Category Archives: Artist Highlight

System Overload: Too Many Men

Posted by Bassweight Society on

EZ brothers and sisters.  Hope everybody is doing well, feeling good, and vibing out to this beautiful world that we live in.  Time has been straight up FLYING by lately, it’s truly insane.  I thought that once school was done with I would have all the time in the world to keep this site updated and content constantly rolling through during my summer break.  Life just keeps throwing this and that, and things just haven’t been catering to my free time.  I apologize for that, hopefully all ya’ll heads can understand :).  It’s been almost a week since I last got a post up here and in that time there has been some really amazing music put out and some great news revealed, as well as some saddening news.

Let’s get the sad out of the way first.  Although it seems to be quite speculative, considering no definite statements have been recorded, rumors are spreading that Pendulum will no longer be writing/performing music as they’ve decided to concentrate on their Knife Party project.  I have no hate for what they’ve chosen to do with Knife Party, everybody needs to make money, and I’m sure they really do enjoy the music they make and the reactions they get from the crowds.  However, it saddens me that Pendulum will no longer be.  They provided my youth with some of the greatest EDM experiences and I draw a lot of influence from their innovation and flat-out talent.  I hope that it’s not really the end but, times change, people change, and the game changes too.  Much love and respect out to them boys for doing their thing for so long and I wish them the best in their future endeavors!

To lighten things up a bit, their is two specific events that made me extremely happy recently.  One being that Mala’s in Cuba album was reviewed by Joe Muggs and published on The Arts Desk (read here).  Not that I ever doubted the quality of Mala’s production skills, but it was quite an intriguing concept to incorporate Latin music into the South London brainchild of dubstep.  I’ve heard the two tunes that I’m sure everybody else has heard as well, but to read to Joe Muggs interpretations of the remainder of the album made my heart jump up like a schoolgirl who had just seen the Nsync tour bus pass by.  I truly cannot wait for this album to drop!  It’s going to look all these ignorant bastards, who make claims like “dubstep is dead”, straight in the eyes and tell them to FUCK OFF!  I’m getting really tired of all these jaded listeners who incessantly complain because they are too lazy to do their homework and search through hype.  Dubstep will never die.  Second thing that made me quite happy was the announcing of the boat parties that will be held during both Dimensions and Outlook festival.  HYPED!  The tickets will go on sale this Thurday at 8pm (GMT), so all the US heads that means 11am.  So many unreal parties will be going down, I can’t even begin to imagine the vibes that will be going down.  Make sure you get to your tickets to whichever party you want to attend fast!  They will sellout in an extremely quick fashion.

Now, to the beats.  I’ve got a solid handful of tunes that I want to post up on this beezy, hope you enjoy dem’.

First track is from a favorite producer of mine, TMSV.  It’s a collaboration with the notorious Beezy.  The track is laced up with some awakening lyrics that get your mind thinking about some of the more troubling things occurring on our planet.  The words are abruptly met with percussion that will take your mind back to the tribal roots we all share.  The dread-ridden synth created for this tune is all-time.  Puts out some of the most intense energy.  Massive one out to TMSV and Beezy for this production.

TMSV ft. Beezy – Crashing

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This next bit is a forthcoming on Tempa Records by Consequence.  Proper soundsystem music, this one.  Such a powerful kick, the snare is tailored perfectly, and the space in this tune is just as vital as the notes.  I’m sure there will be lots of great things to come from Consequence after this release.

Consequence – Injunction (Forthcoming Tempa)

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This next track picks the energy up and gets in your face with Biome incredible production skills.  This one is another tune filled with percussion that will incite the most primal of urges inna’ dance.  THIS TUNE IS FUCKING MAD!  I keep finding myself saying this but the man just keeps putting out heat after heat but, Biome has seriously been on a roll for about a year straight, putting out the heaviest and most intricately constructed tunes.  Big respect to the badman.

Biome – Shadows (Forthcoming New Moon Recordings)

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Next up is forthcoming on the almighty Deep Medi imprint.  I’m sure you’ve heard it because it’s been getting so much hype but I have to repost it because it’s such an amazing release.  Medi 59 will be from Jack Sparrow, and it’s about bloody time this man got signed to the Medi fam!  This track, titled ‘Good Old Days’ features Ruckspin on the production with Sparrow and is a jazz-infused bassweight masterpiece.  These guys have nearly unrivaled mix-downs, every element of the track being placed and EQ’d with the finest of precision.  The flip, ‘Afraid of Me’, takes a step away from the jazzy side of things and delves into the sonic exploration of techno-infused bass and analog sounding atmospherics.  Going to be an amazing release and I cannot wait to snag up a vinyl for myself!

