Over the last few years, Cromatik has grown from an underground warrior to a heavy-hitting secret weapon through his evolution as a bass music producer. His hard work and dedication toward becoming one of the best have materialized into a breakout year for the Texas-based artist, having released tracks on the likes of Never Say Die: Black Label and Circus Records, not to mention the monstrous Dead Space EP on 40oz Cult.
Showing no signs of slowing down, Cromatik’s quest to the top continues with his latest work, the four-track Cyperpunk EP, out today on Never Say Die: Black Label. Drawing inspiration from science fiction and extraterrestrial soundscapes, the space-bass themed project is an incredible display of the talented producer’s sound design mastery. The Cyperpunk EP holds true to the minimal guise of riddim but the intricacy of the fills and breaks gives it an overall sensational flow. That’s the sign of true talent, finding an uncanny approach to an established genre and making it his own.
We had the opportunity to catch up with Cromatik to discuss everything from his latest project, to his upcoming tour alongside Midnight Tyrannosaurus, to his creative process, and much more. Check out the interview below and don’t miss out on the Cyberpunk EP!
Let’s talk about dubstep. What’s your history with the genre? When did you first hear it and when did you first start making it?
I was introduced to dubstep when a good friend showed me ‘Big Boss’ by Doctor P back in 2010. I remember having this combination of feelings: blown away and kinda overwhelmed, but in like a really good way lol. Later started doing my own research and came across Skrillex and, like everyone else at the time, had his songs on repeat. It wasn’t until I discovered Funtcase’s ‘Everybody Knows’, Skream’s ‘Rutten’ and Knife’s ‘I Am The Boss’ that I found the dark, weighty dubstep that really got me into the sound. I started actually producing dubstep about 2 years into making music in 2015 after attending a local show where some DJs were throwing down a bunch of Getter and Trollphace tunes. I was hooked. I went home and haven’t left the house since.
It really challenges everyone to find their sound rather than what’s popular.
Dubstep has seen an immense rise in popularity, even in 2018 alone. Where do you think it’s heading in 2019?
It really has and I couldn’t be happier. With the popularity of serum and so many producers pushing the limits of sound design we’re left with an era that’s evolving constantly. “It” sounds become outdated overnight right when enough producers jump on the bandwagon. So it really challenges everyone to find their sound rather than what’s popular. For 2019 I just hope it keeps going in that direction. I’m excited to see what’s ahead.
Who are names everyone should be keeping an eye on?
Neonix, Jkyl & Hyde, Artix, Calcium, Digitist, L.U.X., Answerd, Ecraze, Graphyt, Executioner.
I honestly believe that the sole purpose of the modern musician is to make the listener feel something and make that moment feel like an experience.
On another note, congrats on joining Midnight Tyrannosaurus and friends on his upcoming Mutation tour! How stoked are you for that? What are you looking forward to the most?
Thanks! I’m insanely stoked. it is a huge achievement for me and I’m so pumped to kick it and throw down with Jason (Midnight Tyrannosaurus). He definitely picked me up and put me on the map in so many ways and that’s been such an honor because his music has been a huge inspiration of mine for years now. 100% I’m looking forward to traveling to so many different cities to share my music and hopefully an experience with so many different people. That’s it right there. That’s the dream.
Another congrats is in store for your first full project on Never Say Die: Black Label. How did you first get in touch with the people at NSD? Have you been going back and forth with them since your ‘JP-2530 VIP’?
Thank you! And again, Jason. I had no connection with Never Say Die or Black Label before he hit me up for plates. I sent him a batch of tunes he got back to me saying he sent them all to NSD and they loved them. After that I sent a few demos and eventually signed Cyberpunk.
I’m looking forward to traveling to so many different cities to share my music and hopefully an experience with so many different people. That’s it right there. That’s the dream.
How long has the Cyberpunk EP been in the works?
Cyberpunk has technically been in the works for about 6 months now. The only tracks that lasted the entire span are ‘Zap’ and ‘Malware VIP’. ‘Cyberpunk’ was actually added last minute in the final demo that got the confirmation. It got the title of the EP because it tied together the rest of the songs really well and gave it a visual aspect for listeners to work with.
There’s no shortage of ridiculous sound design in all four tracks. What was your process like when making these tracks? Do you focus on making sounds first or building the core of a track before layering nasty sounds above it all?
Man, I’ve tried it every way. Starting from the very beginning of the song and writing till the very end. Writing basslines BEFORE drums. Some really twisted stuff. Now I give my self a solid week to research and develop different methods to design basses, synths, atoms, pads, or write some chord progressions and melodies and eventually what you’re left with is kind of your own sample pack to pick from and seamlessly write a song with. It’s probably the most time consuming route but I find it to be the most effective and enjoyable for my tastes.
There are often space- and extraterrestrial-themed sounds and samples heard throughout the project. Do you have a fascination for this otherworldly stuff or did it just fit with the theme of the EP?
100% yes I have a fascination for otherworldly stuff. But I will say I’m really picky about the aesthetics of sci-fi movies I watch or take influence from. Like, I’m not a big Star Wars fan, which may come as a surprise, but I just could never really get into it. I recommend Forbidden Planet, Logan’s Run, any version of Invasion of The Body Snatchers. Those are the real deal.
Finally, if you could collaborate with anyone, dead or alive, on your next track, who would it be and why?
Skrillex, hands down. There’s no other artist that still to this day gives me chills the way Skrillex’s melody’s do. I honestly believe that the sole purpose of the modern musician is to make the listener feel something and make that moment, even if it’s in your headphones, feel like an experience. And I feel like Skrillex is able to do that better than anyone.
