Dredlok Makes Waves w/ New Volcano EP

Dredlok Makes Waves w/ New Volcano EP

In the world of electronic dance music, creating your own sound and making your own mark as an artist is a crucial part of making it into the bass music spotlight. With each and every release, each track needs to feature a signature sound design from the project, expressing its individual inspiration and design that is un-compared to others of its genre. One such bass artist is making waves doing just this, curating his own unique individual sound, unlike any other heard today. Denver-based artist Dredlok, plays on his own special influences from artists such as Bob Marley, Liquid Stranger, and Daft Punk to form his own sound and bring forth his latest EP, Volcano. Our exclusive premiere today from this exclusive EP, “Eruption”, in the catastrophic collision of bass and melodies to bring forth the perfect bass-forward energy that is irreplaceable. It’s unique and infectious energy will capture any listener, getting them up and to the center of the dancefloor from the first measure to the last. This is no doubt going to be rinsed out at festivals far and wide for festival seasons to come. Let’s take a deeper dive into why we are calling “Eruption” and the rest of the Volcano EP, a certified bop.

“I see a lot of parallels between the human experience and Earth’s natural phenomena. This tune attempts to portray is a piece of that, and is inspired by a powerful and beautiful release of energy.”

Diving Deep w/ Dredlok

1. This track is the third tune off your upcoming Volcano EP. What was your inspiration behind this track and why did you choose to put this one out to the world in this order, before the other tracks on the EP?

Capturing the explosive nature of a volcanic eruption with my style of dubstep felt really natural. This tune is special because it represents an event rather than a physical aspect of a volcano. I decided to release each track individually so every stage of the story of a volcano would have a week to be the focal point for listeners.

2. Forming a cohesive body of music with multiple tracks can be difficult when each song has its own sound design and personality. Did you have a vision in mind for the entire EP when you sat down to compose it or did the full picture come together as you were piecing together the tracks?

I came up with the concept as the final project for my music production and sound engineering degree. I chose using themes in music as my research topic, and pretty much visualized the whole thing as soon as I picked a volcano. This format is one that I’m going to use moving forward to create cohesive EPs that still showcase variety.

3. What does this track, “Eruption”,  mean to you as an artist? What do you hope listeners take away from this track and the entire EP when they listen to it?

Some serious leveling-up happened with this one. I’m very proud of the progress I’ve made as a producer. My hope is that listeners will be able to envision the inspiration behind the EP and find a connect

4. What is next for the Dredlok project? What do you and your team have planned for the near future that fans have to be excited about?

Right now the focus is on finishing and putting out as much music as I can. Singles, collabs, remixes, and more themed EPs will be coming pretty consistently. Also, I’ll be playing sets in as many new markets as possible. I’m going through a transition in how I do my live performances, and feeling really good about the direction that is headed.

Pixel Terror X Ace Aura Unleash the Heat w/ New Track “Arcadia” [Q&A]

Pixel Terror X Ace Aura Unleash the Heat w/ New Track “Arcadia” [Q&A]

Within the world of music, melding the genres and styles between artists of different genres can be a difficult task. With different sound designs, inspirations, and elements, combining sounds can result in chaos or perfect harmony which can be hard to predict at the beginning of a collaboration. Two artists have joined genres and forces to bring forth an absolute heater of a new track, “Arcadia” which combines the genres and sounds of two heavy-hitting bass projects, propelling each project into the ED spotlight, Bith Ace Aura and Pixel Terror have catapulted themselves to the forefront of the bass music scene, making there mark through their music, community, and projects unlike many we have seen previously. With Pixel Terror’s melodic-driven sound design and Ace Aura’s signature melodic riddim-based style, fusing these two artists together has created a heavier bass track featuring deep bass, and color bass sounds forming the perfect blend of both sound designs. 

“The sounds of Ace Aura and Pixel Terror go together like Sonic and Knuckles. With “Arcadia” being one of our most requested collabs, it was only a matter of time before we joined forces, and soon the highly-anticipated arcade anthem was spawned. This won’t be the last of its kind from me, but will certainly hold the crowd over while I venture into newer, more unknown territory.” -Pixel Terror 

“I had been a big fan of Pixel Terror’s style and actually opened for them for my first ever DJ gig! I sent them a retro video game-inspired track idea a couple years later that I thought they’d fit well on, and that became ‘Arcadia!’” – Ace Aura

Overall, this track is a tribute to both projects’ sounds, encapsulating the melodic flows of both while highlighting each project’s individuality and unique style. With its dynamic flows, infectious energy and heightened melodic flow, “Arcadia” is on track to be the festival banger of the summer, soon to be rinsed out far and wide at festivals all over the country. We had the extreme pleasure of sitting down with both of these artists to get the inside scoop on this track and their project and what we can be looking forward to from both! Make sure to check out “Arcadia” and our exclusive Q&A below!

