The Ukrainian duo ARTBAT, consisting of Artur Kryvenko and Vitalii “Batish” Limarenko, has transformed from stars of Kyiv’s underground scene into one of the most recognized names in global electronic music. Since their formation in 2014, the duo has always aimed to represent Ukraine on the world stage of dance music, and their journey has been filled with challenges and defining moments. While music has always remained at the core, ARTBAT masterfully use visual effects to enhance the emotional impact of their tracks and create a unique experience for their audience.
Music as the Foundation, Visuals as the Complement
For ARTBAT, the primary emotional experience always originates from listening to the music. They believe that the inner sensations evoked by music are far richer than external visual elements. However, in today’s digital era, visual content is becoming almost as important as physical presence and serves as a complementary part of the music world. The duo is committed to paying attention to this aspect because visuals help people “leave the real world and embark on an adventure,” allowing them to dive deeper into the music. It’s not just about beauty—it’s about delivering a message.
Unforgettable Visual Moments That Captivate the World
ARTBAT have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to merge music with breathtaking visual effects, creating moments that stay etched in memory:
The Sugarloaf Mountain Set for Cercle: One of the most striking examples is their sensational Cercle set atop Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) in Rio de Janeiro in March 2019. Broadcast live, this performance showcased ARTBAT’s music against a stunning natural backdrop. Everything was perfect—the sunset, the landscapes, the crowd, the atmosphere—making it truly unforgettable. The video has garnered over 32 million views, proving how location and visual aesthetics can elevate the musical experience and captivate millions.
Cinematic Music Videos: A prime example of their meticulous approach to visuals is the music video for “In Your Arms,” created in collaboration with Another Life. The video stands out for its “award-worthy, spectacular visual effects” that immerse viewers in a mystical realm. Filmed across icy landscapes, featuring elegant dancers moving in sync with the beats, and enhanced with stunning drone shots, it delivers a truly cinematic experience.
The Artists Behind ARTBAT’s Visual World: Many of the visual concepts for ARTBAT’s shows were developed by Belgian digital artist Fabian Aerts, renowned for his abstract 3D installations and CG animations. He crafted visuals for ARTBAT’s live performances on massive LED screens, using dynamic forms and cosmic landscapes that perfectly align with the duo’s melodic techno sound. Fabian has admitted that working with enormous screens was challenging at first, but witnessing the audience’s reaction made him realize the power of blending music and visuals. Alongside him, teams like Majorarti and Polyspheric, specialized in live visuals for electronic artists, brought their expertise in CG animation and real-time graphics, making ARTBAT’s shows truly immersive.
UPPERGROUND: Events as Immersive Experiences
In 2021, ARTBAT launched their own label, UPPERGROUND, a name associated with notions of flight, dreams, energy, and a musical journey that transcends the ground—a nod to merging the underground with a sense of spiritual elevation. Events under the UPPERGROUND brand are known for their “high-quality audiovisual production” and “immersive experience,” attracting thousands of attendees worldwide. The visual side of these shows is not handled by ARTBAT alone but also by freelance artists and creative studios such as Fabian Aerts, Majorarti, and technical teams with backgrounds in VR, interactive installations, and large-scale EDM stage design. Their ability to combine generative graphics with audio-synced visuals creates a new aesthetic for live electronic shows.
Historic Performance at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
In May 2024, ARTBAT made history by performing at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, hosting the first-ever electronic music concert at this iconic venue. The sold-out show, which drew 8,000–10,000 fans under the Upperground brand, showcased their influence and popularity. The high-end audiovisual setup transformed the legendary stadium into an otherworldly experience, where visual artists once again played a key role by designing special effects, animations, and interactive visuals for LED walls and stage structures.
Looking Ahead
ARTBAT continue to develop their approach to visualization, constantly working on new ideas and concepts for their UPPERGROUND label. In the future, they plan to integrate visuals even deeper into their shows as part of the “adventurous, exploratory side” of their art. This reflects their constant desire to surprise and engage audiences not only through sound but also through captivating visuals.
ARTBAT stand as a powerful example of how modern artists can leverage visualization as a tool to promote and elevate their music, creating unforgettable, multidimensional experiences for fans across the globe.
