DBBD

I think I’m in my techno era. Not just any techno, but the kind of sultry, sexy techno that makes you want to strip on the dancefloor. In the midst of all the YouTube and SoundCloud mixes I’ve been blasting at full volume for the last month, one artist has consistently stood out: DBBD. This Berlin-based aphrodisiac beat wizard is exactly the niche I didn’t know I needed to find. His collaborations with Miss Bashful have some of the most provocative lyrics I’ve heard in a minute; some of these tracks feature just absurdly raunchy lines, with bangers like “Everybody wanna fuck me, they heard I got that muschi muschi,” or “I get a lot of texts and they all want sex” (both of which are featured on their appropriately-titled Slut Bopz albums). DBBD’s latest solo album, Demon Hour, is itself a work of art. The tempo is fast, the production is clean, and the vocals are tantalizingly sexy. Next time you want to strut how hot you are, throw on some DBBD and let the beat do the work for you.
– BG

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Harka

When looking for an artist for this month’s feature, I stumbled upon Harka, a North Yorkshire-based producer of footwork, jungle, deep dubstep, and everything in between. The name sounded familiar, so I did some digging, and turns out we premiered ‘Work Ya Body’ two years ago as part of Unchained Recordings’ Year of the Tiger collection. Funny how artists ebb and flow onto one’s radar.

Harka’s catalogue runs deep with tracks that embody the essence of British electronic music. While ‘Work Ya Body’ is a fast-paced cut tailored for the clubs, Harka actually reappeared on my radar thanks to Spotify’s auto-shuffle algorithm. When ‘Haste’ came on as I was mindlessly listening to whatever the algorithm had in store for me, I was taken aback. With a swagger reminiscent of Sorrow and an electric energy that is sustained throughout, this track got me back into the enthralling journey that is Harka’s discography. Every piece is unique, as the talented artist loves to explore various tones, tempos, and genres. A dive into his latest Dull Corner EP is all the evidence one needs to understand the versatility of this underrated artist.
-SC

Kunas

Even though I’m not as involved in the experimental bass scene as I was years ago, from time to time I like to peek in and see which artists are trending and which are the hottest names around. Thanks to his new EP Home, released via SATURATE, Kunas was the new name that caught my attention this month. Described as “my way of creating music on my own terms” by Kunas himself, Home is the culmination of an artistic and personal journey of self-discovery that began when he moved to London in 2019. The story-driven nature of this EP is a key element that is instrumental in contextualizing Kunas’ stylistic and sonic choices. The tracks are perfectly designed, jewels of technical skill, but at the same time, they unfold unpredictably and epitomize a very human irrationality. Home is an EP that doesn’t express its full potential in casual listening (and without the right gear), but if you are used to the world of experimental bass and its philosophy, Kunas will certainly make you feel at home.
– A

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skxllflower

I didn’t think I’d ever need a 140 flip of Sean Paul in my life… but after hearing skxllflower‘s “scorcha” I have to admit I was terribly mistaken. This may just be exactly what I have been missing in my life. Sean Paul’s infectious energy and reggae raps fit perfectly over the producer’s dark and dirty dub production creating this masterful mix of anthemic and filthy. It’s fresh, it’s fun, and it fucking slaps. What more could you want? If “scorcha”doesn’t do it for you, how does a wave/phonk bop on the Liquid Ritual sound? The euphoric ‘distance’ showcases another side of the artist’s sound while delivering masterfully. While a deeper dive into his discography shows everything from deep house to lofi, it’s the recent dub, phonk/wave, and UKG tracks that truly stand out. Just listen to ‘lean4real’ for further confirmation. We’re not the only ones taking notice, the NYC-based producer has recently been getting support from the dubstep legend Skream. When one of the scene’s pioneers and FUXWITHIT are both telling you to pay attention, you probably should.
-C

