MRAK ignites Afterlife with his striking new ‘Smoke’ EP: introspective, cinematic tracks ‘Smoke,’ ‘Nobody,’ and ‘All Of The Lights’ illustrate Carmine Conte’s experimental solo vision.

MRAK ignites Afterlife with his striking new ‘Smoke’ EP, delivering a profound trio that includes the long-awaited title track Smoke, plus Nobody and All Of The Lights. This release marks the solo debut of Carmine Conte, co-founder of the Afterlife label, as he ventures into deeper, conceptual territories.
A Solo Expression Rooted in Storytelling
MRAK is more than just a side project—it’s a creative alter-ego for Conte. Through Smoke, Nobody, and All Of The Lights, he embraces introspection, molding music into narrative-driven soundscapes. Known for his seamless melodic techno with Afterlife, MRAK takes listeners beyond dancefloor peaks into places of emotion, memory, and immersive transformation.
Smoke: A Haunting, Hypnotic Journey
The EP’s centerpiece, Smoke, has circulated among fans for months as an elusive ID. The track finally delivers: dark, grounded drums propel a smoky groove, while ethereal synth swells push energy upward. A distant, drifting vocal weaves through the sound, haunting and human. After building tension, the release breaks into trance chords that elevate the moment—offering a collective uplift on the dancefloor and an emotional resonance beyond it.
Nobody & All Of The Lights: Contrasting Depths
- Nobody opens with minimalistic textures and spacious ambience. As brooding pads give way to rhythmic momentum, the track builds toward a cathartic breakdown—symbolically charting absence, solitude, and emotional release.
- All Of The Lights offers contrast—a more luminous, euphoric soundscape. Pulsating arpeggios and synth washes give the track an uplifting spirit, guiding listeners out of the shadows and into clarity.
Together, the trio balances darkness and light, both in tone and dynamics. It reflects Conte’s vision of journey-based storytelling through DJ sets and recorded music alike.
Why This EP Matters for 2025
- Birth of MRAK: Conte defines a new artistic identity separate from his main Afterlife persona.
- Elevated Artistic Depth: The music blends meditative techno with emotional narrative—perfect for late-night introspection or conceptual set curation.
- Pushes Label Boundaries: Through MRAK, Afterlife continues evolving beyond melodic peak-time into more reflective, immersive storytelling.
Carmine Conte’s Creative Evolution
As one half of Tale of Us, Conte has long balanced melodic drama with atmospheric groove. With MRAK, he strips that down even further. The result is music that’s not just heard—it’s lived. This EP reflects years of refinement and intention, positioning MRAK at the forefront of melodic techno’s conceptual wave.
Listen & Experience
Smoke, Nobody, and All Of The Lights are now available across major streaming platforms and DJ pools. For those seeking immersive sets, expect MRAK to begin weaving this material live on after-hours stages and select label showcases soon.
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