Always, Already There: Late Night with NikNak

In 2024, Elaine Mitchener invited award-winning turntablist NikNak to respond to the idea of an imagined conversation between Jean-Michel Basquiat and John Cage. This meeting was set in Edinburgh’s Fruitmarket Gallery where Cage exhibited works on paper in the upstairs gallery, whilst downstairs, Basquiat displayed his visionary paintings. This historical event is reimaged as a cultural intervention that reshapes and reimagines future possibilities.

A trailblazing musical polymath, NikNak has carved a niche for herself in the music industry with her distinctive turntablism, immersive compositions, and captivating improvised performances. Heralded by the likes of DJ Mag, Clash, The Wire and Resident Advisor, her debut album Bashi garnered critical acclaim, positioning her as one to watch in the experimental electronic music scene.








Produced by the Barbican in partnership with the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

Part of Always, Already There Weekender.

Always, Already There has received generous support from SHM Foundation, Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation and Trevor Fenwick & Jane Hindley.

Barbican Classical Music Programme receives major support from Marcus Margulies and additional support In Memory of John Murray.





Performers