Diving Deep w/ Pixel Terror & Ace Aura

1. What inspirations did you have in mind when you teamed up for this collaboration? Was there a clear direction for this track or did it take some time to figure out how everyone wanted the track to go?

“I think people inherently think of colorful, retro-themed music when they put the two names Pixel Terror and Ace Aura together, so it came together very naturally with inspired sounds similar to Pegboard Nerds, Chime, and Virtual Riot. Ultimately, we knew it had to be dubstep and it had to smack.” -Pixel Terror

“It definitely was a pretty immediate mutual understanding. The video game-esque style is what most people would assume a Pixel Terror & Ace Aura collab would sound like, plus the initial idea for the track already leaned heavily in that direction.” -Ace Aura

2. This is your first collaboration together as Pixel Terror and Ace Aura. What was your favorite part about collaborating to bring forth this heater of a track?

“To be honest, I love Ace’s work, and exchanging nods and techniques here was an honor. I think both of our stylings were able to shine here together on this song equally and the musical baby we spawned came to fruition splendidly.” -Pixel Terror

“I think for me it was the surprise of hearing what PT had done with the original idea I sent. They added and changed things that I had no idea would add to the track as much as they did (namely the vocal chops and second drop). The track sounds so much like both of us and blends so well!” – Ace Aura

 

3. What does this track mean to both of your projects individually? What can listeners expect as they listen to it regardless if it’s their 1st or 100th time?

“I think Arcadia tells an epic story while still very much providing the listener with unique layers, catchy melodies, and a heap of replay potential. As much fun and entertainment value the song possesses, we obviously wanted to create something with high live performance value as well and after testing it at a number of shows and festivals, we can confirm it does check all the boxes.” -Pixel Terror

“I really hope the listeners hear the “fun” in the track. There wasn’t any agenda of wanting to hit a certain demographic or cater to any trends, just having fun experimenting and making something uniquely ours!” -Ace Aura

 

 

4. Both of your projects have lots of exciting festivals and live shows coming up. What do you do to prepare for bigger sets such as these? What can fans expect from these upcoming live sets?

“I want to let everyone know for the record, the classic sound of Pixel Terror is going nowhere, however, I am experimenting with a lot of new things and really enjoying incorporating more of my own personal musical history into my music. This includes more live instruments as well as my own vocals on a larger number of my songs, and an air of punk rock and metal-core being incorporated into the sound of Pixel Terror. Bringing a more intriguing live presentation to my show is something I’ve always had the dream of fulfilling so you can expect to see more at a Pixel Terror live show in the future.” -Pixel Terror 

“I’ve been working on a TON of new music behind the scenes that I love to throw in my live sets – both “classic Ace Aura” sounding stuff and some more experimental stuff. I definitely try to cater my sets toward my own sound and musical taste in an effort to kind of showcase that piece of myself through my art. It’s mostly dubstep with some hardware and other trance-y stuff thrown in.” -Ace Aura

5. What’s next for both of your projects? What do you and your teams have planned that fans can look forward to?

 

After this song, a vast majority of the new music I’m preparing to release will be the more rock-leaning anthology that I think will tell an even more epic new tale of the Pixel Terror saga, and certainly a more personal one. If you liked Blindside with Kayzo, Medusa or Collapse, I think you will enjoy what’s in store. There are a few fun remixes in the pipeline, as well as a very, very big collab in the works that should see the light of day this year. I’m absolutely beaming about what’s to come and I hope you are as well.” – Pixel Terror

“I have so much new music that I’m so excited to eventually release to the world! I’m also wrapping up my Crystal Coalition tour this week with a final date in Denver on June 22nd, so if you’re in the area definitely stop by for the finale!” -Ace Aura

Thicc Boy Entrances Listeners w/ New “Cursed Speech” EP

Thicc Boy Entrances Listeners w/ New “Cursed Speech” EP

One thing we love about the underground bass scene is that there will always be an influx of upcoming producers that are absolutely crushing it. These gems are usually folks within that one to ten thousand followers mark, especially on soundcloud. If you’re from the state of Texas then you should be proud, there is a gem hidden amongst ya and his name is Thicc Boy. Today we celebrate the release of his newest venture, a four track ep titled “Cursed Speech”. If you’re a jack of all trades and like it rough, weird, and heavy then this was made just for you :). We got the honor of premiering a personal favorite from the bunch that goes by Malevolent Shring, a song that will leave your repeat button broken. Now it’s time to take a deeper dive as to why we consider this what we like to call, a certified bop.

“This EP more so than some like deep philosophical journey for my project or something like that is really what I’d consider a stepping stone. I think the whole process is constantly striving to get better or be more creative and i feel like I had worked myself into a box with this style of tunes! So finally dropping this EP has felt like a good way to move into doing different more creative things.”

DIVING DEEP W/ THICC BOY

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?

