Collection: IYKUK
For IYKUK, music has always been a visceral experience—something that evoked deep emotions and a strong desire to create. Raised on a diverse blend of indie rock, experimental music, light R&B, and rap/hip hop, IYKUK found themselves pulled toward production during the mid-2010s SoundCloud craze. “Everyone either wanted to rap or produce,” IYKUK recalls, “and I went into producing, but never went anywhere with it—at least not until now where I’m actually making progress.”
That progress didn’t come overnight. For IYKUK, the path to a full-fledged music career was one of stops and starts. “I always started, then stopped, then started again,” they admit. The earliest signs of their seriousness about music date back to 2016, when they “borrowed” their brother’s MPC Studio beat pad and began chopping up samples. “Never went anywhere with any of that music,” IYKUK says, “but I always came back.”
What truly ignited their passion, however, was house music. It was then that IYKUK pushed themselves to take on DJing. “Music always produced visceral emotions in me,” they explain, “and I figured, if it can do that to me, I can do that to others too.”
But when did it all really begin? According to IYKUK, it was a mini-tour to McAllen, Texas that marked the turning point in their career. "That was the biggest transition for me,” they say of playing a club set alongside Amarji King. “Since that day in July, it fully set in that this is a job now, even if it’s part-time.” That moment pushed IYKUK to lock in and pursue DJing more seriously. Opening for Amarji's Shugga Party and soon playing *The Flat* further solidified IYKUK’s career trajectory. “Places I thought were inaccessible for me are opening up now,” they reflect. “I’m blessed to have that.”
IYKUK’s first official live set, however, took place about a year ago. “On September 9th, I played my first live set at what used to be known as Paradise Palace, on an open deck night for COY,” they recall. Though they describe the experience as "terrifying" and full of nerves, it was still a key moment in their growth as a DJ. “Nothing went completely right, but there were no major issues—just my nerves. From what I was told, not a bad set for a baby DJ.”
But music isn’t IYKUK’s only creative outlet. Photography has been an equally significant passion, starting in high school when they, once again, “borrowed” their brother’s DSLR to do fashion photography. Over time, their focus shifted toward more emotional and symbolic photography, often used to supplement their writing. “Part of it was the influence Basquiat had on me,” they explain. “Another was all the films I watched. They pushed me to do something as beautiful as the works I saw and grew up on.”
While both photography and DJing hold vital roles in IYKUK’s creative life, they view them as separate endeavors. “Before a set, I actively avoid being social,” they admit. “I’m thinking about songs, drum loops, blending two tracks in my head, all that.” In contrast, when they’re doing photography, especially at shows, they’re deeply involved—immersed in the crowd and interacting with people, aiming to capture the best candids and portraits. “I approach them way differently, even if the two do go hand in hand.”
IYKUK’s story is one of persistence, passion, and a relentless drive to express themselves through music and visuals. From borrowing their brother’s gear to taking their place on the decks, IYKUK’s journey is just beginning—and they’re ready to make an indelible mark on both the music and photography scenes.