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I want to send you off tonight with two absolutely MASSIVE remixes done by Sleeper and Compa.  Sleeper has remixed DCult’s ‘Deadly Hands of Shang Chi’ and done an amazing job!  Rupturing sub-bass on this one!  Compa has chosen to release his rendition of Reamz – Fear on the ‘We Are Wax’ white label imprint.  This tune displays Compa’s top-notch ability to take an original, that is already an amazing tune, and turn it into an equally as large interpretation.  Make sure that your subs are ready to flex on this one!

DCult – Deadly Hands of Shang Chi (Sleeper Remix)

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Reamz – Fear (Compa Remix)(Forthcoming WXWL002)

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BOOM!  That’s it for tonight fam.  Stay locked and stay high.

To the gods.

-Kinman

Drummed Out: Quantum Soul, Biome, Benton, & TMSV

Posted by Bassweight Society on

Gwwwwaaaarnnn get up now!  What’s good folks…Hope everybody is doing well on this glorious day!  We gotta’ bunch of freshies for your ears today, encompassing a vast spectrum of style.  Hope you enjoy 🙂

I wanted to start things off with a proper dub-styled jam from the one and only TMSV.  This guy makes some of the cleanest sub-bass in the game.  The tune, ‘Attention’, comes in nice and sends some extremely positive vibrations through your mind and soul.  Endless delays, climbing basslines, dubbed out vocals, the whole-nine yards with this one.  I would really like to see this get a release!  On a side note, I am really feeling these dub-wise tunes that TMSV has been writing on the late.  Stoked to hear more of it!

TMSV – Attention

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This next bit is moving back towards the darker side of the spectrum.  Biome has seriously been on such a massive run lately with amount of top-notch tunes he has been putting out.  ‘Persepolis’ on Macabre Unit Vinyl, ‘The Raven’/’Hybrid’ Remix on Osiris, and his 3 track release on the Deep Heads label.  Like I said, serious business this guy.  This track was put up on the Deep Heads soundcloud page earlier today and is another percussion flooded roller from the badman.  Subs up, eyes down for this one.

Biome – The Road

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Moving straight into the depths of the spectrum now with this preview of Benton’s ‘Defect Mind’, forthcoming on his Wheel & Deal album ‘Reflections’.  Benton is a producer who has a sound distinct to only himself, in my opinion.  The dark and sinister vocal clips, the slumping bass lines, and fine-tuned atmospherics are always present inna’ production with this guy.  Put your ouija board away before you press play on this one ;).

Benton – Defect Mind (Forthcoming Wheel & Deal)

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I wanted save this next tune for last because I believe it will send everybody off with a BANG!  Coming from the hands of our friend Quantum Soul is a remix done for SideProjekt’s tune ‘Temple’.  An absolute sub workout, this one!  Such an immense variety of sounds intricately placed together to create the massive amount of energy that this tune puts out.  Some SEEEERRIOUS soundsystem music!  Clear some space for the skankin’ that will undoubtedly occur once you press play.

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BLESS!  Hope you are all diggin’ the tunes for today.  Support the artists by buying their music and seeing them spin when they come to your town!  It’s a rough lifestyle for most of our favorite artists (obviously not the large names) so don’t make it any rougher on them by jacking the product of their countless hours in the studio.  Fo’ real do’.  We’ll catch you next time.

To the gods.

-Kinman

Album Review: Seven’s Evolution LP

Posted by Bassweight Society on

What up everybody!  We back from another weekend and ready to get going on the next!  Today we got a special highlight on Seven’s new album, ‘Evolution’, that just dropped today (digitally, vinyl was released last week).

