Author Archives: Bassweight Society

Biome – Two Way EP (BLACKBOX029)

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Bless everybody.  Hope all is well with the fam’.  Today I wanted to take some time out to highlight the recent EP released by Biome.  As if this man has not been absolutely slaying bass bins for the past 6 months (at least), he has made his presence even more visible with this latest release on Black Box.  With one of the hardest sounds in the deeper side of the 140 arena, Biome has carved out his place like a force that cannot be reckoned with.  I have promoted much of his music within the time span of Bassweight Society’s existence and he is definitely one of my favorite producers.  This 4 Track 2 x 12″ release sees a more calm Biome (or at least that’s how I’ve perceived it) than his recent work with the Macabre Unit crew and his release on New Moon not too long ago – I find it very refreshing.  The Two Way EP is an excellent addition to the Black Box discography, holding true to the imprints sound.

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Reality || Vinyl, Digital

This beat starts off with some beautiful atmospherics and quickly progresses into a pressure-ridden halfstep masterpiece.  The space utilized in between each bass element creates grooves that would cause a paraplegic to off his/her chair and straight mash the dance.  I was instantly hooked by the eerie pads used in the track and I’m sure each of you will find an element that tickles your fancy within this one.

Inner Mind || Vinyl, Digital

This tune embodies the “calm” Biome that I spoke of in the introduction of this feature.  Preceding this release I’ve seen Biome on very high-energy trend, utilizing extremely heavy tribal-styled percussion to keep the dance inna’ zone.  Inner Mind utilizes calming vocals, eyes down piano chords, and atmospherics that all equate to a brilliant work of art.  I find this tune to be extremely peaceful, and to be honest, thought-provoking.  I say thought-provoking because each time I play this one I can’t help but reminisce on past memories, analyze current situations, and just think.  I’m going to have to say that this is my persy off the EP.

Charged || Vinyl, Digital

In uniform with the calmer vibe of the EP, ‘Charged’ keeps the beat slow but the vibes large.  Biome’s unmatched ability to modulate growling basslines is apparent in this stomper as the tune is constantly interchanging between them.  The snare hit in this beat really makes me exaggerate my body movements as it is crisp in it’s strike and fades flawlessly, with just the right amount of reverb.

Two Way || Vinyl, Digital

To wrap up the release is ‘Two Way’.  This one is for the steppers!  A very clean and constant kick drum floods the sound field while an array of hats and snares compliment the grooves.  For some reason I picture a mad scientist frantically searching for a lost potion when I listen to this tune.  Haha, yeah, I’m weird.

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Many of you have probably already purchased this but, if you haven’t, DO IT!  It’s available at all good record shops and online stores.  You can preview all of the tunes down below via the Black Box Soundcloud page.

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Hope you enjoy the sounds!  Support the artists, show them some love and most importantly, DON’T PIRATE MUSIC.  Be sure to check later this week, most likely Thursday, as I have a very special feature/interview with a Bristolian producer that has been turning heads on the late!  Big up to all the readers, your support means the world to me.  Until next time…

To the gods.

-Kinman

Subreachers: Foundation EP (WRZ005)

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EZ fam’.  I’m finally back to reality.  It was definitely quite the journey I embarked on, and I’m refreshed and ready to go for the next year.  It’s amazing what one week in Black Rock City can do for ones mind and soul.  I’m going to have a feature up soon showcasing a lot of the amazing art and experiences (via photo) that I shared with my family while at Burning Man last week.  It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and energetic cities on the earth – yet only exists for 1 week!

Anyways, for today, I have a little review on the fresh EP from Subreachers.  This 4-track (digital) / 3-Track (vinyl) release is an absolutely outstanding display of deep-rhythm versatility.  With sounds ranging from the foundation reminiscent wobbles of  ‘Developer’ to the jazz-infused ambiance of ‘Foundation’, Matthias Hoogewijs has really cemented himself as a producer that is here to stay.  The EP marks the fifth release for Warriorz Records, an imprint dedicated to the promotion of their fellow Belgian musicians.  The EP hits the shelves today so be sure to get your copy!

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‘Developer’ || Vinyl, Digital

This tune, in my mind, is the ultimate homage to the original dubstep sound.  As the shutter-shaking wobble creeps its way in through the envelope, the masterfully constructed snare hit bleeds a reverb that sends the listener into an abyss of atmospheric groove.  The constant introduction of new sounds and grooves throughout the bars keeps this song eternally fresh and interesting.  Hold tight for the second.

‘Foundation’ || Vinyl, Digital

After the infamously talented duo, Author, formulated and introduced one of the most forward-thinking interpretations of the 140 arena, there have been many imitators – few of which I’ve found noteworthy.  This track is one of the few.  This laid back sunshine anthem has a feel-good vibe often foreign to the cold, dark nature of dubstep.

‘Karnaubawa’ || Vinyl, Digital

This one is so softly melodic and peaceful.  The subtle vocal processing really brings out an extra amount of vibe that “puts a cherry on top” of this production.  The rhythmic delay of the synths and the snap-hat combination really put the shuffle in your step and groove in your hips.  This beat is my persy off the release.

‘Return 2 Reality’ || Digital Only

Stuttered drum sequencing and howling basslines characterize this track.  Definitely takes you through a wormhole of audible frequencies.  This delightfully energetic half-step bit is one for those preparing for the dread march.  Hoods up, fists up, eyes down – bring on the revolution.

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Released today!  Available in all good record shops.  Below are purchase links from Chemical and Juno.  Make sure you head over the Subreachers page and shout him some love and support.  Will be a lot more of this fellow to hear in the near future.  To celebrate the release, the label and artist have been generous enough to give away ‘Return 2 Reality’ as a free download.  PLEASE show the involved parties some love for this.  A fucking massive tune free of charge is always deserving of a simple, yet genuine, “thank you”.

