As many know, the leading label in electronic dance music, WAKAAN, has become the pinnacle of some of the nastiest and most jaw-dropping bass music. Their roster of artists never fails to impress with each and every track that is produced and show that is played, continuously keeping listeners yearning for more. One of the leading female artists, Ren Zukii, has unceasingly awed people with her talented sound design. Her latest track we have the pleasure of premiering for you today definitely lives up to this hype. Ren Zukii’s latest release “Momma” is nothing short of an absolute banger, and brings some downright dirty wubs from start to finish, honing in her new sound. There is no doubt that this one is going to be a staple track being rinsed out this festival season. Let’s take a deeper dive into why we are calling Ren Zukii’s heater of a track “Momma”, a certified bop. 

“I wanted to dedicate the inspiration of this record to my mother because she taught me music as a kid and she also introduced me to metal and rock and roll while growing up, where I think my electronic music style has taken a lot of influence. “

Diving Deep w/ Ren Zukii

1. How did you decide to get into making music? Was there a certain event in your childhood/life that made you stop and realize that you wanted to pursue a career in music?

My mother was the main reason music was a part of my life at an early age. I grew up in a very musically driven family so it was second nature to pursue it as a career. Playing instruments from a young age sparked the passion to experiment further by creating electronic music.

2. You definitely have a very unique name for your project. Does the name have a specific meaning or derived from something in your life? Is there a story fans might not know about how you came to this name for your project?

Haha, I wish there was a more interesting story here.

I’m going to try word this so it makes sense, because it is extremely random. My real first name is Ren, my last name is Snow. I’m a huge fan of the Japanese culture and the language. The Japanese word for my last name ‘Snow’ is ‘yuki’, so originally it was going to be ‘ren yuki’.  It sounded a bit bland so I just changed the y to a z – to add some zest,  added another i on the end and called it a day. Ren Zukii.

To my surprise, A ‘ren zuki’ is a method of punching in karate. I had no idea about this when I came up with the name, until years later when my manager told me it’s a well known move in Karate. I thought that was pretty funny.

3. As an artist, you can experience a number of road blocks along the way to achieving your goals. What motivates you to continue to be creative and make music even when times get tough?

The most frequent road block I hit is the mental health one. I’m someone who tends to get more down days than the average Joe, so I have a bit of experience in pulling myself out of it. It’s easy to be overly critical of yourself as an artistic person. Sometimes it feels like you have zero momentum.

 Talking to a trusted friend, talking to your therapist, talking to another music producer, or a family member about how you’re feeling helps. I find that the feeling passes pretty quickly and you thank yourself for not giving up. If you feel like you’re getting really stuck, remind yourself that people believe in you, & that you have options, no matter how hard it is to see it at the time.

If I feel like I can’t write any good ideas, or if I lose inspiration, I usually do something else for as long as I need to. Sometimes I find being creative in other ways gives your mind the chance to hit the refresh button. Go for a skate down to the end of the street, draw a picture, go for a run, go to the beach and realise how beautiful nature is. Appreciate the little things. Don’t be too hard on yourself. There are heaps of healthy tricks and a lot them are as simple as just getting the blood pumping through the body again.

4. What’s next for your project? What plans do you have in the near future that you hope to accomplish as “Ren Zukii“?

In the world of EDM, there are thousands upon thousands of stellar artists teaming up together to produce music unlike the scene has ever heard before. This magic created when minds collide brings something special, featuring the ideas of not one artist but multiple, intertwined together to make an absolute banger of a track. Today, we have the honor of premiering just this, an out-of-this-world collaboration from artists Yoko and JABBS entitled “Lunar Psychosis” from our friends over at the Gradient Perspective. There is no doubt that this track is the work of two incredibly talented musical brains, with its intricate sound design, low bass, and vibrant melodies. With its almost science fiction-esque vibes, this track will have listeners blasting to the moon with its blend of sound and sonic production. Let’s take a deeper dive into why we are calling “Lunar Pyschosis”, a certified bop. 

“‘Lunar Psychosis”’ is a fun bass forward tune that we are stoked to release from the vault. Emi & I explored ideas, using different techniques to create a cohesive sound – and we are excited to see what you think!” -JABBS

Diving Deep w/ Yoko & JABBS

1. What kind of impact do you wish to have on the scene 1-2 years from now with your project?

I hope that I can continue to create a safe environment and space for all walks of life that have a passion for the underground, especially for my lgbtq community. Overall, I hope to bring a fresh new wave of inspiration and representation. -Yoko

Truly just want to continue pushing inclusivity and representation within our scene, and to help create and sustain a safe place for ALL to dance. If people feel safe at the Jabbs show, that’s success for me. -JABBS

2. You live, breathe and eat bass music. Do you listen to anything else when you are away from everything? What would your top 5 non bass artists be? Top 5 bass artists?

I grew up listening to anything and everything, especially the oldies so my 5 favorite artists are: Ray Charles, Ike Quebec, Etta James, Lambert, and Jazmine Sullivan. 

My top 5 bass artists are: Kercha, Leo Cap, Jade Cicada, Yoofee, and Mr. Bill. -Yoko

Oh absolutely! Coming from playing in reggae and experimental bands most of my 20s, my taste is pretty all over the place. 

Non edm:

1. Rx Bandits 

2. Incubus 

3. Every time I die 

4. Childish Gambino 

5. Underoath 

-JABBS

3. As an artist, you can experience a number of road blocks along the way to achieving your goals. What motivates you to continue to be creative and make music even when times get tough?

Teaching lessons has been one of the best motivating factors for me this year. My students are so lovely and watching them evolve brings me so much joy, being able to pass on knowledge feels amazing and it always inspires me to keep learning no matter where I am at! -Yoko

A huge thing for me in that regard is my visuals! I try to be creative every day, but if ableton hates me  – I just jump into resolume and start having fun there. Also taking breaks. I find if I need a week off, I take it and everything is much more fun when I come back to it. -JABBS

4. What has been a personal career struggle that you have battled with the most and how has it helped mold your character for the better good presently?

The biggest struggle for me has been the feeling of imposter syndrome. This scene is heavily saturated with so much talent, and as a newer artist I’ve felt swallowed by that sea at times. At the end of the day you have to keep your eyes focused on the goal ahead and tune out your own saboteur; don’t be afraid to send your art out to your dream collectives, and don’t be afraid to fall at times. Life is too short to worry about the little things, just have fun with your friends and never stop honing your craft! -Yoko

I think when you begin a music career, most people really struggle with comparison. It’s been said that comparison is the thief of joy, and I think that rings very true here. Staying away from a famine mindset is huge. There is room for everyone at the top and you’ll find if you spend your time celebrating other peoples successes, your support system will grow naturally. Help build up, not tear down. -JABBS

If we had to name five individuals who we believe are well deserving of blowing up amongst the bass ranks for 2023 , Feelmonger would definitely be included on there. We have been personal fans of his music project for well over six years now and each release has yet to dissapoint. This individual simply does not miss, and he is here to prove that yet again with his newest heater. Florida label Wubaholics , is happy to present to you guys ” Can’t Touch This Sound Ft. Lam ” , a club banger of massive proportions. The track has just received support from UK dubstep giant UKF , a notable sneak peak to the lengths we believe this song will reach once everyone starts catching up on the greatness behind this production style. Let’s take a deeper dive into why we consider this track is what we like to call , a certified bop.