G-REX is one of the hardest producers out right now. From his remixes of ‘Deep Down Low’ and ‘Witch Doctor,’ to originals like ‘EFFE’ and ‘Wook Blaster,’ it seems every time you press play on a G-REX track, you’re instantly blown away. And that’s without even mentioning ‘Babatunde,’ easily his biggest and most impressive work to date which has been getting plays from the likes of Skrillex, Excision, Zeds Dead, 12th Planet and several other legends.
With the hype as a high as ever and his production perfectly fine-tuned, the time is finally right for G-REX to unleash his debut EP Rift. Out today on Wakaan, the project illustrates why the Detroit-based producer is the future of bass music. Rift is a brain-bending journey that is a marvel in sound design. The songs are seemingly stripped down masterworks that are burgeoning with dense subtle accents. The result is a four track effort that feels minimal while remaining engrossing. It’s enchanting yet gruesome. It’ll fly you over misty mountains then drag you into the dungeon. Stream Rift below.
We caught up with G-REX to discuss the new EP, ‘Babatunde,’ working with Peeakboo, his approach to production and even got his thoughts on Shaq DJing. Check out the full interview below.
Who is G-REX and why do you make music?
My name is Jake and I produce under G-REX. I’ve been making music for 6 years now. I started doing this while going to school at Western Michigan, I really felt like it was my passion in life and have pursued it since then. I make music because it’s what gets me up everyday and gets me fired up.
Tell us about ‘Babatunde’. How did the song come to life? Is it really named after a Postmates driver?
We basically saw how well we worked together on remix for the ATLiens that we wanted to make a follow up track but an original. I remember we started off a lil slow and we actually had a few different ideas down where we wanted to take the track then things took off and we wrapped it really fast. When we had to pick a name for it, Matt threw out the idea of naming it after his Postmates driver who delivered him tacos when we working on the track and it stuck.
Can you tell us a bit about the EP. What’s the overall theme of Rift? What do you want people to get out of the project?
So Rift is my debut EP. Super excited to get it out there. I always wanted to do a Halloween themed EP and this worked out perfectly. A lot of my inspiration comes from sounds and music in horror movies. Horror is the only genre of film where the sound really drives the fear into you, without the music and sound effects it pretty much wouldn’t have the same effect, so that’s always been something that’s intrigued me. I really tried to make a lot of sounds that I haven’t heard in bass music and really push some boundaries with the project.
What’s your favourite sound or sample on Rift?
The weird click sound in ‘Rift’ is my favorite by far. It’s actually a cell phone ringtone with a frequency shifter on it and an LFO tool that gives it that weird swinging sound.
People probably think my projects are super small but on average I use about 180 tracks of mostly just little accents and stuff to keep the track driving.
Part of what makes your music so exceptional is your ability to create songs that are minimal but still so engrossing. Can you talk a little bit about your less is more approach? Any tips for producers trying to master it?
I found my style in the less is more approach. When I start a track I really focus on the drums and the bass first to get the movement down, then I fill it out with weird FX and distort the basses and make variations until it all makes sense. People probably think my projects are super small but on average I use about 180 tracks of mostly just little accents and stuff to keep the track driving.
There’s a dark energy contained in your music. Is your sound representative of your personality?
I would say a little. I’ve been told I have a dark sense of humor but other then that I’m a super positive happy person most of the time.
I’m still on cloud nine about the weekend because so many artists that have been day 1 idols to me were playing my music. Definitely was a dream come true
You had the chance to play Lost lands this year. How was the experience?
Lost Lands was absolutely unreal. I got the opportunity to play some tunes in the giant B2B at the pre-party which was really cool. It was definitely the biggest crowd I had ever played too. Unfortunately my set was cancelled the last day due to the weather which was a bummer. I’m still on cloud nine about the weekend because so many artists that have been day 1 idols to me were playing my music. Definitely was a dream come true.
Speaking of Lost Lands. Shaq aka DJ Diesel came through with a surprise set. How was that? Should we be taking Shaq seriously as DJ or is his hype bad for the culture?
I fucking love it. I saw Shaq at Lost Lands and RARE in Orlando this past weekend and it was awesome. That dude could be doing anything in the world right now with how much money he’s made and he’s throwing down heavy dubstep. I’m all about people doing what they love and I can tell he’s sincerely loving this so all the power to him.
Considering you’re one of the artists in the drivers seat, where is bass music going?
I think we’re at this time right now where people are really open to experimental bass music and really just want a refreshing take on it. I think you will start to see people really pushing the boundaries and it really resonating with people on a larger scale then it did in the past few years.
