Pasmo gościnne: Whaler „26 04” (Gasoline Records)

The Chernobyl nuclear disaster on April 26, 1986, left an indelible mark on the lives of ordinary people. Ukrainian producer Maksym Merkulov, known as Whaler, transforms this crucial event into an anxious ambient soundscape, filled with the hum of reactors, crackling dosimeters, and internal system communications. With a foundation in classical and jazz music, Whaler prioritizes melody and atmosphere, developing a diverse catalog that encompasses IDM-inspired tracks, ambient pieces, and compositions featuring broken beat patterns, as seen in his other works.

For his „26 04” EP, Whaler concentrates on ambient soundscapes without drum hits, capturing the essence of the Chernobyl catastrophe. To promote his Gasoline Records release, Whaler presents a one-hour live set on Radio Kapital, incorporating conceptual and cinematic elements that recount the disaster’s profound impact on him and the world. By combining piano and Elektron Analog Four, Maksym Merkulov creates an immersive experience, allowing listeners to explore meanings while witnessing the evolving compositions. During this live performance, Whaler unveils material from „26 04,” showcasing the early stage and the flow when the idea of it just came up.