Artist Spotlight: Burko
Welcome to MusicVerse Media’s inaugural artist spotlight, where we dive into the freshest sounds and stories shaping today’s house music landscape. For our debut feature, we shine the light on Burko, the San Diego-based producer whose self-coined “Medieval House” style is carving out a dark-yet-melodic niche in the SoCal scene.
From San Diego Roots to SoCal Sensation
Born and raised in San Diego, Burko (real name David Burkow) first cut his teeth in the city’s vibrant nightlife. He attended college in Santa Barbara, where he had a residency at EOS and refined his signature sound. After returning home, he leveraged his local connections to headline key venues and cultivate a following hungry for his dramatic, cinematic approach to house music. Today, Burko “has taken over the SoCal scene by storm with his uniquely dark-yet-melodic style of house and techno”.
Crafting “Medieval House”
Burko describes his music as “Medieval House”—a fusion of brooding, string-laden soundscapes with driving four-to-the-floor rhythms. Drawing inspiration from film composers like Hans Zimmer, he layers atmospheric synths and analog textures to create tracks that feel epic in scope yet intimate on the dancefloor. As he told EDM Maniac in 2022, “‘Medieval House’…means to me dark, cinematic house music with a lot of dramatic breakdowns and string instruments”.
Discography Highlights
Infrared EP (2022)
Burko’s debut EP introduced the world to his medieval aesthetic across four tracks, including the hypnotic lead single “Infrared,” which quickly found its way onto Spotify editorial playlists and festival stages.
Lonely Nights (2024)
Building on his debut, this single showcased Burko’s ability to balance emotive melodies with dancefloor energy.
Milosonic (Leena Punks Remix) (2025)
A fresh take on his work, this two-track single demonstrates Burko’s ongoing relevance and willingness to reimagine his own catalog.
Spinning Worldwide: Mixes & Live Shows
Beyond his studio output, Burko has reached audiences across the globe through notable mixes and festival appearances:
Dirtybird Radio #498 (June 2025): His guest mix for Dirtybird showcases a “distinctive blend of dark, atmospheric and melodic indie dance,” spotlighting both original tracks and carefully curated edits.
Spin Nightclub Headline: Returning to his hometown, Burko commanded the decks at one of San Diego’s premier venues, delivering a high-octane set that celebrated his latest releases and deep cuts.
He’s also graced stages at festivals such as Wonderfront Fest and Insomniac events, engaging fans with his immersive, story-driven performances.
Connect with Burko
Stay in touch with Burko’s journey and catch his next San Diego pop-up or festival set by following him online:
- Instagram: @burkomusic (21K followers)
- X (Twitter): @BurkoMusic
- Facebook: facebook.com/burkomusic
Whether you’re drawn to his haunting string motifs, thunderous basslines, or the theatrical flair of medieval-inspired house, Burko’s evolution is one to watch. Keep your ears peeled and your soul ready—this is just the beginning of his reign in the modern house music kingdom.
Featured image: Burko performing at Spin Nightclub, San Diego.