Continuing to take the bass community by storm in both the music and the festival scene, legendary label, WAKAAN, is known for pushing the boundaries of sound design and bringing forth producers as incredible as the label itself. One of these absolutely talented artists that this group has to offer is Manic Focus coming to us live with their newest EP entitled, “Future Flex”. Taking a heavier route than some of the previous tunes he’s pumped out, Manic Focus has impressed us once again with a new and exciting soundscape that courses through the entirety of these 5 tracks. Today we get the pleasure of premiering Manic Focus’s newest collaboration with heavy hitter Ahee, who is definitely no stranger to the bass scene. Their newest piece together, “Bonkers” is one we know you will be moving and grooving to due to its catchy nature and feel good vibes. Be prepared to have this one on repeat for the foreseeable future, as we can already see it will quickly become a fan favorite. Let’s take a deep dive together and find out while we are calling “Bonkers” and the “Future Flex” EP, a certified bop.

“This EP is an exploration into the heavier side of the Manic Focus vision.  In recent years, I have performed with many Wakaan artists, and their styles have inspired me to dive deeper into sound design and arrangement to create exciting synths and textures that I haven’t previously included in my compositions.  Future Flux is my journey through the heavier side of my mind, and my optimism for mankind’s ability to change and grow in a positive way through difficult times.  I think it’s important to head into the future with optimism, armed with knowledge, balance, and the ability to let go and rage through the moments that hinder our growth as individuals.  I had a blast creating these tunes, and playing them live for my fans has been an amazing experience.” – Manic Focus

Back at it again all the way from Tennessee, fan favorite Headbang Society producer Z-Dougie has brought us yet another stomper of a track, “No Competition”. This artist is known all over for this absolutely heavy hitting repertoire of flips, bootlegs and remixes and the one we have for you today definitely rises to the top. From start to finish, this tune will have you grooving your way through your day with the volume turned up to the max with its catchy tune and bumpin’ bassline. It’s time to now take a further dive as to what makes this premiere what we like to call, a certified bop.

“I love this song because it comes from a place of self-confidence, and that carries over into the lyrics naturally. This is about dedicating yourself to your craft and knowing you have your own lane that no one can fuck with.”

1. What has been one of the best experiences as an artist so far and why?

Working with Al Kapone on our song No Fux was really sick for me.He’s a Rap legend from Memphis and I grew up here listening to him, so making an original song together was wild. We might even have a new one we have to figure out what to do with 🙂

2. What’s a cool fact about yourself or the Z-Dougie project that fans may not know about?

I got into this whole culture and style of music because my first love was dancing, and Dubstep/Trap was my favorite to dance to. When I was younger I was even on a team for the Memphis Grizzlies that performed at half-time shows and different gigs. I mostly spin poi or play kendama instead of dancing these days, but I can definitely still bust a move in the club if I have to.

In the ever evolving bass scene, the influx of talent, tunes and upcoming artists seems to continuously grow, making it more and more difficult to “make it big”. Today’s artist, California native, Bassgazm seems to have no difficulty with this however,  pushing the bar higher and higher with each release, stopping at nothing to blow our minds with his music. His latest track, “State of Mind” that we get the pleasure to premiere for you today, does nothing short of just that. It finds the key balance between peaking each drop with extreme excitement and creating a chill and tranquil soundscape for listeners to enjoy. For those of us who have been following Bassgazm, the tune just adds to his repertoire of outstanding beats that continue to keep us on the edge of our seats, wanting more. Let’s take a deeper dive as to why this tune is what we like to consider, a certified bop.

What has been one of the most memorable career achievements so far as an artist and how did that impact you moving forward?

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When Excision replied back to my email saying “Dope! Is this track unsigned?” Which later turned into releasing on Subsidia and hearing Excision drop one of my tunes in all his detox sets ever since. Emailing him my unreleased tune opened the doors for many new people to hear my music over the last year and half. 

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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?

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That’s a great question. Honestly, I’ve been thinking about this question for a while and cannot think of an answer besides ….. I love absolutely everything about my music career so far . I am a strong believer in “everything happens for a reason”. All the mistakes, rejections by labels, and countless hours put into music has gotten me to where I am today, which I am very satisfied with. So my answer is : I wouldn’t change anything.

In today’s electronic scene, there is never a shortage of talented artists looking to be the next big thing in the bass music community. One of these standout artist straight out of Southern California, XAVAGE, is an individual who continues to take things to new levels and showcase some absolute bangers. That is exactly what we can see in today’s premiere “Knockin’” off his upcoming Circus Records EP. This track carries that heavy dubstep feel XAVAGE is known for while also switching up the auditory landscape into something new and exciting with each drop. This one definitely will leave listeners wanting more and pressing that replay button over and over. Let’s dive deeper and see what makes this heater what we like to call, a certified bop.

“I released my first EP with Circus Records in 2020 and we have kept a close relationship ever since. As we approached 2022 it only made sense to release my sophomore EP with them. I’m honored to have Circus Records give me a platform to showcase my bouncy trap music even though historically the label is known for bass music. They truly believe in me.”

If lush, vibrant electronic soundscapes are what you find yourself craving on the regular then look no further than the forthcoming Canadian artist we have for you today. Ben Rissin, better known as Nowfeel, has been a frontrunner when it comes to curating absolutely euphoric tracks that expand the mind and feed the soul. His track we have the pleasure to bring you today, “Reaching Through You”, is one of these tunes. Each measure creates a soothing and tranquil energy, carrying you through an amazing and blissful auditory journey from start to finish. Come with us and explore these beautiful ambient but energetic beats and dive into why we think this track is a certified bop.

What would you tell your younger self today knowing where you’re at now and what it took to get there?

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“The most important thing to do if youwant to be a better artist is to make art (easy right?). However, if you are one of the many artists who struggle with mental health issues that hinder your ability to stay motivated and focused, then that needs to be addressed first. I know it’s been said a million times but there is no silver bullet to becoming a better musician besides finding ways to stay disciplined and put in the hours to hone your craft. Working on my health has had the most profound effect on my ability to create and it’s something I wish my younger self would have put more attention towards.”

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If there was an artist you had the chance to collaborate with, who would it be and why? 

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“There are so many! Datassette, Tom VR, Lusine… I could go on forever. These days I would love to work with Richard Spaven, one of my all-time favourite drummers, who has such an amazing feel and understanding of D&B and Jungle percussion. It would be amazing to make an IDM-fused Jungle tune with his live drumming leading the way!”

We are back today with another look into some of the incredible talent that has come to the forefront of today’s bass scene. Jeanot Mey is one such individual who is known not only for his innovative sound, but also for intertwining his inspiration from the natural world into his own unique work. His newest track, “Going Under” does exactly this. Each second of this track provides a wave of emotions through different basslines, melodies and vocal samples creating an amazing flow that carries us through. This one definitely plays on your feelings in the best possible way, curating a tranquil and beautifully moving soundscape. Let’s take a dive into what makes today’s selection what we like to call, a certified bop.

1. Who/what were your biggest inspirations when creating “Going Under”?

This track was all about creating an atmosphere to get lost in, making vocal swells and echoing effects the core over my usual sound design based music. 

What really made this song special for me is the main vocal, which is sampled from my sister’s track “Una Mey – Keep You Close”.

2. What would you tell your younger self knowing where you’re at now and what it took to get here?

I would tell my younger self to care less about the outcome of goals. Life is unpredictable and doesn’t always go as planned, but the motivation and intention behind my actions is what’s important