Eddy Woo has been a tune making machine ever since the mid-2000’s (or at least that’s as far back as I can remember lol).  First putting his touch into the drum and bass world and then switching his concentration to dubstep after Yunx asked him to make a 140 tune for his radio show.  Since then Seven has been putting out multiple releases each year on imprints like Aquatic Lab, Black Box, Wheel & Deal, and Subway.  This past week saw the release of his debut full-length album on Black Box Records, Evolution LP.  For the vinyl heads this was a 3 platter, 6-track release and for the digital heads a 13-track collection of the finest quality tunes.  For the sake of time and, of course, your attention spans, I’m going to pull my 4 favorite tunes from the album to give you a little taster of what’s inside…

Morning Light ft. Alys Be//

This one is my percy off the album.  The soulfully haunting vocals from Alys Be dubbed up with the reverb-drenched synth leads on this tune set the stage beautifully for the in your face reese-esque bassline that comes in hard and leaves equally as clean, providing space for a snare drum that could snap the Dalai Lamas head back.

Seven ft. Alys Be – Morning Light

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Breathe//

The opening notes of this track are ones that will hook any listener, with any musical preference.  Big, spacious, and taunting stabs followed with an amazing  style of eastern-influenced strings.  This is a tune that requires patience, in my opinion.  Reason being that as the tune progresses into its final 1:23, each individual track comes together in its purest form.  The stabs begin to bounce through space guiding your neurotransmitters to all the pleasure centers in your brain, the high hats are rolling through the soundscape flawlessly, and then the tune begins to digress.  You’re then like “wait, rewind that shit back!”.

Seven – Breathe

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Feel It//

This tune is probably second in line for me, as far as favorites on the album.  It’s got SO MUCH soul!  Really bummed that this one didn’t make it onto the vinyl cut.  It starts off with real nice garagey introduction, causing footwork inna’ dance.  As its progresses, 90’s-rave vocals precursor the heavy arsenal of 808 drums that will instantly set off the dance vibes.  It’s very similar to a Von D style funkiness, drums made to shuffle and perfectly placed vocals.  Big tune!

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Picture This//

This track is a fire starter!  You’ll be instantly intrigued as the beginning section takes you through a flashback of some kind of 1980’s movie in which the setting is 30 years ahead of its time, in space.  Or maybe a Revenge of The Nerds talent show performance, haha.  Whatever you want to relate it to, it’s fucking dope.  The intensity begins to build quickly with the distorted wobble starting to rise out of the background and the sweep gains its force.  Once the tune hits its first climax the vibes are set to destroy!  That signature Seven style of creating some of the most powerful sub-lines in conjunction with just the right amount of aggression inna’ tune.  Again, this is one that I was really bummed to not see on wax.  The second climax is the one on this tune, though.  Switching out the wobble for a straight space-gangster synth line.  Like I said, this tune is a FIRE STARTER.  (I use the word ‘climax’ instead of  ‘drop’ because the term has been abused by the kids these days, lol)

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Now, make sure you get out and purchase this album!  Although I only reviewed four tunes today, the remaining nine on the album are all amazing as well.  Like I said previously, this was purely a time/attention management issue :).  The album is available at all good record shops and download sites, so snag it off whichever one you prefer (Chemical, Beatport, etc.).

Seven Evolution LP – Vinyl (Chemical Records)

Seven Evolution LP – Download (Chemical Records)

Thanks for tuning in, we’ll catch you tomorrow!

To the gods.

-Kinman

Big Up Yourself!: Rustie at SMOG, Icicle, Matty G, and More

Posted by Bassweight Society on

Oiiiiiiiiiiiiii!  What up everybody, hope all is well.  Friday is finally here, so that means it’s time to whyle out!  Cannot verbalize how excited I am to see Rustie at Smog Sunday’s this weekend.  This young man has done some phenomenal things with his music.  He is honestly one of the most forward-thinking producers out there at the moment, in my opinion.  Add Rustie’s musical prowess into the equation with SMOG’s ability to throw some of the ILLEST parties that California has seen, and what do you have?  A fucking amazing night, that’s what you have.  I strongly urge you to make it out to this show if you can, it is sure to be one of the highlights for the summer.  Sunday night, Dim Mak Studios, BE THERE.  You can find more details about the show here.

So, as were about get into the weekend, which usually entails several forms of debauchery, I tried to pull together some tunes that are going to clear your mind, and then get your blood pumping hard.

I wanna start things off with a new bit from the ultimate badman, Swindle.  As we’re anxiously awaiting his Deep Medi release to hit the shelves, he has blessed us with this soulful number in the meantime.  This jam throws out some killer vibes.  The vocals from Takura set the stage perfectly for Swindle’s bounce-infused purple dance number.  A perfect way to clear all the negativity/stress that has accumulated over the week and get your mind on the right level for good times with the ones you love.

