Let's Talk About Experimental Bass
Apr 21, 2022
Every day the widely spanning world of dance music seems to fracture even further as new genres emerge from the depths of bedrooms around the world. One of which has gone relatively unnoticed until recently, making some massive waves.
Let’s talk about experimental bass.
Experimental bass is already a touchy subject and has many a raver scratching their head wondering what exactly the genre is? Is it future bass? Glitch-hop? Post-trap dubstep?
The simple answer is “Yes” to all the above. It builds layers of oddball noises that twist, distort, and manipulate sound design past the breaking point, creating wild auditory journeys that almost feel like accidentally discovering a new continent.
Most sound design sessions in experimental bass likely involve producers sitting in a darkened room asking themselves, “what happens when I sample the sound of blending a walnut and add distortion?” It’s a genre that balances one foot in the absurd and the other in the brilliance of pulling off the impossible. It’s a sound that teeters on the edge of conventions, leaving you wondering, “how the hell does this even work?” But it doesn’t matter because it does. It’s a cacophony of noise and bass greater than the sum of its parts. Individually, the sounds are just auditory turbulence with little musicality or reason. Yet, smashing them together, wrapping them in some OTT and a grain filter, and adding a slow-burning breakbeat somehow creates music out of chaos.
Experimental bass stretches far and wide with many different branches and sounds that can all fall under its vast umbrella. However, they share common core elements: downtempo speeds (typically between 80-110 BPM) and wildly manipulated bass that sounds like it's emerging from the depths of the cosmos. This can come in chill vibey flavors from the likes of Tipper, Desert Dwellers, or Shpongle or savagely unhinged over-the-top sounds like you would hear from the legendary Aphex Twin.
SHADES is a standout example of the genre comprised of two brilliant and successful producers in their own right, EPROM and Alix Perez. EPROM has already made his name in the glitchy bass scene and cemented a position for himself as one of the best producers in the genre. And, of course, Alix Perez is a legend of D&B with almost two decades under his belt.
The one-two punch from these two giants of their genres creates a unique and driving sound, making SHADES one of the heaviest hitters in bass music, even if they have remained somewhat enigmatic as a duo.
Gut rocking heavy bass from Alix Perez’s time in the UK grime, OG dubstep, and D&B scenes gels with EPROM’s other-worldly sound design. Not a single track from this duo leaves you unshaken.
Of course, merely listening to this wild, weird, and alien bass is only half the fun. You need to see it in action to feel and understand experimental bass truly. Standing in a room with subs puncturing your soul is almost a religious experience.
Combined with the mind-bending visuals accompanying SHADES, you have yourself one beast of a show. It is truly an experience that, given a chance, you don’t want to miss.
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Five Experimental Bass Artists To Watch Out For
Strap in ladies and gentlemen. Experimental bass music has been on a come up for some time. We’ve dug through a fair share of notable releases in the experimental realm such as Yheti , Levitation Jones and Cut Rugs . It’s about time we take a look at some new faces that are taking a shot at experimental bass.
Compliments of the Deep, Dark and Dangerous label led by Truth , Khiva has been shaking speakers across the globe for about three years now. She has an apparent connection for all things dark and mysterious and her music proves no different.
Khiva – Alchemy Vol. 1
Khiva – nightmare, khiva – butterfly effect.
Her newest release, “Alchemy Vol. 1”, is a 5 track project that includes seductive vocals alongside gritty bass beats. Khiva is no newbie in the underground bass community but she is finding her footing with the front runners. Her work is filled with eerie pride and the likes of Madison House Agency have begun to take notice. She signed with Madison House only a few days ago and we can’t wait to see where this takes her for next year and beyond.
Signed earlier this year to the prestigious label, Madison House , Templo recently put out a new tune via ShadowTrix Music ‘s fourth annual compilation. Dubbed ‘Laser Eye Sea Turtle’, Templo takes listeners on a wild ride full of unexpected twists and turns. The track is full of versatile sounds that compliment the change of pace that’s consistent throughout. Don’t doubt that Templo will soar through 2020 as his name continues to take hold of the bass scene.
Floret Loret
Floret Loret based out of Florida hits all the right notes as a melodic bass producer. His newest EP, ‘Secluded Garden’, consists of 5 hypnotizing tracks that fuel your desire to be one with nature. Floret Loret describes his EP as such:
“I wanted to create my own fictional garden of flowers, trees, and plants; whilst giving it an unique soundtrack. This project features some new experimental takes on my sound, creating tones on a darker perspective and mixing it with a familiar melodic sound. I want you to imagine that you’re in an exotic garden, but there’s something haunting and mysterious about it.”
Floret Loret – Secluded Garden
There’s no question he has a knack for immersing the listener into his experience or intention for creating music. That skill adds to his authenticity and will surely make him stand out as he continues his path as an experimental artist.
David Timko is an Atlanta Native who now resides in Akron, Ohio. Known to the masses as SLAVE , many established artists have been keen to his talents.
In 2017, SLAVE was approached by none other than Bassnectar who created an edit of his track ‘Breakthrough’. This was a pivotal point in SLAVE’s career that catapulted him into the limelight.
SLAVE – Breakthrough
In 2018, SLAVE founded a now popular label, known as Rapture Studios , which intends to showcase a talented roster of experimental producers across the globe. His intentions have always been to give artists a voice in a world that is often convinced to work against one another rather than together.
Rapture Studios just released a massive compilation called “Nebula”. SLAVE took this opportunity to release his track ‘Derailed’ which speaks volumes. Listen to “Nebula” below and SLAVE’s new tune below.
Rapture Studios Presents: Nebula
Currently residing in the city of Columbus, Ohio; Risik has taken the community and then some by storm. She recently had her first headlining gig which resulted in a packed venue filled with passionate enthusiasts of her work. Risik’s sound profile can be described as industrial bass with consistent hints of sci-fi like components.
She’s had some notable accomplishments in 2019 and one of them is her first original work. ‘Boring’ is a single that speaks to her unique sound as an artist. The three minute track has a creep factor that incorporates the industrial edge that seems to appeal to large audiences given it’s surpassed 11k plays in a year. You heard it here first; Risik will takeover the festival scene in no time.
Risik – Boring
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