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Chemical Records

Juno Records

Stay blessed.

To the gods.

-Kinman

Free Music From Truth & DJ Madd + More.

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Bless up everybody.  There has been a lot of free music given out by top-notch producers lately so I figured that I would focus today’s post around that!  Who doesn’t like free music, right?

The first tracks I want to highlight are off the free album that Truth has put together to launch their new label, Defy Recordings.  This duo has honestly been on one of the most consistent rampages I’ve seen.  Whether it be their productions, their performances, podcasts, or the infiltration of San Francisco, CA’s streets, these guys have been carving out a very large name for themselves, and on a global scale.  BWS has been blessed enough to host Truth (Andre) at one of our events and it was epic!  Definitely a night that Santa Barbara still talks about.  The two tracks that have been released as an album sampler are ‘Gaza’ and ‘Rain Dancer ft. Yayne‘.  If you don’t follow them on Soundcloud, make sure to get on your profile and do so!  They have released remixes by J:Kenzo and Perverse exclusively to their Soundcloud followers.  Download the tracks below and make sure to give a massive shout to these boys.  An album of this caliber for free is genuinely one of the nicest things I have seen any producer do – so please make your gratitude known to them!

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This next free bit is a remix from my all-time favorite producer, DJ Madd.  Ever since I discovered his productions in 2008, I have been blown away by his sound and versatility.  Like many producers, he started by making drum and bass and naturally progressed into dubstep.  His productions are unrivaled in my opinion.  The man makes the cleanest, most diverse, and most powerful beats that circulate.  This remix he did of Congo Natty – Marcus Garvey is another shining example of his musical mastery.  This is an absolute spliff riddim’ that keeps things dubwise and deep.  Don’t sleep on this one!

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Alright that’s it for the freebies.

This next bit is a remix that Distance has done for Submotion Orchestra, taking on the tune ‘Blindspot’.  Distance takes a different take on things with this track, still ending up with phenomenal piece of music.  Have a listen below.  Really excited for this one to release.

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The last piece for today is a mix built just Bassweight Society.  A good good friend of mine, that I’ve been mixing with for going on 4 years now, has just recorded, hands down, one of the most energetic drum and bass mixes I’ve heard in a looooooong time.  The track selection, placement, and execution is all spot-on.  Loads of fresh releases as well as a few older gems.  I really urge you to set the time aside for this one!  All vinyl, all love.  Big up Nate.

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Big up fam’.  That’s all for today, probably for the next 10 days as I will be leaving for a trip tomorrow afternoon.  I wish you all the best!  All you Outlookers, I’m obscenely jealous, but am already looking forward to next years 🙂  Bless.

To the gods.

-Kinman

Introducing: Uprise Audio

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EZ fam’.  It’s going to be an intense couple of weeks coming up for the soundsystem culture.  We got Outlook Festival and immediately following, Dimensions Festival.  Both of these festivals have become pinnacle events for various lovers of bass.  Catered to Dub heads, House heads, Drum and Bass heads, Dubstep heads, whatever heads.  For those of you lucky enough to experience these events, my hat is off to you.  Despite being accommodated to do coverage for the US, I was unable to afford the flights out there – which has been killing me.  Next year though, 100% BWS will be there with T-shirts, stickers, and the whole nine yards :).  Can’t wait to hear about everybody’s experience (even though it will further my feelings of jealousy lol)!

Today I want to shed some light on a brand new label that will be in full-force early October.  If you use Facebook I’m sure you have seen the promotions being blasted around, but if not, this should be some quite exciting news.  This is something that BWS has been holding back for a couple months now to announce, and it makes me very proud to finally do so.  Badman Eddy Woo, aka Seven, has teamed up with Subculture Artists main woman behind the scenes Verity to launch Uprise Audio.  I shouldn’t have to give an introduction for Seven because the man has been a don to the scene for over a decade, whether it be his early drum and bass or more recent dubstep productions.  Verity is woman who has a work ethic that most can only aspire to.  Between her involvement with Subculture Artists and ICU Audio, working a studio, and NOW Uprise Audio, I often find myself wondering how the f*ck she does all this when there is only 24 hours in a day.  I mean, seriously though?

The imprints debut release is set for early October and coming from the hands of USA’a very own (although he now lives in Berlin), Dubtek.  With previous releases on labels like Paradise Lost, Requiem Audio, and Shift Recordings (to name a few), Dubtek has been steadily climbing the ranks among deep heads worldwide.  His debut release for Uprise Audio will without a doubt turn any heads that’ve slept on his productions.  The A side, ‘Extension’, is a massive track that will leave you slumped in your seat from the drum grooves and massive amounts of bass pressure.  ‘Plus Ultra’ (B side) is my personal favorite off this release.  This one just bounces and bounces,  non-stop.  The detail of this production caught my ears first time around and each time I listen to it I find something else.

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If you live in the UK, Uprise will be throwing a release party on October 4th in Nottingham at Stealth Nightclub.  The event will FREE ENTRY and have performances by Dubtek, Nanobyte, Chewie, Andrew V.C. (Vicious Circle), Seven, and Truth.  Holding down the microphone will be the infamous Toast, alongside Alys Be and Yayne.  Definitely going to want to get in on this event.  Not very often to you get that kind of quality lineup with no entrance fee!  Check the event page here.

This is definitely an imprint that you’ll want to keep your ears out for as they will be putting out some absolutely amazing music (I’ve been lucky enough to hear previews 😉 ) !!!

I will catch you next time fam’.

To the gods.

-Kinman