Electro Soul Queen Maddy O’ Neal & UnderLux Team Up for Bouncy New Collab “Here’s To You” [Q&A]

Electro Soul Queen Maddy O’ Neal & UnderLux Team Up for Bouncy New Collab “Here’s To You” [Q&A]

by | Jun 5, 2023 | Exclusive

There is no doubt that electro-soul producer Maddy O’Neal has made her own unique footprint on the electronic dance scene over the past few months. Playing festivals like Coachella and touring with artists such as The Floozies, Pretty Lights, and more or just a few of the many accolades that this artist has earned over her time as an artist, sprinkling her soulful bass flare wherever she plays.

Following on the heels of her recently released sophomore album, Ricochet comes to her new and exciting track “Here’s to You” – her first collaboration with up-and-coming Denver producer UnderLux. This track brings the ethereal feel many have come to know from the Maddy O’Neal project, coupled with a high energy, upbeat melody featuring brass orchestral samples and nostalgic vocal chops. “Here’s To You” serves as an ode to fans and their day-to-day lives, making this track perfect to listen to for whatever occasion or day anyone is having. 

“This song feels like the perfect summer anthem. It’s bouncy, celebratory, and bright. It makes a statement. We are so pumped on the timing and vibe of this tune, just in time for some warm weather and fresh energy.“ – Maddy O’Neal 

“To me, this is a perfect example of two artists combining their talents to make a bouncy, head-boppin’ track that sits perfectly as a tune that you can dance to, groove to, or get down and bubbly with your closest friends! ” – UnderLux

This dynamic duo has created the perfect tune to match anyone’s day, uplift listeners and bring the playful energy that many have come to love from both Maddy O’Neal and UnderLux’s projects. This collaboration serves as the perfect example of the melding of two sound designs to create an unmatched vibe through the use of sound. “Here’s To You” will definitely be a highly sought-after track to be heard live at Maddy O’Neal’s upcoming live sets at festivals such as Bonaroo, North Coast Music Festival, and more! Make sure to check out her summer tour dates below and our exclusive HeadSpace Interview with both Maddy O’Neal and UnderLux to get an exclusive take on “Here’s To You” from both of these artists!

Maddy O’Neal tour dates
6/16/23: Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival 2023 – Manchester, TN
6/17/23: Sonic Bloom 2023 – Rye, CO
6/30/23: June Jam Festival (Arizona) 2023 – Flagstaff, AZ
7/1/23: AREA15, Las Vegas, NV
7/8/23: Sonic Springs 2023 – Paisley, Canada
8/10/23: Friendzy Festival 2023 – Evansburg, Canada
8/17/23: Secret Dreams Music & Arts Festival 2023 – Thornville, OH
9/2/23: North Coast Music Festival – Bridgeview, IL
9/8/23 – 9/10/12: The Sacred Acre 2023 – Ninilchik, AK
9/22/23: Cascade Equinox Festival 2023 – Redmond, OR

Exclusive Headspace Interview w/ Maddy O’Neal & UnderLux

1. This is the first collaboration between both of you, what inspirations did you both have for this track? Was it easy getting into a writing flow together?

“We actually started this collaboration a year ago but we were waiting for the right time to link up in person and get the vibe right. We work so well together in person that it was crucial to get to the point we ended up at. We dove back in just as spring was starting and were definitely inspired by the changing of seasons and the fresh energy that comes with warm weather, festivals, and letting loose.” -Maddy O’Neal

“This is our first collaboration that has been almost two years in the making. Maddy has always been a hero and inspiration of mine, so when I started opening up for her on a few Denver and Massachusetts shows I made it my goal to collaborate with her. When I first sent the track it was very Pretty Lights inspired and was going off a tempo and melody I thought would fit nicely with a track called “Zest Please” she had just dropped with CloZee. Working with Maddy was extremely easy. We rewrote the song several times but she is such an open-minded individual it made for a very comfortable safe space to bounce ideas off of each other. Communication was huge in this project with a lot of trial and error and also many laughs and jokes along the way.” -UnderLux

2. Writing music can be a difficult task on its own let alone when multiple people are involved. Did you two face any challenges when writing this track together? If so, how did you over come those obstacles?

