CØNTRA Makes Waves w/ New Heater EP “Same Old Story” via DUPLOC BLXCK TXPES [Q+A]

CØNTRA Makes Waves w/ New Heater EP “Same Old Story” via DUPLOC BLXCK TXPES [Q+A]

by | Jul 28, 2023 | Exclusive, Uncategorized

There is no doubt that Denver-based bass producer, CØNTRA, has been making waves within the EDM scene with every release he has put forth recently. This is especially true for his latest heavy-hitting EP, Same Old Story, marking not his first but second release with the renowned dubstep label DUPLOC. Following his incredibly wonky CHOPSKI EP, CØNTRA, did not allow fans to catch their breaths with this new EP release, fueling the already massive fire his project has. Each of the 4 tracks on this new EP is filled to the brim with intense bass lines, and hard-hitting gritty synths, sure to captivate an audience. 

“With the Same Old Story EP, I wanted to create a collection of tunes that encompassed more of an original dubstep vibe, along with a bit of grit and lofi quality to them. Though every track is a bit different in nature, I find I’ve really started to hone in on a particular signature in the pursuit of creating them. It’s been a big goal of mine to work with the legendary Duploc label, as every artist on there are some of my favorites in the game, so it was quite an honor to be asked to release on their new sister label, BLXCK TXPES.”

Tunes from Same Old Story have been rinsed all over by Ternion Sound and like artists, intensifying the hype for today’s release on DUPLOC BLXCK TXPES. CØNTRA continues his journey into the spotlight playing festivals such as The UNTZ as well as a number of upcoming shows, festival sets, and more. The hype for this artist is real, so do not sleep on this absolute heater of an EP! Make sure to head over to check out our exclusive Q+A with CØNTRA to dive deeper with us on why the Same Old Story EP is definitely a certified bop!

Diving Deep w/ CØNTRA

1. You often play the violin on your records, what made you decide to incorporate elements of classical music into your tracks? 

There actually isn’t any violin in this particular EP lol mostly because I wanted to do some more club oriented/strictly banger tracks. I do occasionally incorporate the strings into my productions though because I love the interesting live aspect that it brings to my shows. I personally believe a performance is way more hype when a DJ is able to do something more than just mix. Living here in Denver you get a bit spoiled with the amount of bass shows so whenever I see an instrument incorporated into a set, it gets me way more intrigued.

2. Over the course of your career you have obviously progressed as an artist in many ways, what did you pull inspiration from for “Same Old Story”? Were there any new elements brought forth that altered its creation in comparison to your previous releases?

For the title track ‘Same Old Story,’ the tune came pretty naturally to me as I’m a huge reggae fan. Me and my long time friend Alex Laux used to jam guitar and sing/rap on our porch in college all the time. We actually have a decent amount of produced tracks together as well. Going back to the literal “roots” always seems quite natural to me 🙂 

As far as all the other tracks go, I feel like the common theme would be that they all contain some form of hip hop. It’s funny cuz I wouldn’t necessarily consider myself a massive hip hop head but I do really love adding those vocals into bass music. I find it always brings more life to the tune and based on the lyrical content, it’s a great way to guide myself in a particular creative direction.

3. Which track from “Same Old Story” do you connect with the most and why? 

I probably connect most with “Two Clips” solely off how much I love mixing it in my DJ sets. I find it can almost blend in with any tune lol I’m also just a huge sucker for female rap vocals in dubstep.

 

4. What’s next for the Contra project? Any shows or upcoming releases for fans to be excited about? 

I have a release on a very cool compilation next month, a single with Tripzy Leary in September, and the month after that, a 4 track EP on Wheel & Deal Records. This one will include some dank collabs with The Widdler and Morning High. I’m currently sitting on so much music right now so I’ve been making it a goal to release new stuff every month this year!

Venture 5 Unleashes New High-Energy Banger “Focus”

Venture 5 Unleashes New High-Energy Banger “Focus”

by | Jul 27, 2023 | PREMIERE

Starting a new and bringing forth a fresh look to any part of life can be a cause for new and exciting development, growth, and change. This is exactly what is happening with up-and-coming heavy-hitting bass producer Venture 5. Formerly known to the masses as Opalyte, this new rebrand has caused Venture 5 to skyrocket into the eye of the EDM world, as he continues to take fans by storm with his high-energy bass bangers. This train to the top isn’t stopping any time soon as he brings forth his latest track “Focus”, which we have the absolute pleasure of premiering today. Combining a relentless heavy bassline with powerful energetic synths and an infectious melody, the raw energy that “Focus” brings to the table is unlike anything we have previously seen from this artist. There is no doubt that the future is bright for Venture 5 with the magnitude of the tracks he has been putting forth into the bass community. Let’s take a deeper dive into why we are calling the absolute heater of a track, “Focus”, a certified bop.