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zod

The poetry and pure imagination behind zod’s creations are truly one to behold. His melodies combined with hard-hitting drums just take your breath away with every listen. Elevating your soul into the outer realm not yet discovered. For a while now, this artist has consistently delivered nothing but unique works. Through the wave and ambient fields of sound, his touch has completely star-struck listeners throughout. From a fun and everlasting breath of fresh air from his ‘descent,’ to a fast-paced anomaly of pure remedy throughout ‘remain,’ these are only a couple of examples to as why he’s one of the best in the game right now. With such a small following, he’s paving a wonderful path of glory and riches through his storytelling and breathtaking melodic structures. Always transporting you back in time while honoring what the future might hold.  So make sure to go check his work! Because you won’t regret what lies beyond. You’re in for quite the adventure!
– JD

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Written by Alessio, Braden, Colin, John & Steph.

The post Focus Five: Volume 69 appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

The mix moves between styles with a bunch of his own originals and flips, IDs from the producer plus LYNY x Asau, Daggz x Chef Boyarbeatz, and Low Poly, and much more. Our interview includes growing up in the Middle East, moving to the US, what he enjoys outside of music, his biggest inspirations at the moment, and more. Check out both below.

Tell us about the mix. What can listeners expect when they press play?

They can expect a variety of genres, I rarely stick to one genre, whether I’m playing a show or releasing tunes, you never know what to expect ;)

What was it like growing up in Jordan? What impact has it had on your music?

So I actually grew up in Saudi Arabia because that’s where my father works and where I was born, however my nationality is Jordanian. To answer your second question, I was that one “weird kid” in school who listened to electronic music haha, in all seriousness though, I grew up in the trap nation / UKF era and that’s all I would listen to. It was hard to thrive until I moved to the US for school though.

How long have you been in Colorado? What brought you there?

I moved to Colorado for school (Sko Buffs) in 2020 right as Covid hit. I initially did not expect Colorado’s music scene to be as thriving as it is and I am really glad I chose to move here.

I have a lot in store for 2024, including: big collabs, EPs, and hopefully my festival debut!

What do you have planned for 2024?

I have a lot in store for 2024, including: big collabs, EPs, and hopefully my festival debut!
Talent Buyers out there if you see this, you can contact me through hi@donjamal.com <3

In November you tweeted: “Working on an app to destroy Spotify and save artists.” Can you tell us a little bit more about that?

Can’t say much, but stay tuned!

What’s one thing that you wish fans knew about you that most probably don’t?

I started producing in 2019.

How do you spend your time when you’re not making music?

Other than work/studies, I play a lot of soccer and try to stay in shape. When I’m not exercising I occasionally play Call of Duty and Fifa.

You’ve been riding a wave of success lately. What do you view as your biggest accomplishment to date?

I have had a lot of small goals reached, such as a label release with Deep Dark and Dangerous and having a lot of my favorite artists play out my songs at sold-out venues like Red Rocks. If I had to pick one, it would be playing direct support for Sicaria at Sound Nightclub!

What’s the last piece of art that truly amazed you?

VCTRE’s album by a longshot, it is a masterpiece.

What artists excite and inspire you the most at the moment?

I would say Barclay Crenshaw and Machinedrum. I aim to be as holistic and genre-fluid as them. I really don’t like just sticking to one genre, good music is good music <3

Love each other, this world is at a really difficult position and we must be there for each other…

Any final words for fans?

Love each other, this world is at a really difficult position and we must be there for each other, be open-minded, don’t stop grinding, life is too short to worry or hate.

Don Jamal FUXWITHIT Guest Mix Tracklist

RENEGADE MASTER (efan bootleg)
Sammy Virji – Reverence
Don Jamal – ID
Losing Control (Neumonic x Don Jamal Flip)
Criso – ID x Donny Don Vocal edit
Ternion Sounds – Bargain Bins (Black Box VIP) x Criso – ID
Mirror Maze, Abelation, Vide – ID
Don Jamal – Sorye Ge Ton (out on Wubaholics)
Don Jamal – UP! (out on Bassrush)
Skepta – That’s Not Me (Don Jamal Flip out on Wang Records)
Klinical – Chaos
Daggz x Chef Boyarbeatz – ID
Klinical – Ventolin
Don Jamal – ID
Inappropriate – Don Jamal & BoynotHome
Push It – Creeds (Don Jamal Flip) X Torcha Request Line Edit
Low Poly – ID
Levity – Flip It ( Justin Jay x Don Jamal flip)
Lyny x Asau – ID
Don Jamal – ID

The post Guest Mix + Interview – Don Jamal appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

Arvid Häggström

There’s something in the water in Sweden.