“We actually rewrote this song four different times. It’s actually wild to hear the first version and where we ended up. That being said, we learned so much from each other along the way and the track kept getting better and better the more we scraped things and honed the vibe. To be honest, it was a super fun process even though that sounds like a frustrating thing to do. We trusted each other’s judgment and feedback and were open to ideas when they came up so it really turned into a lot of experimenting with ideas until we were like “YUP” we’re here.” -Maddy O’Neal

“I think our biggest challenge was deciding the motif and purpose of the song. We (or maybe just myself) were unsure of where this track would sit and the type of emotions we wanted to evoke from the song. Once again through open minds, exploration and communication, we were able to agree on the melodies and rhythms that you now hear today.” -UnderLux

3. What does this track mean to each of you individually? What do you hope listeners take from it?

“This song feels like the perfect summer anthem. It’s bouncey, celebratory, and bright. It makes a statement. The head-nod factor in this one is pretty apparent once you get going and we are so pumped on the timing and vibe of the tune just in time for some warm weather and fresh energy. We hope it can be that head bob soundtrack to all the summer activities.”  -Maddy O’Neal

“To me, it’s inspiration, confidence, and fun. I consider Maddy a wildly talented and intelligent individual so finally getting to sit down and feel like an equal when it came to composition really gave me confidence in my abilities moving forward. I hope that listeners have as much fun listening to the track as I had to make it with my now very close friend. I hope they find some courage within themselves to plunge into genres of their lives with their heroes that they may not currently feel so safe in.” -UnderLux

4 What is next for both of your projects? Do you have anything up and coming that fans can look forward to?

“I actually just wrapped up a 4-track EP this week! Very excited about this one. I’ll be trickling out singles over the next four months into the full release in September and previewing all the IDs at my upcoming festival stops. I am also super excited to be working on a headline tour this fall.” -Maddy O’Neal

“Lots and lots of music. Many genres and many friends. I hope this collab will grant me the opportunity to work with more of my heroes. As far as my solo releases, be on the look out for some deep trance music and several house genres in an autumnal EP!” -UnderLux

SHAQ Unveils Exclusive All Female Lineup for Upcoming ‘Bass All Stars’ Show at Mission Ballroom

SHAQ Unveils Exclusive All Female Lineup for Upcoming ‘Bass All Stars’ Show at Mission Ballroom

by | Jun 2, 2023 | Exclusive

From all-star basketball player to headlining dubstep DJ, SHAQ has truly done and seen it all. Creating his own unique project under the name DJ Diesel, SHAQ has taken the scene by storm not only on his own but with his own specially curated “All-Star” shows. His project strives to bring new and up-and-coming DJs into the spotlight with him, seeking to gain their projects the exposure they deserve. Celebrating all genres and sounds within the EDM world, SHAQ has already hosted a number of these all-star shows all over the United States featuring artists such as Celo, Jeanie, Wuki, and more alongside other big names within the bass scene.

This time around, SHAQ has curated his very own all-female lineup, one of the very first of its kind. Featuring  the dynamic Jessica Audiffred, standout duo So Tuff So Cute (Mija B2B GG Magree), Tik Tok star AIMMIA, and the captivating Softest Hard, this lineup is absolutely stacked with some of the hardest-hitting female artists in electronic music. Not only is this lineup something not to be missed, but it will also be taking place at Mission Ballroom, one of the United States most premiere bass venues, making it the perfect place to showcase the immense talent on this lineup. 