Swindle ft. Takura – Have A Go

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This next bit is comes from the hands of Icicle, and is an absolute roller.  I have to say, I am extremely pleased with the direction Icicle has been taking his beats.  The title suits the style, as he’s named it ‘Deep Tech’.  Give it a listen and close your eyes as you’re transported to a dungeon in eastern europe with the deepest, most minimal beats playing.  This is taken from the Rinse 19 mixed by Icicle.

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Now I want to hype this new piece that Ghost Note just uploaded, titled ‘Transmission’.  This one hits some low notes!  Spacey percussion, techno-infused stabs, and an extremely powerful dub-esque bassline fill the airwaves as your body vibrates to the frequencies, warming your soul.  Pardon the quality, it is only 128kbps, but it’s forthcoming on the S/T EP so be on the look.  Apparently the second drop is absolutely mental, too!  Can’t wait.  Big up the NZ crew!

Ghost Note – Transmission (Clip)

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Up next is a tune from the industrial beat-smith, Distance.  The track is called ‘Searching’ and it emits some truly evil vibes.  Fading chants, rolling kick drums, and growling basslines take hold of the frequency spectrum and transcend your mind into visions of deep and dark silhouettes (or at least my mind).

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Now, to finish off the weeks tunes I wanted to bring back an all-time classic from the Cali-grown innovator of west coast dubstep, Matty G.  This tune, released back in 2009, will smash any dance floor up!  Infusing the west coasts hip-hop funkiness into the UK’s bass-ridden brainchild (dubstep), results in nothing short of AMAZING.  This man is a pure example of forward-thinking, and the fact that his tunes still sound so good stands a testament to that.  Turn the subs up and get ready for the west coast to show you how we rock! 😉

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That’s it fam, hope these tune will put you into those weekend vibes!  We will see you next week, and if you’re going to Rustie, we will see you then!  Big up the readers, much respect from the crew.

To the gods.

-Kinman

Bassweight Sessions 1: Kelly Dean

Posted by Bassweight Society on

Kelly @ Smog Sunday’s w/ J:Kenzo (May 6, 2012)

Yo fam, what’s good?!  It’s already halfway through the week, which is a blessing in itself, so let’s start getting those vibes going that are going to bring us into the weekend.

Today we sit down with one of the many talented frontmen for the Los Angeles super-power, SMOG.  Kelly Dean has been involved with the inception of what is now one of the most well-rooted dubstep scenes in the US since, essentially, day one.  From underground art galleries to 5,000 person-sellout shows, Kelly has been amidst the evolution of Los Angeles dubstep.

While LA is largely associated with the aggressive, tear-out, and more commercially recognized styles of  bass, this man has managed to keep innovation going within the deeper side of the spectrum, adding his own creativity to the foundation sounds.  Alongside the SMOG family, Kelly has been bringing in some of the most highly respected figures in the deep scene, with the ‘Smog Sundays’ weekly.  I’ve made it out to as many as my life allows, and I have yet to be let down!  Much respect out to the crew for that!  Now, hopefully we can get some bassweight business going on a Friday or Saturday night, too 😉

Having racked up a sufficient amount of releases on labels like Sub Pressure, Gamma Audio, Shift Recordings, and Smog Records, to name a few, he is no stranger to the buttons.  Releasing drum and bass early on in his career but then switching his focus to dubstep in 08′, the man has definitely been on an upward path of production quality.  With his music receiving the remix treatment by Excision, Chewie, and the engineering mastermind, Von D, it should come as no surprise that his ascent has been steady.  Production aside, Kelly is also a man who has quality mixing skills, whether it be live or on two decks.  Caught his set before J:Kenzo last Sunday and he smashed it, flawlessly bringing in big tune after big tune, crossing between deep and soulful.

Anyways, let’s see what the LA badman has to say, shall we?

