Hype Label of the Month: Kurai Records
Dark. Hypnotic. Relentless. Kurai Records is shaping the sound of modern acid techno with a cyberpunk edge.
Cameron Holbrook
The Los Angeles-based label Kurai Records is all about heavy acid lines, pulsing kicks, and hypnotic grooves that hit like a freight train. The imprint was launched in 2024 and co-founded by Japanese American DJ/producer Marie Vaunt, whose raw, high-energy, and unapologetically intense tracks like “Kiss My Acid” or “The Chosen” have climbed up our techno charts.
The word kurai means “dark” in Japanese, which pretty much nails its sonic ethos. Each release is paired with cyberpunk-style anime art, complete with new characters that bring the label’s futuristic world to life. It’s techno with a story, and the soundtrack hits hard.
Even though it's still new on the scene, Kurai is moving fast. The label’s already scored multiple Top 10s on our Techno (Peak Time / Driving) chart, landed eight tracks in Spotify’s Techno Bunker playlist, and picked up support from some serious names like Tiësto, Amelie Lens, Hardwell, Oliver Heldens, Maddix, Paul Oakenfold, and more.
On the artist side, it’s stacked. Alongside Marie Vaunt herself, you’ll find releases from A*S*Y*S, The YellowHeads, Alan Fitzpatrick, Ozgun, Tao Andra, The Rocketman, and more - all bringing their own flavor to the label’s dark and twisted sound.
We caught up with Marie Vaunt to get the story behind Kurai Records, find out what some of its most desirable tracks are, learn a fun facts about her imprint, and find out what's on the horizon.
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Listen to the Kurai Records' 'Hype Label of the Month' chart below or check out the playlist on Beatport.