“I had the idea of doing an all female SHAQ’s Bass All Stars almost a year ago now, but knew it needed to be huge if we ever made it happen. I wanted to create something special that gave my favorite female DJs a platform to shine. Safe to say we did that with this lineup and venue.” – SHAQ

With the amount of hype surrounding this once-in-a-lifetime event, fans can expect a high-energy fury of signature bass music that is sure to have all attendees at the rail throughout the entire show. This is definitely not a show to miss and we can’t wait to be raging with everyone very soon. Tickets are on sale now and surely will not last very long so make sure to check out the link below to get yours to be able to experience this very special lineup live at Mission Ballroom this September!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION

Whales Shares Inspiring Career + 10 Years of Music w/ New EP Release (Exclusive Interview)

Whales Shares Inspiring Career + 10 Years of Music w/ New EP Release (Exclusive Interview)

by | Jun 2, 2023 | Exclusive, Releases

After spending the last decade creating his music empire, Israeli-based producer and DJ, Whales, reaches a milestone that many artists dream of reaching, commemorating 10 years of creating his own unique style and creative talent under his well-known persona. Tal Rochman, the man behind the Whales project, started his journey at the young age of 13, growing and evolving his project into the prominent name it is today. Now at 23 years old, Rochman celebrates 10 years of creativity, hard work, and accolades with the release of his highly anticipated EP, “Fuckin”, a 6-piece sensation as he moves forward into a new chapter of the Whales project. Not only does this EP serve as a mile marker for this artist, but also opened the door for Rochman to reflect on the last 10 years and the challenges he had to endure to advance to where he is in his music career now. His project now serves as an inspiration to fans and producers who also struggle with physical and mental health issues, hoping to follow in his footstep within the scene. 

Tal Rochman began his journey to Whales at the young age of 13, and despite facing immense health challenges such as PTSD, Autism, Tourettes, OCD, and more, he turned to music as a solace and an escape from the world around him. Under his original moniker, ‘Sex Whales’, in which he gained significant popularity right off the bat. He put out hits such as “Dead to Me” and “We Are”, shooting him into the spotlight from very early on. Rochman served as a true pioneer in the electronic scene, garnering over 100 million streams on Spotify alone and working with artists such as Excision, DJ Diesel, and more heavy hitters. 

“When I was 13 years old, I really wanted to start making Dubstep. This led me to creating a project with a focus on bass music called “Sex Whales”. Despite the bizarre name, I had such a strong passion for music that I didn’t have a second thought over the name. Over time, the project gained some attention, and I began to feel embarrassed about having such a name. I worried that people would see me as a childish person and I didn’t want to be known as “this kid Sex Whales”. It was one of the hardest decisions I had to take, because Sex Whales was so popular among so many people, but it had to be done. I felt ashamed with this name and anything to do with it. Nevertheless, I felt that it was necessary to distance myself from the name and everything associated with it. When I turned 18, I decided to rebrand myself as just “Whales.”

With the release of his “Fuckin'” EP, Rochman continues to inspire others and pave his way throughout the scene. This release showcases his unique hand in electrifying bass music production. “Real Lies”, the first track off the EP, sets a very clear tone for the dynamic and infectious energy that this release packs, perfectly encapsulating the true essence of bass music. ‘So Ready’, comes next offering distinctive glitchy synths and booming basslines. ‘Untouchable’, plays on hip-hop influences, creating depth and a new sound within the mix of other tracks. None other than the title track ‘Fuckin’ follows, which exemplifies Whales’ true and original sound down to its very roots. ‘Hurt’ is next on the list, taking listeners on a raw and emotional journey through the use of string riffs. Finally rounding out the EP as the 6th and final track, “Drowning”, brings everything full circle, packing in the energy and inspiration from the rest of the EP all in one.

Whales’ musical journey serves as a testament to anyone trying to overcome obstacles to reach their dreams. With each release and show played, Whales’ has defied the odds and persevered, bringing him to this momentous 10-year celebration of his work thus far. Only 23 years old now, Whales’ has so far to go, with the sky truly being the limit for this incredible artist. From his early beginnings in music to his latest releases, his true passion for his craft is evident with each and every track he releases and set he plays.

