Your favorite freeform electronic music label is back once again to deliver the best the bass scene has to offer to the limelight of the everyday basshead. Wakaan champion SHLUMP , is here to ring the memories of those who were here from the early days of when the whole label project first started from. A reminder that has helped solidify WAKAAN and those who release within the project why their sound style and approach continues to pave the way for those who will come after. Today’s premiere is a showcase of SHLUMP’s ability to demonstrate just that. A soothing deep state of mind journey through the ever expanding world of psychedelic bass music. Now it’s time to take a deeper dive as to what makes this new release what we like to call , a certified bop.

“I wrote Psychedelic Explorer during a time when I started experimenting with microdosing psilocybin. I have been a psychedelic explorer for many years but taking microdoses was a new experience for me. I wrote a series of tunes that reflect what I was feeling and going through at that time. More of a melodic laid back feel to this one. There was a sense of novelty to writing something with a chill rhythm and melodic atmosphere. I sampled a few minor vocal clips from a lecture about psychedelics that I felt were appropriate. “What it does is break down boundaries” is referring to the boundary of our ego or identity that seems to separate reality. There is a sense of merging with a large energy of universe that I feel really reflects the psychedelic experience.” -Shlump

If you could go back in time and start over given what you have learned in your career so far, what changes and approach would you have done differently?

I am happy with the process I went through in my early days even if I released cringeworthy tracks. I do wish I honed in on my art and merch aesthetic sooner. I feel like I really didn’t understand the importance of graphics and artwork representing my vision and having a high caliber on their own.

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?

The biggest difference is the scene itself. I started off like ten + years ago in the height of the west coast bass music scene. I was playing small parties and renegade type situations. It’s such a massive difference with the huge, expensive festivals and events I am now playing. The electronic music scene has grown so much it’s almost morphed into a new creature.

Come take a trip to the vast reaches of outer space with insanely talented producers Moon Lotus and Eyetrip as they bring forth their newest EP, The Moontrip. Combining their musical sound to bring forth a combination of nostalgia fueled melodic bass music, these 4 tunes carry the right amount of heavy bass lines with celestial melodies for an out of this world EP design. The track that we bring you today off this EP, “If Only For A Little While” pushes the boundaries of what we have to to know from both of these artists, combining both sounds into one to guide us on this otherworldly journey. This track not only captures the essence the ethereal vibe the entire EP brings, but its whompy bassline paired expertly with a downtempo soundscape makes for a unique listening experience that you should not be sleeping on. Let’s take a deeper dive into why we are calling “If Only For A Little While” and the rest of The Moontrip EP, a certified bop.

1. If you could go back in time and start over given what you have learned in your career so far, what changes and approaches would you have done differently?

Moon Lotus:

There’s a couple of things actually, I wish I would’ve had more confidence from the very beginning and truly learned how to not care about what people think. I think learning to trust that inner vision and bringing your own story to the table is the biggest thing artists need to focus on; the rest is all just noise. Also, choosing to align yourself and your vision with those who share a similar value of the same things will naturally introduce you to the right spaces and places you need to be in. All you need to do is focus on your own path and craft.

Eyetrip:

I would’ve started music way earlier in life. I was always so apprehensive about learning something as daunting as music production, but once I started I knew immediately that this is my passion in life. I always think “Man, what if I would’ve started when I was like 16” and kinda imagine the skills I would have by this stage in my life. I only started producing 2 or so years ago and have learned SO much, its crazy to think how much I would have learned if I was doing this for 10 + years. I guess I’ll be there someday though haha.

2. Is there a message you would like to portray through your music, and if so, what would it be?

Moon Lotus:

My music has always been about giving back the love that I have received. I think sharing a space of healing and growth amongst my friends and family is my number one priority as a musician. I would not be where I am today without the community around me and this project is built off a foundation of gratitude for all of those who have guided me. Fundamentally, the project tells the story of rebirth through the divine feminine and her intuition, but broadly it is about the journey one takes to grow a ‘lotus’ garden within; A safe-haven from the world around us.

Eyetrip:

I try to add some sort of experience or emotion I feel to every track that I produce as a way to express myself and to put something out there that someone might resonate with. I don’t know if I have a specific message, but I hope people can relate to the storytelling I try to portray in each track. Music is healing and I hope my music can be something that people can use to get them through a tough time or help them find a moment of solace in this crazy world we live in.