Music has always been something I’ve done from piano lessons super young I always had some kind of instruments at home. I got hurt playing college football and that was the real turning point though I realized I needed a new thing and I dove head first into production, starting with hip hop in 2017 and moving to dubstep around 2019

 

2. It can be very hard sometimes to separate music from day-to-day life when it’s a huge part of your life. How do you personally separate your artist life from your everyday life, and have you faced any challenges doing so?

I think this is where I’m at now! Making strides in my “real” life have made it hard to even have time to get my EP rolled out! Which obviously has taken me a lot of time and effort to get ready. It’s definitely a fine line to balance and especially to determine what’s important! Just trying to continue to have fun with it no matter what just loving making beats. 

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

I think I’ve finally got people around me who are good about keeping me motivated! Having friends now that challenge me to be better has been huge in helping me evolve and continue to get better.  

 

4. What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned since you started making music? Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring producers hoping to follow in your footsteps?

I think if I have advice I’d give the advice I would give myself which would be to seek criticism over gratification. It is nice to hear stuff is good or you’re doing great but to actually get better it takes real feedback and the ability to take that and grow. 

Lizzy Jane X CRaymak Break Boundaries w/ New Track “We’ll Be Fine”

Lizzy Jane X CRaymak Break Boundaries w/ New Track “We’ll Be Fine”

Many artists’ music inspirations come from daily struggles, personal events, and day-to-day happenings that they then translate into a variety of different soundscapes. The best music whether it be EDM or any other genre plays on specific emotions, whether it be that of the writer or a message that all who listen can understand and relate to. Many artists strive to translate their messages or those of the world around them which can serve to be a difficult and complex task.

This, however, is not a challenging task for Denver-based bass queen Lizzy Jane. She is back and better than ever, releasing hit after hit, entrancing fans left and right with her infectious musical energy and deep messages incorporated into her soundwaves. This time around she has teamed up with heavy hitter, CRaymak to bring forth the summer banger of the year, “We’ll Be Fine”. This banger of a track serves as a continuous inspiration for fans, spreading the message of perseverance and tenacity in the face of all adversities both big and small.

“I wrote this song about moving on from something I told myself I could never let go of. It took me time, but I knew I would be fine on the other side. Don’t be afraid to take one step back to run up the next flight of stairs”

With this release in her repertoire, Lizzy Jane continues to climb her way into the bass music spotlight, bringing fire to her project with her releases and live sets. Most notably her latest live set at Foam Wonderland in her home state of Denver Colorado. With headlining shows in North Carolina, and her two-day debut at Red Rocks Amphitheater alongside EDM giant, Gryffn, Lizzy Jane is blasting off into the public eye left and right, making her name known throughout the EDM community. With her positive energy and down right dirty bass beats, there is nothing Lizzy Jane cannot do with her music!

Illenium Poised to Make Colorado History w/ Innovative New Show

Illenium Poised to Make Colorado History w/ Innovative New Show

This week in the Mile High City, EDM giant and fan favorite, Illenium is gearing up to make history, throwing the largest show ever to take place in the state of Colorado. Taking place at the Empower Field at Mile High, Trilogy: Colorado is one night featuring 13 unique artists both within and outside of EDM, magnificent displays of pyro and lasers, and the largest LED screen to ever be used in the state of CO. Not only will there be many performances from a huge array of artists, but Illenium himself will be playing 3 unique sets throughout the night, giving light to the concept of his show “trilogy”.

As Illenium kicked off his tour May 27th, he continues to bring a new and fresh take to the project so many fans have fallen in love with. “The show creates the baseline world that my music lives in,” Illenium told Billboard. “If you watch it five times, you’ll notice new things each time and will see how deep it is.” Continuing his tour through Trilogy: Colorado and at multiple stops after, he made a point to make his stops at outdoor venues, aside from his performances at Electric Forest and Veld Music Festival, which was a deliberate choice in order to make sure he had the room to add every element of his project into these shows. 

“Amphitheaters usually fit our big goals and dreams; we have a lot of custom pieces that require a large stage,”ILLENIUM’s manager Sean Flynn added.“Whereas a lot of the time when we come up with some crazy production that fits some huge stage and we have to work around a smaller stage, amphitheaters already fit what we want to do.”

With support from artists such as I Prevail, William Black, Svdden Death, Said the Sky, All Time Low, and more Trilogy: Colorado is gearing up to be a night to remember. With the extra elements of pyro, lasers, flames, and more to give it a “heavy metal” feel, the Trilogy tour is making history left and right, launching the Illenium project into a new era that is pushing the boundaries of sound and art. Make sure to look over the set times down below for all of the madness in store June 17th! Tickets for Trilogy: Colorado and the rest of the Trilogy tour are still on sale now! Check the link below to snag yours and be part of history alongside the Illenium project!

Click Here for Trilogy: Colorado Tickets and More Information