We had the extreme pleasure to be able to dive a little deeper with Whales’ about his last 10 years in music, his challenges, and what is to come in an exclusive interview featured down below! Make sure to check out “Fuckin” which is available now on all streaming platforms, because trust us, you are in for an absolute treat.

Diving Deep w/ Whales

1. What drew you to turn to make music to help find solace from your personal struggles? Was there a turning point in your life where you found making music as a creative outlet?

I think growing up as an autistic kid, it was pretty obvious I needed a unique outlet to express myself because human interaction wasn’t much of a thing, I always felt like music understood me best and that the only place I could put out what’s inside my head to the world, was through creating music. I definitely worked a lot on my social skills growing up, but sometimes it still feels like music is the only way to express what’s really inside of me 🙂

2. You serve as a huge example to many up-and-coming artists and fans who might be dealing with their own personal battles in day-to-day life. Do you have any words of inspiration or advice for those who look up to you as an artist?

The only thing I want to say is don’t give up. I know a career can look so far and unreachable, and sometimes it seems like everybody is doing better than you, but there is a reason you are here doing what you are doing. You have a light inside of you, and no matter how many people, and when, but you gotta show the world what you got, what’s inside of this head of yours, each artist is truly special and I think keeping it going and enjoying every moment of it is the most important part.

3. You have played over 300+ shows and festivals across the globe over the last 10 years as Whales. What have been some of the most memorable moments you have had on the road?

I think for sure my first international show in Paris at age 15, it was such a sharp transition from 0 to 100, I have had my career and received a lot of love online, but I never got to see any of it in real life. I never felt anything nearly as impactful as seeing real fans for the first time. These images carry on to this day when I go on the plane to play any shows, big or small, anywhere in the world. There are REAL people looking up to see me do my thing. Nothing is stronger than
that, and I got to give them all of myself!

4. Your latest EP, “Fuckin” is 6 tracks of absolute heat! What were your inspirations and ideas behind this EP when you sat down to write it?

I really wanted to make a mixtape style EP, where all the songs kind of connect and each song showcases a different style/story/theme. They are shorter than usual but hit straight to the point and I wanted the listener to sit at home and be able to listen to all of it without skipping for ones or losing attention.

5. Of all of the 6 tracks on this EP, which one was your favorite and why?

Drowning for sure, really got me going out of my “safe” space when it comes to Dubstep EPs and gave soooooooo much contrast to the EP. I was always a lover of unique things.

6. What is next for the Whales project? What do you have coming up that fans have to look forward to?

Album. Tour. Merch. 😉

tsou Makes Waves w/ New Track “What You Do” via Muti Music

tsou Makes Waves w/ New Track “What You Do” via Muti Music

by | Jun 2, 2023 | PREMIERE

If something is simple that does not necessarily mean that it is boring. Sometimes simplicity creates beauty, especially when it comes to music. Not cramming too many elements or sounds into one drop or making a track too in a listener’s face can be the difference between an absolute banger and a flop. This is exactly the design that our featured artist today, tsou, approaches all of his music. With his easy to listen to, lush, and full-body production style, each track naturally creates its own free-flowing climaxes and cascading drop unlike any other. Today we have teamed up with our friends over at Muti Music to premiere tsou’s latest masterpiece, “What You Do”. This track, like others, has a simple yet high-energy twist, bringing an infectious energy to every measure. This track has a unique flair that listeners can only find from this artist’s sound design, which will have both new listeners and long-time fans captivated. Let’ take a deeper dive into why we are calling “What You Do”, a certified bop. 

“What you do brings the beat back with a spicy twist.” -tsou

Diving Deep w/ tsou

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?

I got super inspired to take up djing/producing after my first show (Borgore), but I’ve played instruments my whole life. That show was pretty wild, but honestly, I can’t remember a time I didn’t want to pursue a career in music. Music has always been my rock. Even if I hadn’t chosen to pursue it as a career, it would’ve continued to be a fundamental part of my life.