San Diego singer and music producer, Dream Tonic, has transported us to a new beautiful and celestial world with her newest EP, Essence. Taking us on a journey through an ethereal downtempo soundscape, we get the chance to peer into a hopeful world like no other that this artist has skilfully crafted through these new 5 tracks. The tune we get the pleasure of premiering for you all today, “Stranded” takes a deep dive into the infinite boundaries and ebb and flow that we experience in relationships. The combination of vocals with the wubby, otherworldly melody flow beautifully, making this track a do not miss. Let’s take a deeper dive into why we are calling “Stranded” and the rest of the Essence EP, a certified bop.

1. What’s one cool fact about yourself/or your project that not many fans know about? 

This Essence EP project has been two years in the making. I made this EP in the midst of covid lockdown, while mothering two young children that were home all day. It took an extreme degree of commitment, discipline and methodical planning in order to take it to where it needed to go. A huuuuuge shout out to my collaborator and mentor ill.Gates for seeing the potential in this project and helping bring it to fruition. Also, in the middle of producing this project, the opportunity arose to write music for the new Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser Adventure and a whole bunch of my music is now in the hotel.

2. What are the inspirations that helped push you into wanting to pursue a career in music? 

Since the age of 6, I knew I needed to create music. I used to invent graphic notation in order to capture the musical thoughts that swam through my mind before I actually knew how to read and write musical notation. I then became a classically trained pianist, playing in concert halls all over the country, went on to study ritual death music ini Bali, studied Brazilian percussion and dance and electronic music. I think ultimately, all of these experiences led me to the path of music production, giving me the opportunity to synthesize all of my various influences.

Collaborations in the freeform bass world are the best way to both showcase the individual sound that we love from the artists we listen to but also create new and unique tracks that would have not have been possible without a team effort and multiple pairs of ears. Some of our favorite producers are doing just this, back at it again to bring forth an absolutely massive collab to bless us today. Star Monster, Dalfin and your favorite boy band, Xotix have teamed up to deliver “Wagmi”, a heater of an uptempo bass track that is sure to blow your mind. With its fast paced melodies, heavy bassline and insane tempo changes, this track pushes the boundaries of what we have seen from these artists previously. We know we’ll definitely have the track on full volume and know you will too! Let’s take a deeper dive into why we are calling the stomper of a tune,“Wagmi”, a certified bop.

1. What has been your favorite memory this far having been part of the EDM scene prior to successfully launching off as a reputable bass artist?

Star Monster:

My favorite memory was showing up to Burningman having not really ever heard Dubstep on a real system and riding Artcars and winding up in random camps for the next week dancing my ass off.

Xotix:

My favorite memory of being part of the scene before Xotix really started was Enchanted Forest 2018. It was my first festival, and my first time hearing bass music on a good system. I came home so inspired, and have been making this shit ever since.

Dalfin:

My favorite memory was probably going to this festival in Maine called Great North years ago and diving into the weirder side of bass music at the time. Seeing artists like Tipper, Freddy Todd and Sixis really inspired me with their wild sound design which pushed me to start producing.

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?

Star Monster:

Biggest difference is actually learning how things work in the music industry and being surrounded by artists who I used to look up to.

Xotix:

I think the biggest difference we’ve experienced growing as artists is really represented in who we talk to and surround ourselves with. The people we’re chatting and working with today were our idols like 2 years ago, so it’s been really amazing to kind of step into the shoes that we wished we were in a couple years ago

Dalfin;

The biggest difference I’d say is I keep my circle of people a lot smaller now. I surround myself with other artists or creatives for the most part and my free time instead of attending shows nonstop might be working on music with friends on a Friday instead.

It is always exciting to see some of our favorite upcoming freeform bass artists explore new soundscapes to incorporate  within their work. Denver based producer, Bass Temple, has done just that as she brings forth her new debut EP on Gravitas Recordings titled, The Beginning. Showcasing a “journey into introspection”, this 5 track EP brings both a heavy and upbeat feel, melded together to create the sound we have come to love from this artist. Today’s track premiere  ‘Secrets’ , sets the tone for this entire compilation, bringing heavy drops and an unforgettable melody that will be stuck in your head for days. This track and EP in its entirety perfectly exemplify a combination of both “psychedelic and reflective bass music” that defines this project. We can’t wait to see what else Bass Temple has to offer after this incredible debut! Let’s take a deeper dive into why we are calling “Secrets” and the rest of the The Beginning EP, a certified bop.

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

I hope the Bass Temple project will be a recognized sound and name with the ability to bond listeners together in a shared experience. I want to be at a place where I’m fully devoting my time to creating music and experiences around the globe. 

2. Who/what are the biggest inspirations in the music you create today?

I started this journey when I lived in Hawaii as a DJ and was involved in sound healing energetic work. Those experiences set me on a path, discovering my own sound within production. Some of my biggest inspirations are LSDream, Phutureprimitive, CloZee, and Rezz.