Basslines & Bright Lights: Taiki Nulight Brings UK Energy to Rifflandia

When it comes to the pulse of UK house music, Taiki Nulight, (real name Erdenebat "Erka" Chinbayar), is a long-standing fixture. A master of blending garage, house, and bassline house with moody, atmospheric sounds, and razor-sharp drops, a hard-won legacy and sound was carved out, leaving Taiki Nulight with a reputation as a genre-blurring innovator. Fans of incredible electronic music have been raving about him at music festivals across the world. This September he is bringing that electric energy to Rifflandia.

Formerly half of  Brighton-based duo, Taiki & Nulight, the pair was made up of Erka as "Taiki" to Rowan Harrington's "Nulight". Erka has been performing as a solo act since the late 2012s and merged the two monikers together adeptly. 

Erka’s half of the name, Taiki, is of Japanese origin, likely a nod to his passion for Japanese culture. He even released a “Tokyo Edit” on his Soundcloud just last year 2024. An alternate alias that Erka has gone by in the past was, ‘Ongaku’, which is ever more revealing of a more personal connection. In Japanese the word, ongaku (音楽) means “music”—a fitting moniker for an artist who treats sound not just as rhythm and clout, but as a language in itself and as his expression of impassioned diversity. Under the Ongaku name, Taiki explored some more melodic, experimental territory— further proof of his versatility and his respect for musical traditions. Erka is a seeker of external inspiration which he expertly collects to alchemize and synthesize into his musical repertoire. 

 It was around the time that Erka encompassed the entirety of “Taiki Nulight” that he spoke about a renewed focus on technology, music hardware improvements and innovating beats. The main theme that recurs in how the artist spoke about his trajectory was resoundingly “diversity”, and he followed through on this promise. His laser focus only benefited the young artist, his music indeed having now diversified and dominated after he honed his skills and sets through innovation.

With over a decade in the English and global DJing and producing scenes, Taiki Nulight has consistently stayed ahead of the curve, releasing forward-thinking tracks and never allowing himself to rest on his laurels.

Appearing on music labels such as Night Bass, Crucast, and Dim Mak, his change-up in sound and incredible work ethic are woven into rave nostalgia while remaining part future-forward in club trends and cultures. Erka has earned support from the likes of AC Slater, Disclosure, and Chris Lorenzo. He is also a highly demanded remix master and has credits on tracks with names like Zeds Dead (another Rifflandia alum), Destructo, Shift K3Y, Netsky, and Keys N Krates to name a handful. His beats flow smoothly into any collaboration, yet he knows how to command both underground authority while maintaining crossover appeal. This delicate balance is what has made him a standout on the international circuit and is allowing his popularity to begin to grow outside of trap music circles.

Victoria’s Rifflandia Festival has never shied away from showcasing genre-defying talent, and Taiki Nulight is a perfect fit for the increasingly global, dance-leaning swath of the festival’s lineup. As the late-summer air hums with anticipation, his arrival promises a high-energy set for fans of UKG, breaks, and dark-room house alike. Whether you're a longtime follower or just stepping into the world of bass-heavy club music, expect a masterclass in movement when Taiki takes the stage. His talent has stretched beyond just his musical workings and has lasting impacts in any coterie he enters.

Taiki was recently given the honour of a monthly standing residency on Rinse Fm. On social media,  he expressed how he had listened to Rinse FM as a child, making this placement a full-circle moment for him. This announcement came hot off of his lightning set at the Electric Forest in Rothbury, Michigan.

Taiki has made serious waves across the global music festival scene where club music is represented. He has brought his talent and changeability to major stages like EDC Las Vegas, Boomtown Fair, Shambhala, Snowbombing, and Lost Lands. This has earned him a devoted following of bassheads, ravers, and house lovers alike. Whether it’s a massive outdoor crowd or an intimate warehouse setting, there is something for everyone and promises to always deliver driving rhythms, high-voltage drops, and deep, rolling basslines that hit just right.

It was perfectly summed up in the words of a fan via the r/SpaceBass subreddit: “[Even if you are] late to the party… it seems like he’s cooking up something fresh lately.”

Freshly served, cutting-edge English dance music, delivered to attendees of Rifflandia, Vancouver Island’s premier music festival promises to be one of the weekend’s most electrifying performances by one of its most consistent and experienced pillars. 

–Rae DeFrane. Rae DeFrane is a globally published writer of lyrics, stories, reviews, and creative non-fiction works. Currently she is best known for her intimate concert photos of bands such as Evanescence, Halestorm and Florence and The Machine, as well as following the former two acts to chronicle their entire 2024 Canadian tour.