LA-based Keenan Mathias burst onto our radar back in 2017 with Mr. Carmack inspired trap bangers like ‘busta bus,’ ‘maple,’ ‘east coast‘. As time has passes his production style has evolved. Last fall he made his debut on SATURATE Records with A Tremendous Interstellar Anomaly, a four track EP that took listeners on a space-themed journey through experimental bass. We’re excited to see what 2020 holds for Keenan Mathias so we caught up with him for a guest mix and interview. The mix is a trip through a variety of sounds including bass, halftime, trap and dnb. We also spoke to him about his musical plans, quarantine, politics, Esports and more. Check out both below.
Tell us a little bit about the mix? What was your goal in putting it together?
Well, bear with me, I’m a bit rusty and had no headphones. But, I really wanted to play some old favorites alongside a ton of artists I’ve been into lately. Noer’s new project is really incredible, and I’ve been super inspired by Lapalux. Of course I’ve sprinkled in some of my latest too!
What have you been working on in terms of music as of late? Should we expect another EP this year?
I haven’t worked on too much music lately. It typically goes like that for me. I’ll go a month or two without working on music of my own, and spend a lot of time discovering new artists and catching up on releases I’ve missed.
I have a handful of WIPs though, so who knows… maybe!
What’s your favourite release of the year so far?
Hmm man this is a tough one. Both Alix Perez and X&G released EP’s this month that I’ve really enjoyed. Those guys are major influences on me for sure. Tsuruda’s Lifeline EP too.
You work in the gaming and Esports world. How do you like it? Do you prefer to have a job doing something outside of music?
Haha yeah! Working in gaming and Esports is overall pretty cool. It’s definitely interesting. Gaming has become part of the greater entertainment industry but it feels extremely disconnected in comparison. It’s not as influenced or closely tied to the arts world like music and film are. I could go on about it forever. To keep it short though, I like my job, but sometimes feel like I don’t quite fit in with the majority of that crowd.
Do you have any interest in bridging the gap between gaming and bass music? Are there any opportunities you see for the intersection?
I’m not sure how I’d bridge that gap. But I definitely take influence from the games I play, like many artists do I’m sure. I actually sampled Jhin from League of Legends in my latest single!
I’d be down to play a set at TwitchCon or contribute sound design to a video game or something haha.
It’s a lot harder to get your music out there now with SoundCloud being an actual wasteland. Despite all the shit people gave it, it was a picture perfect platform for discovery.
It seems like you’re growing tired of trying to market and push your music. What about the process is wearing you out?
Yeah you could definitely say that. It’s a lot harder to get your music out there now with SoundCloud being an actual wasteland. Despite all the shit people gave it, it was a picture perfect platform for discovery.
My job requires me to do a lot of marketing work and be on social media a ton, so I get worn out. I’ve also had some experiences with “the industry” that has turned me off a little bit. I don’t know if that makes me sound arrogant or what, but yeah. Being an independent artist is also financially terrifying haha.
I do really enjoy seeing the reaction of the crowds at shows and stuff and would love to get back to playing out like I used to. I create mostly for me these days, but the dream is still alive.
Do you make music predominantly for yourself or for fans/listeners?
Definitely myself.
I do really enjoy seeing the reaction of the crowds at shows and stuff and would love to get back to playing out like I used to. I create mostly for me these days, but the dream is still alive.
I really want to play at a major festival someday, but that’ll only ever happen if I make music people like haha.
You recently tweeted “I wish I was stupid,” I sometimes feel this way too. Can you elaborate on the thought a bit further?
Hahaha, shit I have no idea what prompted that one. Sometimes I truly do feel really stupid.
Ignorance is bliss, you know?
You haven’t shied away from posting your political opinions online. How are you feeling about the upcoming election?
I am not terribly educated on political policy. A lot of my frustration is driven by the gross lack of empathy and morals that politicians and the wealthy display. People in the middle class are like that, too, though.
Greed drives people to do a lot of awful shit.
I’ve been listening to a lot of breakbeat and dnb, old school rave shit. Hopefully I can solidify my own sound by the end of all this.
You said you’re expecting to be in quarantine for 6 months. If that’s the case what are you going to be doing with your time?
TSM issued a work from home policy in early March, so I’ll still be working a lot. Definitely going to try and stay active, doing yoga and exercising, riding my bike. Whatever I feel like honestly.
You know I want to say something like, “oh I’m gonna use all this time to produce”, but I don’t want to force myself into it. That’s how I’ll lose interest. I will most definitely be making music though. I’ve been listening to a lot of breakbeat and dnb, old school rave shit. Hopefully I can solidify my own sound by the end of all this.
What’s the first thing you’re going to do once the quarantine is over?
Go to my favorite bar and get absolutely shit-faced.
Tracklist
Lapalux – Voltaic Acid
Noer the Boy – Forlorn Hope
Wev & PEEKABOO – u don’t know me
Keenan Mathias – The Zone of Avoidance
Tsuruda – Kimchi Crisis
Shadient – Abberate
Keenan Mathias – Them
Keenan Mathias – The Attractor
Noer the Boy – Distress Signal
Kaaris – Charge (Mr. Carmack Remix)
Fausttt – La Tengo
Eprom – Hope
Tsuruda – Slippin’
Tommy Genesis – Tommy
Missingno – Fones
Diemantle & DJ Die – One Day
Halogenix & Lordel – Purpan
Project Paradis – Bull Run
The Prodigy – Smack My Bitch Up (Noisia Remix)
Mono/Poly – Ra Rise
Chee & Torqux – Rude
G Jones – Different Sound
G Jones – See Right Through
Keenan Mathias – There Is Art Here
Shades – One Knock
Woolymammoth – Shadeslove
TNGHT – Dollaz
Keenan Mathias – Hello Again
Tek Genesis – Lost Signal
Shades – Sickle
Lapalux & Louisahhh – Rotted Arp