“Focus is at its core a coming-of-age story, it sends a message of putting your best foot forward and diving into life’s raging sea.”

Diving Deep w/ Venture 5

1. Venture 5 is a whole new side to your musical career that people have been eating up from the very start. What does this new chapter as Venture 5 mean for you and for the music you produce? What new or fresh elements are you bringing to this new phase?

For me Venture 5 is all about telling the story I’ve always wanted to tell, its core message is to follow what drives you in life, face your fears and live a true adventure. The music is meant to carry this message and to uplift and inspire the listener to take things head-on and thrive. From a production side, you can expect an exceptionally diverse pallet of sound from future Venture 5 releases. With this project, I wanted to create something all-encompassing, not bound by genre or title. A truly genuine and honest expression of electronic music that’s meant to be the soundtrack to your next adventure. 

2. Focus is a supersonic storm of bass music unlike any other. What inspirations did you have when sitting down to produce this track?

Writing Focus was a very exciting process, when I started the track it was late spring and I knew I had to capture the energy of summer and all the emotions stirring up from the exciting June and July adventures ahead. So with the intention of writing a summer banger, I began working and by the end, I was very happy with how it came out. My main musical inspiration for this track was “Paradise” By Mersiv and Fryar, I feel that track captures the summer vibes incredibly well and I referenced it a few times while writing Focus. 

3. Where do you hope to see your project 5 years from now? What are you doing presently to turn this dream into a reality?

In five years, I aim to be taking the Venture 5 project to stages all over the U.S. and beyond. By that time I plan to be playing frequently at larger venues and festivals, especially Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison CO. I will also likely release at least two full-length albums under the Venture 5 moniker in the next five years. My main intention for the evolution of Venture 5 will always be to spread a message of positivity and motivation to be the best we can be. With the help of my amazing team at Mind Warp Mgmt, I am working every day to bring the Venture 5 project to its full potential, and I couldn’t be happier about what’s on the horizon.

4. What’s up next for Venture 5? What do you and your team have planned shortly that fans have to look forward to?

The main thing we are gearing up for right now is the Venture 5 festival debut at Beyound Exsistence in Austin TX this November. This set will be a huge one because the festival environment is always something I have felt the Venture 5 project would thrive in and I have some very special things planned musically. We also have some awesome releases planned to carry us into the fall and winter months. 

Ray Volpe Breaks Necks w/ New Metal-Fueled Track “EAT SLEEP RAGE” [Q+A]

Ray Volpe Breaks Necks w/ New Metal-Fueled Track “EAT SLEEP RAGE” [Q+A]

by | Jul 21, 2023 | Exclusive

 There are a number of artists that can captivate an entire genre with just one song as they propel themselves into the spotlight. After his tracks “Laserbeam” and “HAPPY SONG”, Ray Volpe has grown to be a name everyone in EDM knows due to the resounding hype this track created. As he continues to fuel all of the dubstep rages, Ray Volpe is back again with his latest heater of a track “EAT SLEEP RAGE” off of his forthcoming and highly anticipated EP “VOLPETRON ASCENDS”. As a tribute to his metal and hard rock roots, “EAT SLEEP RAGE” is a dubstep song unlike any heard before, featuring thrashing guitar riffs, bone-crunching bass, and neck-breaking heavy drops that will have crowds all over headbanging.

“This is a very “in your face” bass anthem for those that want something to chant at the top of their lungs. Eat, sleep, rage! It’s also a subtle nod to my metal roots with the guitar spread out throughout the entirety of the song which goes hand in hand with raging, moshing, & everything in between!”

There is no doubt that Ray Volpe has created yet another EDM banger that will be circulating around the festival circuits this year and be dropped and remixed by tons of artists. Its infectious yet ominous sound, captivates audiences left and right, leaving fans wanting even more from this electronic giant. If this is only the first track off of Ray Volpe’s upcoming EP from Monstercat Uncaged, who knows what other madness is going to be in store down the line? We had the chance to sit down and talk with Ray Volpe about his recent success, upcoming music and more in our exclusive Q+A section down below. Make sure to check out this absolute heater of a track because trust us, this one is a certified bop!

