About Nokturnal Drums
Founded in 2017, Nokturnal Drums is a sound design label created by producer and sound designer Serhii “Nokturn” Melnikov. Built from a deep passion for hip-hop culture, music production, and original sound creation, Nokturnal Drums delivers high-quality drum samples, drum kits, one-shots, and loops designed for producers who want character, impact, and a unique sonic identity. Our sounds have been used by Grammy® Award-winning producers, professional musicians, and creators around the world. Nokturnal Drums sounds have appeared in songs by artists including Drake, J. Cole, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Cordae, Snoop Dogg, Redman, Method Man, X Ambassadors, Giveon, Marsha Ambrosius, and many others. Every sound is carefully crafted with one goal in mind - helping producers create stronger drums, add emotion to their mixes, inspire new ideas, and develop a signature sound.
Official Biography
Serhii Melnikov, known professionally as Nokturn, was born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine. His journey into music began through hip-hop culture, introduced to him by his older sister in 2003 through artists such as Cypress Hill, 2Pac, Snoop Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound, and Dr. Dre. In 2004, he became deeply involved in graffiti and street art culture while continuing to explore hip-hop through the music that inspired him. During his high school years, Nokturn discovered music production and began searching for every opportunity to learn, experiment, and improve his craft. A major turning point came in 2009 when he met TEKA, an experienced beatmaker who introduced him to FL Studio and helped him understand the fundamentals of production. Through guidance, knowledge, and support, Nokturn began developing the skills that would shape his future career. Driven by a passion for music, he dedicated years to improving his craft despite limited resources and uncertainty. While balancing everyday life and work, he continued creating, learning, and pushing himself forward. In 2011, Nokturn discovered the album Behind The Curtain by !llmind, which became another important influence on his creative direction. Inspired by !llmind’s approach to production and sound design, Nokturn began refining his own style and setting a new goal: to one day collaborate with the producer who inspired him.
Rise and Breakthrough
In 2015, Nokturn gained the attention of !llmind during a weekly production stream where aspiring producers submitted beats for feedback. The track Nokturn submitted represented years of dedication, learning, and inspiration. While the feedback was valuable, the experience became something even more important - a reminder to keep improving and pushing his own limits. In 2016, that dedication led to a major breakthrough. After receiving recognition from !llmind, Nokturn joined Roseville Music Group (RMG) and became part of the international production collective The H!ttaz. On August 26, 2016, The H!ttaz released their self-titled beat tape featuring !llmind, Nick Pacoli, Fouche, Nokturn, Bigg Kid, Jedi Jordan, and EFF3X. The project introduced Nokturn to a wider production community and opened new opportunities within the music industry. During this period, Nokturn also collaborated with fellow producer Larry Fouche. Nokturn produced the track “By The Sea” for singer Tangina Stone’s album Elevate, which featured guest appearances from Nelly Furtado and Crystal Caines. Released in 2017, the project reached notable chart positions on iTunes and Apple Music.
Sound Design and Nokturnal Drums
In 2017, guided by Atlas, A&R at Roseville Music Group, Nokturn expanded his focus into sound design and created Nokturnal Drums. The first sample pack was released in May 2017 and quickly gained attention within the producer community. Available through platforms such as KitSohard, the pack received recognition from producers and musicians across the industry. Over time, Nokturnal Drums became trusted by a growing community of producers, including professionals such as Cardiak, Symbolyc One, Kerry “Krucial” Brothers, Allen Ritter, Boogz Da Beast, Seige Monstracity, AraabMUZIK, Kelvin “WU10” Wooten, Jay Fab, Soopafly, Vinny Idol, Dr. Evo, Quazedelic, and many others. The goal has always remained simple - create original, inspiring sounds that help producers bring their ideas to life.
Growing Worldwide
In 2018, Nokturn launched the official Nokturnal Drums online store and partnered with Sounds by Native Instruments, making his sound packs available to a global audience. By 2021, Nokturnal Drums had sold thousands of drum kits and reached over 150,000 downloads through Sounds. Customers from countries around the world including the United States, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, and many others became part of the growing Nokturnal Drums community. Today, the catalog includes more than 30 original sound packs, with new releases continuing to expand the brand’s creative direction. Nokturn’s production work includes collaborations and projects connected with artists and producers such as Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound, Tha Eastsidaz, Kokane, Butch Cassidy, Mr. Shadow, and many independent artists.
The Journey Continues
Nearly two decades after first discovering hip-hop culture, Nokturn continues creating music and designing sounds with the same curiosity and dedication that started the journey. Nokturnal Drums represents years of experience, countless hours of experimentation, and a commitment to helping producers find their own voice.