DNB SOUNDS LIKE THE FUTURE OF POP

21.11.2025

SAMO on the birth of MOSH, community, friendship and the future of drum & bass in Estonia

Over the past few years, MOSH has grown from a small gathering of friends into one of the most recognizable drum & bass communities in Estonia. What started as a passion project has evolved into a movement built on music, people and a shared atmosphere that keeps both longtime fans and newcomers coming back.

We spoke with MOSH founder SAMO (Nikita Samogin) about how it all began, the importance of community and where drum & bass is heading next.

How MOSH Started

The idea behind MOSH came from a simple feeling – the desire to create something personal.

“I had wanted to run my own event for a long time. There weren’t many drum & bass nights in the city, and it felt like the perfect opportunity to play my own music, test new tracks and bring friends together.”

The first MOSH took place in November 2022 in Tartu as a small party among friends. What began as a passion-driven gathering quickly found its audience.

“MOSH was never created as a business project. It started purely from love for melodic drum & bass, and that motivation is still the same today.”

A Small Team, A Strong Core

The MOSH team has always remained compact and flexible, built around people who genuinely care about the music and the atmosphere.

At the core are SAMO and his close collaborator Andreground, who supports both creatively and operationally. The residents and local artists play a key role as well, helping shape the musical identity and maintain consistency from event to event.

But beyond the team, the real strength of MOSH lies in its audience.

“The crowd has grown with us. What makes me happiest is seeing new faces standing next to people who have been part of the scene for years. MOSH is a small community, but a very warm and supportive one.”

“Drum & Bass Is the Future of Pop”

For SAMO, drum & bass represents something bigger than a niche electronic genre.

“D’n’B sounds like the future of pop music. Many people think it’s only fast and aggressive, but the genre is incredibly diverse.”

MOSH focuses on melodic and accessible styles such as liquid and dancefloor, while still exploring heavier sounds when the moment feels right.

“We never push things too far. The goal is to keep the music emotional, energetic and open to a wider audience.”

Supporting Local Talent

One of the key missions of MOSH is to give space to Estonian producers.

“There is a lot of high-quality music being made locally, but breaking through internationally is not easy. At MOSH we actively play Estonian tracks, and sometimes the crowd already knows the lyrics. Those moments feel special.”

This approach has helped strengthen connections between artists and listeners, turning events into a shared experience rather than just a night out.

Growth Without Losing Identity

MOSH didn’t grow overnight. The project developed gradually, event by event, through consistency and word of mouth.

“We don’t have full houses every time, but the growth has been steady. Every new person who discovers MOSH makes the community stronger.”

Balancing creativity and organization remains one of the biggest challenges.

“I’m not a businessman first – I’m an artist who started running events with friends. Maybe MOSH could grow faster if it were managed purely as a business, but the music quality and atmosphere will always come first.”

Looking Ahead

The future of MOSH is built on the same principles that started it – passion, consistency and community.

“We’re not slowing down. The goal is simple – keep moving forward and keep bringing great drum & bass to people.”

There are ambitions to expand and collaborate with more international artists, but the core vision remains unchanged: authentic events driven by music and people, not trends.

More Than Just Events

MOSH proves that a scene doesn’t need big sponsors or large investments to grow. What matters most is dedication, a strong network of friends and a clear musical identity.

In just a few years, MOSH has become one of the most genuine drum & bass communities in Estonia – a place where longtime fans and newcomers feel equally welcome.

And for SAMO, this is only the beginning.