Diving Deep w/ Ray Volpe

1. You have taken the bass scene by storm and ascended to the tops of the ranks with your latest tracks “Laserbeam” and “HAPPY SONG”. What has this rise into the spotlight been like for you as an artist?

It’s been surreal. There’s a lot to unpack with it, to be honest. Firstly, I’ve been so grateful for all of the new attention and new love shown by so many. I’ve been making music for 13 years, I never expected to have a “hit” song, I always thought I’d be an artist that just slowly climbs the ladder step by step. I do believe I am still, but “Laserbeam” just helped me jump ahead a few steps on that ladder. Now we’re back to climbing. It’s crazy, all the opportunities that I’ve been exposed to and how much I’ve been able to achieve since everything happened. I’ve gotten to play a ton of amazing festivals I always dreamed of, and never thought would come true. Selling out shows was not something I was used to before this all happened. It’s so crazy to be able to go and play in Tokyo or Budapest and come back and play shows here in the States. It just blows my mind. There is another side to everything, though. I have definitely been more anxious than I’ve ever been. I have always dealt with anxiety and depression my entire life. The quick growth has led to spikes in that. It’s a lot of pressure, a lot to live up to when moving forward. Once you have the ball in your court, the last thing you want to do is fumble it. Making sure we’re constantly making the correct steps with every new thing we do, it’s definitely overwhelming. I am trying to make sure everything is perfect at all times, no matter how much it may be to my detriment. I’ll lose money and sleep over that to ensure things are to a certain standard, it’s really bad. General feelings of feeling overwhelmed and also a lot of imposter syndrome starts to hit at times too. Sometimes I feel like I forget how to make music entirely. Then a festival comes up and the day of the show I end up throwing together my best ideas. “HAPPY SONG” actually happened this way. So yeah, it’s give and take. I’m happier than ever, but also more stressed than ever. I’m eternally grateful for every single person that’s streamed a song or bought a jersey or stopped by at a show. It’s made everything possible for me. I can’t believe I’m here honestly.

2. “EAT SLEEP RAGE” is the second track you have released off your highly anticipated VOLPETRON ASCENDS EP. What elements and inspirations went into making this track? How will it fit in with the rest of the EP once it is released in its entirety?

This was definitely supposed to be the more “anthem” based rager of a tune. The original demo dates back to like August last year. I wanted something people could chant from the top of their lungs, but I wanted them to believe the words they were saying. I think the entire bass community as a whole can agree that we’re all here to eat, sleep, & rage. We spend hours driving or flying to festivals and shows to see artists and escape from reality through dancing and head banging and having the best time. This song emphasizes that. I went guitar heavy for this, but less in a front facing way and more of a compliment to the vocal. I was really feeling something that felt heavy in energy, and the little metal riff with the little fear strings surrounding it throughout (if you can even hear those it’s quite faint honestly haha) I think it really tells that story nicely. I had a lot of fun making this one, I actually sampled my fans for it. If you listen you’ll hear a crowd chanting “EAT, SLEEP, RAGE!” which is from two of my shows – Supernatural in Denver & Get Freaky in Salt Lake City. I was having them chant it before starting the song for a short period of time. I think I played it for the first time at Lost Lands. I’ve stopped doing it but can hear fans chanting it at some shows, it’s a crazy feeling since the track isn’t even out yet (as of writing this at least!). As for how it sits among the rest of the EP, that’s a good question. I think it helps continue the theme of this looming danger of Volpetron’s ascension. Every song on here feels “big” – and it’s done intentionally. Whether it’s big swelling intros or big late drops/fakeouts or big chant moments, it’s big. I did that to showcase the scale of the story we’ve been building around Volpetron. He’s bigger than Earth now, he’s celestial. He’s ready to take over the entire universe. The entirety of the EP just feels like it’s hitting you in the face with craziness until the last song where things finally calm down.

3. You have a number of huge up-and-coming festival sets such as Lost Lands and more. What do you do to prepare for bigger sets such as these? What do fans have to look forward to from these upcoming festival sets?

I spend an unhealthy amount of time working on them hahaha. I work on them until the last possible second. I love creating an experience for it, they’re not just songs that match key/tempo. The songs need to complement each other, the edits need to be clever, not just popular pre-drop and surprise drops. I mean, there’s a lot of that, but it’s made with very certain intent. The doubles make sense, the edits make sense, nothing feels random or thrown together. I try my best to put every ounce of myself into the sets, making sure they flow well from heavy to melodic, not have too much downtime but also don’t overdo it with heaviness back to back to back to back without stopping. It’s a long and tedious process for me. It really is a craft, I take it more seriously than producing music these days honestly. Everyone coming to sets will absolutely have new music ASIDE from this EP that they can hear only at the sets, and some amazing new visuals that my team and I have been working on to make sure they get something sick that they can appreciate and remember. My goal is to have people leave feeling that they appreciated the set and can see the love that goes into it, because I love this and I love them and I want to give that as much as I can.