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What up Kelly!  First off thanks for the support with this interview.
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How have things with the SMOG family been on the late?  You guys have been bringing some killer performances the past couple months with your Smog Sunday’s; Seven, Noah D, Antiserum, J:Kenzo, and then you got Rustie and Goth-Trad all coming within the next couple months.  Respect!
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Yeah man the next few months are going to be great with all the deep artists coming through.  I’m really happy with the way things are going with SMOG here in LA.  There’s no place i’d rather be really!
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Any big things been going in the studio for you?  Your EP, ‘I Got You’, on Sublife Recordings hit the shelves on the 30th, anything else forthcoming that we should keep our eyes out for?
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Yeah the “I Got You” EP just dropped and I’m really happy to get that out.  That was one of the first tunes I made and really sat on that one for a long time.  Thankfully Lukeino with Sublife Recordings heard it and was interested in getting it out.  I really dig the remixes from Pawn and Lukeino!  As for other projects forthcoming, I have a “Easy Now” remix for Olie Bassweight and Werd 2 Jah that should be out very soon.  There’s a remix for did for Juakali’s “Standing Firm” that I haven’t got a confirmed date for just yet, but look out for that.   Also currently I’m wrapping up another EP, release info for that will be announced pretty soon.
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Seeing as you’ve been involved with the Los Angeles scene since it really formed into its own ‘scene’ (circa 07), what are your thoughts on the directions it’s gone, and where it is today?  Up until now we’ve only been able to get the perspective of producers that are only (for the most part) exposed to the US scene while on tour and such, so it will be nice to hear from someone who sees it at all times.
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The past 5 years have been crazy to say the least.  Back in 07 when I went to my first dubstep event it was a very small scene of people that were excited to hear a brand new form a music in a tiny club.  Flash forward to 2012 and there are sold out shows at legendary venues.  I don’t know any form of music that has gained that much popularity and acceptance that quickly.  There are so many directions the music has gone and that is mainly because there is so much potential in the eclectic directions you can take it. The amount of talent that comes through LA any given week is pretty incredible.  I don’t see myself leaving any time soon!
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What was the most memorable night that you have from LA’s dubstep history?  What makes it stand out that way?
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Well, its pretty hard to pinpoint one specific night.  There have been so many.  But there was a night at The Exchange in LA where Redbull hosted a culture clash with Smog, StonesThrow, Dim Mak and The Dub Club.  All 4 crews came together to battle each other in 15 minute rounds.  The vibe and excitement was thick!!  It came down to the wire between Smog and StonesThrow.  StonesThrow ended up winning the event in a very close call but it was amazing to have the acknowledgement for that status in LA.  For that we were pretty grateful and it made for a very special evening.  We also recently had a Smog vs Respect night at the House of Blues on Sunset.  We did it last year and both years have been very successful for a all local lineup.  LA is very supportive of its home players and that was also a very special event for us.
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Do you have any advice for producers that are looking to “come up” in the game?  Things to seek, things to avoid?
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I would say the biggest problem I see with producers trying to get noticed is trying to emulate popular artists.  This only makes it harder to get noticed because your style will sound common and wont have a unique brand to it.  Most label owners want to hear something new and exciting rather than something that will be stale in a month after release. Above all the most important thing is to have fun and try not to stress if you don’t hear back from labels.  Keep it moving, stay creative and have fun!  You can start up your own label and create your own brand now so there is always other options.
Considering the entire history of music, who is the one person that you would want to work with?  Dead or Alive (obviously).
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I’ve always been inspired by Danny Elfman’s work.  I think it would be challenging to try and score a film the way he does.  To lay down emotions behind scenes seems like such a fun project.  I also think Bonobo is a musical mastermind and would be honored to work with him.  So my dream collaboration would have to be working with those two on the same project.
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Who shot Biggie and Pac?
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Damn, thats a tough one.  I’d say it was all a cover up and both are sipping cocktails on a beach somewhere laughing at the whole Coachella hologram thing.  hahaha
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Wanna Big up anyone?
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Bigup to my Smog family, Lukeino at Sublife, Kial at Sub Pressure, Shift family in Seatle. Juakali and Olie Bassweight get massive shouts!  Bigup to eveyone who supports my music!  And finally Bigup to Bassweight Society for shedding light on deeper sounds across the globe!
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Again, a shout out to Kelly for his support with the interview!  I also want to shout out to SMOG for their dedication and deliverance to quality dubstep in California (and now spreading across the states!).
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Below you will find a mix that Kelly Dean uploaded for this feature from his live set on April 18, 2012, in support of Truth and Silkie.  This mix is jam-packed full of huge tunes!  A must listen.  Also, you will find links directing you to his Soundcloud, Facebook, and artist profile on the SMOG page.  Be sure to check them out and support the artist by purchasing his music!  Show the SMOG family some love too by stopping by their Facebook and dropping a line.
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That’s it for today!
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To the gods.
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-Kinman