NURKO Releases Stirring Debut Album ‘Solstice,’ Launches Mental Health Campaign

3 weeks ago 8

Alongside the release of his debut album, NURKO has unveiled Thrive Together, a music-minded mental health initiative.

Melodic bass artist NURKO has finally delivered his first full-length effort. The New York-based artist really started to catch steam in 2020 with a string of high-profile collaborations with ILLENIUM, Adventure Club, and Trivecta. This led up to the release of Arrival, featuring the ambitious track “Disappearing Now” with Chandler Leighton. Known best for his cinematic stylings and phenomenal storytelling, the talented producer now steps into his next chapter with the release of Solstice.

Solstice‘s whopping 19 tracks continue NURKO’s trend of being a master storyteller, utilizing vivid lyricism to further bring his otherworldly productions to life. Focusing on the idea of turning toward the light, the album explores numerous themes throughout the 64-minute runtime.

“Lifetime” with Amidy and “The Longest Night” with Valerie Broussard explore existentialism, centering the conversation around comprehending death. Stories of love are frequently brought into the mix. On “Runaway” with VNDETTA and L8NCY, and “Back Home” with Kiesza, the vocalist sings of acceptance and, ultimately, letting someone go. In the case of “Back Home,” Kiesza hopes the recipient of the song finds their way back to them, much like “Find You” with Monika Santucci.

Additionally, we see a theme of personal growth throughout the album. The voice note “Empathy” strikes a chord with an ask for forgiveness. Included in the impressive collection of tracks that shimmer with nostalgia for melodic bass’s glory days are collaborations with some of electronic music’s favorite vocalists, including iann dior, Micah Martin, and Nevve.

Beyond the themes throughout the album that lend to a cohesive body of work, NURKO expands his sonic identity with Solstice. “Gut Punch” with HYMNALS stands out as its soft, melodic opening gives way to an explosive, rock-leaning drop with guitars that hit the same way a heartbreak does. Meanwhile, on “Lose Yourself,” we see NURKO dive into progressive house stylings. Don’t worry, we still see NURKO’s signature 3-drop song structure on the impactful track “Firestorm” and “All Gonna Change” with songstress Casey Cook.

I made ‘Solstice’ because I wanted to create something that felt bigger than just a collection of songs. This album came from a really personal place – the ups, the lows, the moments where you’re trying to find light again, and the people who help you get through it.

NURKO

In conjunction with the release of his debut album, NURKO has launched Thrive Together, a mental health initiative. Spearheaded by the artist himself, this initiative sees music as medicine and aims to provide healing through music. With plans for benefit concerts, awareness activations, and partnerships with established mental health organizations, the campaign will provide added support to the electronic community. With NURKO’s songs exploring a wide lens of emotions, Thrive Together feels like a natural extension of his project.

‘Solstice’ is about turning toward the light, and the initiative is a way to take the emotional connection people feel through the music and turn it into something real — community, awareness, resources, and support. At the end of the day, the mission is simple: I want people to feel less alone.

NURKO

NURKO’s debut album, Solstice, is now streaming. Give it a listen on your favorite streaming platform, then head over to the Thrive Together website to find out more about his new mental health initiative.

**Stream NURKO – Solstice on Spotify:**

**NURKO – Solstice – Tracklist:**

Intro Lifetime with Amidy Back Home with Kiesza Firestorm Pretty Lies with Stefan PVDS I Want You with Iann Dior Gut Punch with HYMNALS Missing Me Too Find You with Monika Santucci The Longest Night with Valerie Broussard Empathy with VNDETTA Runaway with VNDETTA and L8NCY Atypical Us with Madyx Lose Myself Vertigo with Crystal Skies and Stefan PVDS For You with Micah Martin Spiral with Nevve All Gonna Change with Casey Cook Wish You Well with Linney