4. You are proud to be straight edge and advocate for better mental health practices. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fans or other artists who are trying to practice being straight edge and take care of themselves while still being involved in the EDM scene?

Mainly that it’s possible, and you can do it. It’s way easier said than done, and it’s hard to take first steps when needed, but that’s where family, friends, and a support system comes into place. I go to therapy weekly, as I have for a long time. It’s been so important to overcoming a lot of past trauma I’ve dealt with in my life, some in childhood and some in adulthood. It’s helped me so much to realize who I am, why I am, and how I am. I also recommend walking daily and journaling. Even if it’s small, it’s nice to just let something out about your day. Therapy can be expensive, especially if you don’t have insurance, so I definitely recommend doing those two things if therapy isn’t an option for you. There are hotlines and some free online groups you can find if you need people to relate to. I wish there were more methods readily available. If you feel you’re struggling, and feel like you don’t have many options, I’d also suggest maybe taking a look at eating habits, sleeping habits, friend circles, etc. Things that seem random like that can be extremely taxing. Having a routine as simple as making your bed every morning can be one small step in the right direction. If you live in a messy room, you will feel messy, you know what I mean? Small things to clean up around you (figuratively or literally, up to you haha) will help you in the long run, at least in my experience. As for being straight edge, admittedly It’s been easy for me as I’ve always just been very disinterested in alcohol and drugs, but I understand in this industry it’s something you can be exposed to quite easily. I’ve noticed that most people I’ve come across have been actually incredibly supportive of it. I’ve run into peer pressure maybe a handful of times in the seven years I’ve been touring. It’s super rare, most people don’t really care. So if someone is ever worried about the thoughts of others, it’s the last thing on their mind, I promise. Also, with the amount of traveling we do (artists and fans alike, y’all put in HOURS in cars and planes to come see us!!!) it’s important to be taking care of yourself. I’m not someone that can speak to or give advice on weaning off of things or cutting things out, as I never have taken any drugs nor have I ever been drunk, so I’m not really able to speak much on that.

5. Other than the VOLPETRON ASCENDS EP, what else do you and your team have planned that fans have to look forward to?

There’s a lot. We’re planning to announce a new tour incredibly soon that spans across the USA, Canada, and Europe. It has tons of festival appearances and headline shows that I can not wait to play. I’m doing some bigger rooms that I’m SCARED to do but will absolutely be incredible to finally play. So many bucket list items are being crossed off right now which is so wild, it doesn’t feel real still. Aside from that, we have something special planned towards the end of the year that I know fans have been really wanting, I’m really excited about that. I almost have the next 12 months figured out already, which is CRAZY. It’s filled with things that are so exciting and I feel like everyone is going to be just as excited as me. I remember two years ago I didn’t even know what was going to happen in six months. It feels so silly because I can’t say anything specific haha. A huge full circle moment is in the works that I can’t even believe is happening. I can’t wait to share it all, and I can’t wait to see everyone out at these shows. Meeting y’all is the best part of this and talking to you and hearing your stories. It’s what I live for. It’s going to be amazing.

Auracle Debuts Long-Awaited New EP “Evoke”

Auracle Debuts Long-Awaited New EP “Evoke”

by | Jul 21, 2023 | PREMIERE

Sometimes starting fresh and “evolving” a project can bring forth a new and fresh perspective, new sounds, and a whole new identity to music fans have already fallen in love with. This is exactly what bass queen Auracle has strived to create a new face to her musical journey, bringing forth her highly anticipated Evoke EP. Showcasing her bass-heavy new identity, Auracle continues to entrance listeners with her wubby synths and infectious melodies, pushing the boundaries of sound with her ethereal sound design. Our premiere today off of this 3 track EP, “Metamorphic” exemplifies the growth and change in sound Auracle has put forth, channeling booming basslines and immersive sounds that are not to be missed. There is no doubt that this new chapter as Auracle is already off to an astonishing start as she continues to take her new form as a bass artist. Let’s take a deeper dive into why we are calling “Metamorphic” and the rest or the Evoke EP, a certified bop.