2. What has been the biggest difference you’ve noticed when first starting off as an artist vs now after experience playing events, doing releases, etc?

I’m way less nervous to play my own stuff live ahah. Really, things haven’t changed a whole lot. Playing bigger shows and getting more plays / label releases has been awesome, but it’s really similar to how things started, just on a larger scale. Recognizing that has been great, and has helped me to enjoy the smaller stuff. Some of my favorite shows were house parties early on in my career!

3. 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?

Thanks for asking this one! It’s actually an acronym, The – Smallness – Of – U. It’s a reminder that it always has been and will always be about the music.

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?

Music is a marathon not a sprint. Be kind to yourself, stay consistent, do what you can as often as possible, and enjoy the run. Also, a really great quote I found recently: “Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music.” –Sergei Rachmaninoff

Imagine Music Festival Announces Special 1.5 Lineup Featuring Numerous Regional and Local Talent

Imagine Music Festival Announces Special 1.5 Lineup Featuring Numerous Regional and Local Talent

by | Jun 2, 2023 | Festival Exclusives

Imagine Music Festival has very quickly become the home to so many EDM lovers and festival-goers alike each September. Originally taking place at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, Imagine Music Festival has found a cozy new home nestled in Kingston Downs, GA which has provided a pristine venue to host such a famed festival for years to come. With as much hype as there was surrounding Imagine last year, there is even more excitement as the lineups begin to role out.

Imagine has always served as an incubator for artists that have not only come from the top of Atlanta’s up-and-coming bass artists but have also been a proponent in featuring artists that need to be on everyone’s radar, big or small. Imagine has been the debut festival for well-known acts such as ATliens, DRINKURWATER, Daily Bread and more, making it the premiere festival for artists to truly showcase what their project is all about. With this goal in mind, Imagine continues putting new artists in the spotlight with the release of their phase 1.5 lineup, a lineup announcement geared to specifically draw attention to their newest roster of local and regional artists. 

This lineup seems to cover every sub-genre of EDM, featuring bass, house, and techno artists from all over the South East. With artists such as Zubah, Meduso, TaylorLace, and more there is so many new artists for Imagine attendees to check out. In order to gear everyone up and further the 1.5 lineup hype, we have linked each of these artists’ Soundcloud below for everyone to explore before September! Who knows maybe you’ll find a new favorite artist to go see this September.

1. AZELLA

2. Bryan Softwell

3. Cut & Sew 

4. TiDDY

5. FOCUSS

6. Galo

7. Ghost Lotus

8. Kavent G

9. MACHAKI

10. MC Word

11. Meduso

12. Midnite Panda

13. Otica

14. PRYZMS

15. Sam Wolfe

 

16. JD Farrell

17. Seeing Double 

18. Subrinse

19. Taylorlace

20. Zubah 

If the hype for the local lineup isn’t big enough, this year Imagine is featuring some major headliners such as Jade Cicida, Boombox Cartel, Vintage Culture, and more. Alongside these insane headliners and true to Imagine fashion, there will also be a number of rare and exclusive B2bs and secret sets throughout the course of this amazing weekend.

Truly a hypnotic and out-of-this-world experience awaits Imagine newcomers and veterans alike. All attendees can get lots in the immersive art exhibits, expansive stages, and explorative lush scenery throughout the Kingston Downs location. Transformative workshops focusing on holistic improvements such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness await those looking to open their eyes to a whole new world while enjoying some of the best names in EDM. Imagine is truly a festival geared to immerse and captivate anyone who ventures through the festival gates.

Tickets for this incredible experience are on sale now, and going fast! GA, VIP, and Platinum tickets are available on the Imagine Music Festival (link below) along with camping passes to make sure no one misses out on all the action! We can’t wait to see what else Imagine has in store for all of us as we creep closer to September!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION