Tag Archives: Benton

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

.

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

.

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)

.

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.

.

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

Advertisement

Future Jungle – Insights and Outlooks with Arc88

Posted by Bassweight Society on

Ay, welcome back, we hope you had a sub-filled weekend. If you remember, today’s post will be following up on our introduction to Future Jungle last week. Way back then, we introduced the sound we hesitantly dubbed ‘Future Jungle’ and had a sick jungle mix from local dj Archive. We also promised some inside info from someone behind the mixing board, and boy did we deliver.

Arc88 sat down with us last week and really educated the crew on what Future Jungle is, where it came from and where it’s going. In the Q & A you can expect to gain an insight of the emergence of 140 Jungle, its furtherance by artists pushing the sound and a general understanding of its place in the dance music horizon – all from a producer, who we think speaks for the genre.

Arc88 Interview:

BWS) Could you briefly explain a bit about yourself, where you’re from and a bit of backstory of your dj/production career until this point?

Arc88) I’ve been producing for a few years now, I’ve fucked about with loads of different genres but decided to stick with this because its a style I’ve dug for years.

The first 140 Jungle bit I made was a bootleg. (probably better if i don’t say what) After that I made ‘A Feeling’ (which is coming out on Terrain) that gained some interest which inspired me to carry on. With that I built “2 Many” which turned out to be my first release on Terrain which I’m still getting mad feedback internationally so I’m grateful for that.

BWS) Rad. So is 140 Jungle a new style to you? or simply Jungle slowed down?

Arc88) This sound is a bit of a mix really, I try and keep it as legitimate sounding as possible because I want someone to listen to it and assume it was made in 1990, but with new production tools and software. You don’t get that same gritty true sound they did back then, so the production is going to sound a fair bit cleaner.

What I do really, is infuse a very early Hardcore sound with a later style Jungle drum track, as opposed to the earlier Hardcore jungle sound where the drums would be fairly minimal. (I use pitch changing drum rolls and fills quite in the style of Shy Fx, Bass Master Warriors, Potential Bad Boy etc.)

It is slowed down to a certain degree when you consider Jungle music, but early Jungle was around 150 bpm anyway and hardcore/acid house started at 135 – 140 bpm, so with modern bass music now, it made sense to refer back to these early styles.

BWS) Education! What inspired you to create this style of music? and who are some other producers that you would consider your peers in 140 Jungle?

Arc88) Well I’ve always loved Jungle and I’ve heard a lot of Hardcore so as soon as people were feeling it, I thought there’s no reason to not rep it fully.I haven’t heard many other producers go for this sound apart from the obvious being Skream and Rusko… But people doing it proper underground still are: Myself , Benton , Unitz, Dismantle, Taiki and Nulight and I rate this guy at the moment called Dj Gold with a track called 45 War, its fire. (below)

BWS) Listening to your mix on Terrain Record’s website – it’s sick! Do you see, or perhaps, feel, a resurgence of Jungle  in 2012, and will it be in the 140-150 bpm range rather than in the 170’s?

Arc88) Thanks man, and yeah I do big time. I can’t wait for how it’s gonna blow. It’s just a matter of time with the reoccurrence of acid house and stuff like that. We’re gonna go back in time to ’91 and it’ll be pure madness, and yeah I think it’ll stay at this tempo for a while because I can’t see people not playing dubstep in the near future and if it fits in with their set, they will play it.

.
BWS) Hell yeah!  With that said, is 140 Jungle well received when you play out?
.
Arc88) Yeah man it seems to be, due to growing popularity, it seems to be getting dropped earlier on in sets which is always good, but at the moment if you have an entire half step set you kind of want to speed up towards the end and finish on a hype. Either way I’m just glad its getting played out…I would be interested to see some reactions to it overseas.
.
BWS) Yeah we’ll try and link you something. Going back in time, what are some of your influences when creating this sound?
.
Arc88) Ahhh well for the hardcore sound I like K Class, Acen, Total Kaos, SL2, Altern 8. For jungle… Shy FX, Mickey Finn, Bass Master Warriors, 4 hero, Origin Unknown, Dj SS, Blackstar, Congo Natty…ahh theres too many!
.
BWs) Which dj’s are currently pushing this sound?
.
Arc88) At the moment:  N-type, Dismantle, Unitz, Benton, Taki and Nulight and myself are pushing it proper.
.
BWS) Do you see yourself sticking with 140 jungle in the future, and are there any releases or labels we can look forward to in 2012?
.
Arc88) Yeah I’m gonna stick with this sound. I might move it in the direction of acid house, but thats as far as I see it going at the moment, there’s more freedom than people think with this genre so I wanna blow some minds before I think about doing anything else.
.
2012 holds: ‘Pelican’ (Terrain) ‘A Feeling’ (Terrain) ‘Powwa Moves’ (Wheel & Deal) ‘The Code’ ft. Daddy Freddy (Wheel & Deal)
BWS) That’s what we like to hear! Signing off, do you have a message for bass music enthusiasts in the States?
.
Arc88) Stay locked to UK music. Listen to Rinse FM over the internet… download my 140 jungle mix from terrainrecords.com.
.
BWS) Thank’s again and we look forward to hearing more from you!
.
There it is, another great interview with Arc88! Take a minute to let it marinade, maybe read it over one more time, because Arc just dropped some real knowledge!  His insights are much appreciated at BWS and we hope our readers are as stoked as us!
.
We’ll be back with more future jungle posts, in the meantime, check out the aforementioned artists and Arc88’s mix on Terrain’s site.
.
Follow us on Facebook!
.
-BWS (Shice)

Mix Mondays: Weight For The Week

Posted by Bassweight Society on

What up everybody!  We hope ya’ll had a great weekend, we most certainly did.  BWS co-founder, Shice, tore up the streets of Santa Barbara at the Santa Babylon party featuring headliner Esh-One from New Mexico.  Always a good time with the Santa Babylon boys!

We’re back with another installment of Mix Monday, and we, as always, have some heaters for your ears.

The first mix that we have for everybody is one built by Birmingham based producer/DJ, ENIGMA.  This mix, done for the Dubheadz crew, is jam-packed with HUGE tunes.  Sub-frequencies emitting at the most powerful level, mixing skills on point, and a track selection of the highest caliber, this mix will set your head straight.  Starting things off with one of his own productions, titled ‘Lights Out’, you will be instantly hooked by the lurky sounds of this mix.  Starting off with the melodic, atomospheric bass music that ENIGMA does so well, the mix slowly rises to it’s peak, causing panic on the dance.  Being a seasoned musician since the age of 5, ENIGMA is no stranger to finding a proper balance within his sounds, as shown in his productions and mixes.  So, lend an ear and enjoy!

ENIGMA DUBZ – ‘Mix for Dubheadz’

The next mix that we have for you is one done by BWS founder, Kinman.  This all-vinyl mix showcases some of the largest tunes produced in 2011.  Starting off with ‘Celestial Dub’, a tune produced by Coki, the mix progresses into the soulful productions of Antiserum, Ill-Esha, and Author, then taking off into a realm of mad percussion and chestplate-shaking frequencies.  So many HUGE double-drops lined up in this one.  Sit back, light one up, and enjoy the deep sounds of Killawatt, Benton, DJ MADD, District, Headhunter, and many more.  Nuff’ said!

Kinman – Bassweight Sessions Volume 2 (ALL-VINYL)

The last mix that we have for you, Jah’s children, is one done by the recently added BWS artist, Lowkey.  Long-time Bass enthusiast, Lowkey sets the vibe right with some of the most purple sounding dance floor rhythms that are available at the moment.  Featuring artists such as Joker, Kavsrave, Icicle, and Distance, this is nothing short of a heavyweight anthem.  An entry in a recent mixtape competition, the mix displays a keen ear, seasoned mixing skills, and an overall good vibe.  Take a listen and show some love to Lowkey.

Lowkey – Jah Know

That’s the word this week, as far as mixes.  Again, in case you forgot, we will now be featuring a post  everyday, Monday – Friday.  Be sure to check in tomorrow as we have a very special highlight on 140 Jungle.

Enjoy the sounds.

To the Gods.

-Bassweight Society

Top 20 Releases of 2011: #10-#1

Posted by Bassweight Society on

Here ye, here ye. The countdown to officially welcome 2012 into our lives is here. 2011 has been amazing in numerous ways. Electronic music has been steadily rising in popularity, opening many avenues never thought possible for rave communities. Mainstream popularity, however, is not the greatest thing of this year. This year has birthed such a ridiculous amount of talent, new and old, it was literally impossible to keep track of everyone and everything going on. In areas of production and live performance, boundaries have been pushed further than imagined. What 2012 will bring is one of the most exciting questions we have been asking ourselves lately. Although this website is dedicated to a small niche of deep Dubstep, BIG THINGS will be happening in all genres of EDM this next year. Of course, there will also be an immense amount of absolute sh*t being released this next year, just like 2011 has seen. But, weeding out the sh*t is half the fun, if you ask us. So tomorrow, everyone, raise your glasses to one of the most progressive and expansive years Electronic music has seen. Raise your glasses to the wild roller coaster that 2012 holds ahead for us, because it is going to be a sick one!

Today, we have reached part 2 of our top 20 releases of 2011 segment. As stated in last weeks post, it was extremely difficult to put all this together, given the top quality productions the past year has seen. Doing the top 10 was about 75% of the difficulty that came with this task. I couldn’t even tell you how many times these tunes were listened to, re-ranked, re-ranked again, and so on. Despite the hardship, it was also really fun to do this. So, here we go. The top 10 releases of 2011:

10. J:Kenzo – The Roteks

  • Instantly receiving a large amount of support from DJ’s, this tune throws out some of the heaviest low-end frequencies imaginable. The half-step drums leave space for the basslines to completely take over your mind. The eerie vocal sample, originating from a 1980’s TV series called M.A.S.K., gives way to one of the illest drops a tune could have. Download here.

9. Von D – Daydreaming LP

  • It should be no surprise that one of the most musically educated/trained individuals on this planet has earned himself a spot in the top 10. Jerome Meyer has captured minds with his ability to successfully produce music in various genres. This album is one of the most fine tuned pieces of musical composition out there. Whether you are into soul/jazz-filled vocal bass music (ASAP), huge basslines (E von), or jungley-break style drum patterns (One Day ft. Riya), it’s all on this 15 track masterpiece. Download here.

8. Kryptic Minds – Cant Sleep LP

  • Arguably one of the most talented monickers in Dubstep, Kryptic Minds released this album early in the year. Perfectly titled, Can’t Sleep, this album is a shining example of “less is more”. Their minimalistic approach to production, rendering spacious mixdowns and nightmare-like vibes, gives its listener a sense of absolute solitude. Download here.

7. Benton – Thermo Stellar

  • Never has there been a tune that hits as hard and as low as this tune right here. Benton’s ability to make some of the most evil sounding music is unrivaled. The distant-sounding ambiance, horror movie chimes, and gritty low frequencies absolutely smash any and every dancefloor. Download here.

.

6. Headhunter – Projector

  • Hailing from one of the most prolific Bass music producers, this tune is an absolute RINSER! The bouncy synths, punchy kick drums, and chest-rattling sub frequencies all work together to make one of the biggest tunes of the year. One of the most well rounded tunes of the year, hands down. Headhunter’s musical talent and production expertise show through on this one. Download here.

5. Goth Trad – Babylon Fall EP

  • Where to even begin on this release? 4 tracks that are all near perfection, all very unique, and all versatile to any situation. These tracks take your ears for the ride of a lifetime. Some of the most energetic bassweight Dubstep ever made. Goth Trad has been around since the early early days of Dubstep, and his eclectic musical influences give him a very signature sound/vibe. Download here.

4. TMSV – Myth

  • Meditation music at its finest. Exhibiting tribal horns perfectly touched with delay, bouncy bongos, and a sub-bass line that can throw anybody into a trance, this tune is definitely one of the most successfully unique tunes the year has seen. An absolute spliff-riddim’! Get back to your roots with this one. Download here.

