock stardom. But during university, I stumbled upon electronic music through my school radio residency. It was like discovering a new language. I began DJing at local bars, learning the ropes through trial and error. Production came later, as a way to express ideas that couldn’t be conveyed through mixing alone. It’s been a journey of constant learning and unlearning.
EG: And eventually, ‘Switch It Up’ on Diynamic came along. How did that happen, and what does that track mean to you?
Blackloud: Funny enough, ‘Switch It Up’ was originally meant to be the B-side to what I thought was the main track, ‘This is a Club Banger.’ I never expected either of them to travel as far as they did or open so many new doors. I’ve always been open to experimenting in the studio—blending genres, breaking rules—so these tracks came out of my usual trial-and-error process.
This time, it just clicked. At the time, I was listening to a lot of Detroit Techno, Chicago House, Funk, and Hip-Hop, and I guess my brain decided to mash them together in its own unorthodox way. When I saw ‘Switch It Up’ being played heavily by Solomun, one thought hit me: “I’m free to produce whatever I want.” It was the validation I didn’t know I needed. From that point on, there were no more technical or mental barriers—just music, on my own terms.
“It’s all about embracing different shades of emotion”
EG: How would you define your sound by now? Are you making the music you imagined when you first started out?
Blackloud: Completely the opposite, I’d say. As my artist name suggests, I’ve always leaned toward the darker, more melancholic side of music. I’ve never really written in major keys—I only know how to write in minor. That said, these days it’s all about embracing different shades of emotion, not just staying in one mood. I’ve been aiming to build high energy into everything I make, and I think that comes from my recent habit of starting tracks with the groove first. Once I lock in that strong, face-bending rhythm, the rest of the track—melodic elements, textures, atmosphere—tends to fall into place much faster.
EG: And how does your personality translate across in your music? In which ways are you like your music?
Blackloud: I’m at my happiest when I’m surrounded by friends—and I think my music reflects that more and more these days. I’ve seen people jumping together, holding hands, banging their heads in sync to my tracks, and it’s those moments that really hit me. I’ve always been fascinated by how music creates pure, unspoken connection—whether it’s a massive live show, a livestream with people chatting underneath, or just two friends sharing a pair of headphones. That’s what I’m aiming for: to bring people closer—one track at a time.
EG: What does your live setup look like at the moment? What would you say is your favorite piece of equipment? Which one has given you the most satisfaction? Which one the most headaches?
Blackloud: I used to have a ton of gear in the studio, but after selling most of it, my setup is now pretty minimal—just a Moog Sub37, a Prophet Rev2, and some MIDI gear. It’s a bit of a cliché, but ever since I got the Sub37, it’s been my favorite. Not just because of its rich, fat, creamy sound, but also how seamlessly it fits into my workflow. It’s intuitive, reliable, and just flows with how I create. I think the key when choosing gear is understanding how it will fit into your process.
Sometimes, you won’t really know until you buy it, bring it into your space, try, and fail—only then can you truly decide if it’s right. Most producers can probably relate—there’s no shortcut to building the setup that works best for you.
EG: What’s your take on inspiration? What sort of things fuel you to get back in the studio? Any quirks or rituals to get things going?
Blackloud: I always start by cleaning my space, making a drink, and lighting a cigarette—it’s my little ritual to get in the zone. And I always wrap it up with a quick vibe check with my wife – wife check.
Inspiration can hit in a million different ways, as long as you know how to spot it and embrace it when it shows up. For me, it could be a friend saying something random, a weird sound from the kitchen, a line in a podcast, or anything I see or hear on social media. Sometimes it’s people who push me back into the studio—those who are killing it in their craft motivate me to try harder. And honestly, even people who drive me nuts give me that inner fire to get better at what I do.
“It’s been a journey of constant learning and unlearning”
EG: Looking forward, what can we expect from Blackloud? Where can your fans catch you next? What are your next scheduled shows?
Blackloud: I’m currently based in Prague, so that’s where most of the action is for me right now, but I’ve also got some international gigs lined up. I’ll be opening for Joris Voorn at Roxy Prague on May 17th, making my Portugal debut in June, and teaming up with the Generate Prague crew for a series of summer events. I also hold a residency at Bukanyr, our legendary little boat, where I’ll be hosting some amazing artists from around the world. On the music side, I have an upcoming release on Adana Twins’ TAU this summer, and I’m in ongoing talks with several other labels to bring even more music to light. Exciting things ahead!
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Blackloud! We wish you all the best in the future. Take care!
Blackloud: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure sharing my journey. To everyone reading, I appreciate your support. Feel free to reach out on socials, and if you’re at a show, come say hi. Let’s keep the music and connections alive. Cheers!
EG AFTER.166 Blackloud is now available. Listen and find more information here.
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