Immersed in the rich tapestry of liquid Drum & Bass, Kai Rappold, known in the underground scene as Surreal, emerges from the vibrant city of Frankfurt, Germany. Since 2016, he has passionately crafted his sonic palette, infusing it with a diverse range of influences and experiences. Surreal's musical spectrum traverses the intricate pathways of deep techy vibes, resonant old-school sub-bass rhythms, and soulful liquid Drum & Bass.

Immersed in the rich tapestry of liquid Drum & Bass, Kai Rappold, known in the underground scene as Surreal, emerges from the vibrant city of Frankfurt, Germany. Since 2016, he has passionately crafted his sonic palette, infusing it with a diverse range of influences and experiences. Surreal's musical spectrum traverses the intricate pathways of deep techy vibes, resonant old-school sub-bass rhythms, and soulful liquid Drum & Bass. Drawing inspiration from luminaries such as Charles Bradley and Lee Fields, as well as iconic figures in 90's hip-hop like Pete Rock and KRS One, Surreal seamlessly blends these diverse influences into his signature sound. His creative endeavors have found a home on esteemed labels such as Fokuz, Innerground, Galacy, Spearhead, and Soulvent, reflecting his versatility and broad appeal within the genre. Notably, Surreal's tracks have received acclaim and support from renowned platforms such as Rinse.fm, BBC Radio 1, Bassdrive and many more. His artistry has garnered admiration from esteemed peers in the industry, with support from luminaries including Marky, Fabio & Grooverider, Rene La Vice, Intelligent Manners, Zero T, and Ray Keith, among others. Surreal's music resonates not only with listeners but also with fellow artists who recognize his dedication to pushing the boundaries of the genre.

Take Your Time Get ready to feel the uplifting vibes of spring with Surreal's latest EP "Take Your Time" released on Fokuz Recordings. Featuring four tracks of lush liquid drum & bass, this EP is a sonic journey perfectly suited for the blossoming season ahead. Introducing "Take Your Time" - the title track that seamlessly blends lush synth progressions, an infectious bassline, catchy vocals, and a unique groove into a captivating trip. With a pulsating rhythm set at 174bpm, a rolling drumset, and a melodic jungle-inspired 808 bassline, "Juggling" promises to captivate listeners with its unique energy and mesmerizing groove. The delicate melodies of "Get Lost" and "Cry About it" build the perfect contrast to the uplifting club beats. The gentle rhythms and lush soundscape evoke images warm sunshine and the breeze of springtime. Perfect music to dance in the sun. With soothing melodies and rolling grooves, "Take Your Time" transports listeners to a place of euphoria. Surreal's signature sound shines through in every track, offering a seamless blend of captivating synths, infectious basslines, and entrancing rhythms.

Massive Radio Interview with Surreal:

How do you feel your sound has evolved since your earlier releases, and how does "Take Your Time" reflect this evolution?

My sound now does feel a bit more mature. It's still the same signature but it has grown up a bit. The workflow of tunes is different now. I use less and less samples and try to build tunes with my own sounds. I mean I am still sampling but more in a detailed kind of way. So I think my understanding for my music gets better and better and I'm excited to show this on "Take Your Time".

What role does Fokuz Recordings play in shaping the direction of your music, and how did they contribute to the production of this EP?

All my heroes released on Fokuz. It was a dream of mine to work with this label for a long time. And to do it so frequently now feels right. Fokuz definately helped me to get to the soulful sound I'm producing right now. Also Marco and the gang helped me to get consistancy in the quality of my productions. Also they always gave me good feedback and confidence to keep moving the way I do.

Take Your Time" has a very cohesive sound throughout. Did you intentionally plan for a consistent vibe across all tracks, or did it naturally come together that way?

It's always natural. I don't like to force a certain sound because it's hot at the time. I try to make music that I will still like in 5 years and so it has to come from a natural place. This EP also was produced in a relatively short period of time so the vibe is consitant and I think fits right into that springtime.

Do you have a favorite track from the EP, and if so, what makes it stand out to you?

No there's honestly no favorite on this EP. I feel like every tune on it feels easy to listen to and has it's place on the release. I am very pleased with how those tracks turned out and work together.

Finally, what's next for Surreal after the release of "Take Your Time," and can fans expect any new projects or developments in the near future?

There is a lot to come this year! We started a new mixing series of Fokuz called "Liquid Edition" in which we put a spotlight on the whole picture of the label. We are bleding old and new. Edition #1 is on all platforms now and we will continue to do it frequently! Also I have a bunch of releases coming on several labels this year. I don't want to spoil too much but currently I am remixing some of my old tracks aswell. And as we speak I am working on my first sample pack. Lots to come but also still a whole lot of work!

Surreal - Various - Take Your Time EP - Fokuz Recs