3. Phaeleh – The Cold In You

  • This 7 track release exhibits the most emotion-filled productions that, quite possibly, this decade has seen. Phaeleh’s music is one of the few that can actually bring tears to your eyes because of its sheer beauty. Like Von D, Phaeleh has the ability to jump from style-to-style, and do so with ease and success. One minute you’re feeling as if you are floating through some surreal utopian dimension, while the next you are watching plates shift beneath the earths surface. Purchase here.

2. Author – Author LP

  • One of the most widely anticipated releases of the year, and rightfully so. This 8 track package of goodies incorporates such a vast amount of musical influence it would take up an entire page to try to recap it. Coming from the hands of Jack Sparrow and Ruckspin, this album is just flat-out amazing. Listen for yourself. Truly the music for the revolutionary thinker. Purchase here.

1. Joker – The Vision (Instrumental Version)

  • Honestly wish there was a picture of our faces when we first heard this track. We went absolutely bonkers! this tune was without question the biggest release of the year. The extremely catchy synths immediately hook the listener, and then the drop just leaves the listener dumbfounded. Purchase here.

.

BRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAP! That’s the word, ya’ll. Top 10 release of the 2011, as interpreted by Bassweight Society. Hope you all enjoyed the read! If you haven’t already purchased these tunes, it is an absolute MUST, so get out there and do it. We wish everybody a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Be safe, be smart, and most importantly, be WILD! We will see everybody Monday for another Mix Monday session. We out!

To the Gods.

-Bassweight Society

Frequency Friday

Posted by Bassweight Society on

Good day, folks. A lot of interesting/controversial things have happened within Dubstep this past week. Whether it was the victors of the 2011 Dubstep Music Awards held in Birmingham (Don’t forget the girl that received the “trigger finger”, so eloquently put by Skream, front row. Pictured above.), or a certain somebody receiving Grammy nominations. Everybody has their two-cents and it is a conversation so circular that it would be useless for us to even spark a debate about. All we will say is that Electronic music, Bass music included, has encountered a new frontier, whether you consider it a positive or a negative, and we are very interested to see how everything pans out. So today, on this beautiful day in Southern California, we are going to bring you some fresh new weight that we’ve seen circulating.

The first track we have for you is, yet again, an absolute gem from the badman Benton. This track, titled ‘Equilibrium’, emits some amazingly dark vibes. With misinterpreted claims about the Mayan calender predicting the end of the world next year, the vocal sample of this track is seemingly too perfect. A spacey soundscape takes the listener on a mystical journey into the heavy hitting drop filled with an ABSOLUTE amount of pressure on the low-end. Make sure to have your subs turned up when you listen to this apocalyptic masterpiece.

Benton – Equilibrium

The next two tunes that we have for you are produced by Jack Sparrow. The first tune is a 170 production, but on the slower side. It is a remix of ‘The Way I See You’ done by Maidu, and is an absolute roller! The beautiful vocals on this track perfectly compliment the break patterned drum sequences, as the hard-hitting bassline occupies the space left over. The second tune is a collaboration between J. Sparrow, Ruckspin, and Quantam Soul. This bongo-filled, meditation-induced stomper is truly one for the deep heads. The evolution/flow of this tune is a perfect example of how mixdowns should be constructed. Big ups to the man like Jack Sparrow, as well as Ruckspin and Quantam Soul!

J. Sparrow – The Way I See You (Remix)

J. Sparrow/Ruckspin/Quantam Soul – Minotaur

The next two tunes come from the Belgian production duo, Requake. These guy are truly underrated in our opinion and deserve MUCH MORE exposure! Do yourselves, and us, a favor by checking these guys out and spreading there sounds to everybody you know (IF you haven’t already done so). The first track is one titled ‘Thalys’. This tune hit so hard and makes your sub flex to its true potential! The second tune, titled ‘Berrua’, automatically sparks the “head-nod” onto its listeners. This bouncy low-end production is a great way to start off the day.

Requake – Thalys

Requake – Berrua

Bladoww! There you have it everyone, a Friday filled with a sufficient amount of bass-WEIGHT. Please visit the artists links listed above, “like” their page, give em’ a shout, and do anything else you can think of to support the continuance of their productions. Most importantly, GO OUT AND BUY THEIR DAMN MUSIC!!

Peace everybody, stay BLESSED.

-Bassweight Society