Max HeyraudWe sat down with 2QWIK2GRUV, the groove-laden new alias of hard techno powerhouse blk., to explore the story behind his debut release and his evolving artistic vision. The Tipperary native opens up about the inspiration for this new direction, returning to his musical roots, and the creative freedom that comes with a fresh start.
Irish DJ and producer blk. has rapidly ascended to become one of the most popular and in-demand artists in hard techno, achieving milestones that place him among elite company. Earlier this week, blk. was announced for a Belsonic headline show in Belfast, a festival usually reserved for legendary acts like The Killers, Liam Gallagher, and Carl Cox. This recognition reflects the meteoric rise of Tipperary native Zack Coughlan, known as blk., who is now also exploring new sonic territory under his alias, 2QWIK2GRUV.
In a remarkably short time, blk. has risen from playing intimate venues across Ireland to selling out Belfast’s Telegraph Building and becoming the first solo Irish DJ to headline Dublin’s 3Arena, where tickets flew off the shelves in minutes. With standout performances at iconic festivals such as Tomorrowland and Creamfields, blk. has firmly established himself as one of the most influential names in electronic music today.
blk. is best known for his thunderous hard techno sound, however, this hard-hitting style doesn’t fully encompass Zack’s artistic vision. As a logical next step, he launched 2QWIK2GRUV, an alias designed to let him showcase a lighter, more groove-focused side of his music. With 2QWIK2GRUV, Zack taps into a world of bouncier and more emotive sounds, taking inspiration from house, trance and vintage techno, while also connecting to the early days of the blk. project, which was initially very much connected to a sense of 90s euphoria and emotion.
After months of quietly crafting his debut EP, Zack is now ready to introduce 2QWIK2GRUV to the world through Reboot Records—a label, party, and brand that has supported him from the very beginning. This release marks the next step in his creative journey, inviting listeners to explore a new dimension of his artistry, one that is rooted in freedom, versatility, and self-exploration.
Where did the idea for 2QWIK2GRUV initially come from?
From the start, I always wanted to make and play this type of music under another alias. In my early days of production, I made music across many dance music genres, and of course, blk. is known for techno and hard dance. It felt right to create an alias where I could play whatever I wanted but with a main focus on groove, trance, and bouncier tracks across the electronic world.
Can you tell us a bit about the name 2QWIK2GRUV—how was that born?
One day, a friend and I were discussing names, and he had this one saved in his notes app for years under a list of possible DJ names. He let me use it, haha. It’s funny because I couldn’t picture myself making this sound under any other name now. I’m really happy with how the alias came across once we shared it with the world; it truly feels like an alter ego, especially with the image 2QWIK2GRUV portrays.
Was there ever a thought to keep 2QWIK2GRUV anonymous, or why did you choose to make it known as a side project to blk.?
Of course, blk. is my heart and soul. But honestly, there wasn’t much thought behind it; from day one, I knew I wanted to release music under another alias and share it openly with the world. It’s fun to perform as 2QWIK2GRUV even though a lot of people know me as blk. This alias represents another side of me, and I feel blessed to push myself as a second artist. I’m really looking forward to showing the world what 2QWIK2GRUV can do.
Is there something liberating about producing under an alias that isn’t specifically known for one particular sound?
Honestly, having creative freedom with this alias is amazing. I want it to be unexpected, giving a thrill to people coming to see me play as 2QWIK2GRUV since they won’t know what to expect. I want people to anticipate the unexpected.
How much involvement do you have in the look and feel of the project, such as with the EP artwork and aesthetic? Is a certain amount of control around this project important to you?
My team and I worked hard to give it a playful feel, especially with the graphics. 2QWIK2GRUV is almost like a video game character, and since I’m a huge gamer, that concept came to us naturally. The artistic direction came together smoothly, and I’d like to thank @studioharamat for his work on this project. I’m super happy with how it turned out.
As far as I’m aware, this forthcoming EP is the first set of productions under the 2QWIK2GRUV alias. How long have you been working on these tracks, and why is now the right time to share them?
I started working on “Milano” in February this year but had to put it aside while I was busy touring. I slowly chipped away and set aside tracks, knowing I wanted an EP as my initial release under 2QWIK2GRUV. Now feels like the right time, as I’m planning some exciting shows under the alias for next year, along with a series of releases in the coming months. This is just the beginning.
What has the reaction been from blk. fans to this new style of music, given that it’s such a major switch in direction?
The reaction has been amazing—it literally blew my mind how quickly people embraced it. I remember, maybe 2-3 weeks after I created the Instagram page, people were already showing up to shows in 2QWIK2GRUV shirts. The dedication from my listeners is incredible; I can’t thank them enough for getting me to where I am today and for supporting this new direction. They’re truly the best in the game.
What other artists have helped inspire this project?
I’ve definitely been inspired by friends at Reboot HQ, where most of the team plays faster, groovier music. Other Irish locals like OISINOK, a great groove enthusiast, and international artists like Kettama, Chlär, and Ned Bennett have also been influential.
There’s a reference to “Enter The Dragon” in the initial EP write-up when describing the track “Daydream.” Is there a feeling of returning to the beginning of your journey with this project, as it feels like a fresh start?
For sure, this project has some old-air vibes. “Daydream” has a lot of emotion and takes me back to a different time when I first started playing out. It’s a feeling I’ll always hold close, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing how the EP resonates with listeners, DJs, and dance floors in the months to come.
How do you see the future of 2QWIK2GRUV evolving? Are there specific sounds or concepts you’re excited to explore next?
I don’t want to give away too much, but I do plan to explore certain sub-genres with this alias. I’m looking forward to everyone’s reactions when new material eventually drops—I can promise it will be worth the wait.
Are there plans for more live performances in the future under the 2QWIK2GRUV alias?
Absolutely, 100%. We’re currently working on shows for 2025 and beyond. I’ve done three shows under this alias so far, and the response has been incredible, which has only fueled my drive to keep working on this sound that I love. You can expect to see 2QWIK2GRUV in a city near you soon—stay tuned.
Thanks again for this interview—I really enjoyed answering these questions.
You can pre-order the forthcoming EP here ahead of its full release on November 22.