“Evoke is a testament to her growth as an artist, and with each release, she will push the boundaries of her sonic palette, leaving a lasting impact on the electronic music landscape.”

Diving Deep w/ Auracle 

1. Evoke is your debut EP under your new brand Auracle. With this rebrand, what new and fresh elements are you bringing to your projects? What can fans expect from this new phase of your musical career?

I am pulling deep from my life experience. The music I am making now is inspired by the earth, energy, and the spiritual realm. I want to be able to feel the intention in what I create and I want others to be able to feel that too.
2. The tracks on the  Evoke EP each play on new beginnings, clean slates, and total form changes similar to the changes you are making by rebranding your project and blossoming into a new form as Auracle. What does this EP mean to you as an artist? What do you hope listeners will take from the EP whether it is their first time listening or their 100th?
I had a really horrible time nearing the end of 2022. I lost my job, I was hit in the middle of an intersection and totaled my car, my relationship of 2.5 years failed, and all of a sudden I was without a home. This all happened within a couple weeks span. I was feeling lost in life, with my project, and my purpose. This rock bottom moment was a key turning point for me. All that loss created space for so much love and light. I started over. I welcomed a lot of change and I grew immensely as a person and an artist since then. It was a crucial hardship that led me to where I am today. There is a beautiful duality to it.
This EP is my first body of work that speaks to me on a spiritual and metaphysical level. It was crafted with intention and comes from an authentic place. I hope anyone listening will be transported to the place and time I was when I wrote it.

3. What’s your favorite track off the Evoke EP and why?

Originally, my favorite track was Star Atlas because of the sonic adventure it takes you on. But over time I began to fall more in love with Tabula Rasa. This record is so full of heart, emotion, and intention. It really just stands on its own and the message is so important. I needed it when I wrote it and I feel that someone else could use that message too. I think that every single person out there has gone through a time in their life that felt like it was the end. Losing a loved one, losing a career, feeling rejected by society for simply being themselves… I hope anyone going through that gutting, rock bottom feeling can listen to Tabula Rasa and “take a step back and remember where you came from. And once you do that look at how far you have come. And understand that you still have so far to go. This is not the end”.

4. As you step into this new and exciting chapter, where do you hope to see this new project 5 years from now? What are you doing presently to make this dream a reality?

I just want to continue exploring myself and the world, putting that experience into my music, and sharing that with as many people as I can.
5. What’s up next for Auracle? What do you and your team have planned that fans have to look forward to?
I am excited to share different sides of me personally and musically. You will see that in my next releases and maybe even a live performance or two. Wink wink.
Ravenscoon Announces Long Awaited Debut Periphery Tour

Ravenscoon Announces Long Awaited Debut Periphery Tour

by | Jul 20, 2023 | Exclusive

Pushing the boundaries or “periphery” of sound is what every EDM artist strives to do through their project. Whether it be through new releases or curated live shows, each artist endeavors the push the envelope with their project and explore new and uncharted territories as they rise into the spotlight and long after. This is exactly what Paul Conversano, who is better known to the world as bass wizard RAVENSCOON, has already begun to do with the announcement of his debut headlining Periphery Tour, which will be taking place all over the US starting August 31st. With its goal to be a fully immersive through both live music and atmosphere, RAVENSCOON is gearing up to break the boundaries of what listeners already know from his project and introduce a whole new world. 

“I’m elated to present my Periphery tour with robust, talented, and diverse support from almost two dozen acts from dubstep to wave. My most comprehensive vision yet, this tour promises to captivate and inspire – and showcase a vast amount of emotional bass music.”

The Periphery Tour is not just special due to its curation, but fans will get an exclusive preview of RAVENSCOON’s forthcoming and highly anticipated Periphery album which will be rolling out in cascading EPs over the upcoming months. In case fans need any more reason than this to make sure to be at one of these stops, the Periphery Tour has a massive support lineup unlike any other we have seen to this date featuring a wide variety of artists from other genres ranging all the way from dubstep to wave music. With artists such as Skeler, EAZYBAKED, smith., and DRINKURWATER, as well as regional support for Mistah Dill, flozone, Dream Signal and more, there immense amount of talent this tour is bringing is unlike any we’ve seen previously. PRe-sale tickets go on-sale today so make sure you get the chance to snag one from the link below before general ticket sales being tomorrow! WE cannot wait to see what RAVENSCOON has in store for this monumental headlining tour this fall!

CLICK HERE TO GRAB YOUR TICKETS FOR THE PERIPHERY TOUR