I don’t know what Arvid Häggström has been drinking, but apparently it’s musical nectar. The sheer diversity of this man’s library has caught me off-guard. Drum and bass, trap, house, trance, garage… you name it, he’s probably made it. “Jack of all trades, master of none,” doesn’t apply here. This is a producer who’s seemingly mastered everything he’s touched.

Drum and bass fans can gun-finger to their hearts’ content with Arvid’s bootleg of Russian house banger ‘Kak Mommy’ by INSTASAMKA. Trap heads will lose it for the percussion on the Soundcloud-exclusive ‘GONE‘ EP. House heads will find ‘Stop me‘ to be an unforgettable bop. If hip-hop is your thing, check out his remix of Travis Scott’s ‘SIRENS.’ Whatever you fancy, there’s a track for it.
-BG

I’m a strong proponent of the idea that “variety is spice of life.” Arvid Häggström has taken that philosophy to heart with his music. Now it’s time for you to find your own favorite niche in his discography, so start digging below.

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CNQR+

Representing the wave genre in pure fashion and passion, CNQR+ has taken the underground by storm with his beautiful works and creations. Emanating heart-wrenching emotion through powerful melodies, haunting atmospheres, and organic stories of sound. From glistening ambient environments to hard wave utopias of the future, the range this artist continues to showcase is simply jaw-dropping. Every track of his can paint multiple pictures within your own imagination. Transporting you into a whole new world with haste and swiftness. Opening up doors to many different memories and emotions. They’re cinematic masterpieces to say the least. From his heavy and fast-paced new single, ‘Forza,’ to a slow and mysterious piece called, ‘Distorted,’ CNQR+ is a true force to be reckoned with. Keep a close eye on him because we have no doubt he’ll be bringing in the new year coming with a bang!
-JD

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Daze22

As you probably noticed from my Bootleg Business column, 2023 is the year I got (back) into bootlegs. Fed up with the banal or outrageous edits that populate mainstream playlists, I forced myself to escape those vicious circles and dig where I can actually find remixes that deserve this title. Daze22 was quite a last-minute find, but seeing his SoundCloud account populated only with remixes, of course, tickled my interest. I believe three tracks aren’t enough to give the listener a full picture of an artist’s skills and vision, but these interpretations of Kasbo, Virtual Self, and G Jones are just so much fun. While his latest breakbeat edit of ‘The Way You Had Me’ works fine even without completely turning the original mood upside down, the remix of ‘Angel Voice’s is of a wildly different nature. The creative process on this one is way more intricate and the result is, quoting Daze22 himself, “intense.” There’s not much information about the artist available online so I’ll let his music speak.
-AA

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Don Jamal

If you love dark and dank music, Don Jamal needs to be on your radar. The Boulder-based, Middle-Eastern-born producer has been steadily ascending the ranks of the bass scene with a myriad of monster singles spanning everything from 140 to DnB, experimental bass, dubstep, and beyond. When an artist keeps popping up on our favorite labels it’s a pretty clear sign that they’re something special. With releases on Space Yacht, Don’t Die At Work, Presently Lifted,  and Deep Dark and Dangerous, it’s safe to say Don Jamal is a favorite among tastemakers. His releases have been consistently landing in our weekly FUXWITHITFRIDAYS segment so it’s only right we dive a little deeper. If you’re in the mood for brutish bass and mind-rattling sound design, ‘Quack’ is just what the doctor ordered. More of a DnB head? Don’t worry ‘Disintegrate’ is top-tier dark DnB. And those two just begin to scratch the surface of what the Don has to offer. Take a deep dive into his SoundCloud and be sure to smash that follow because there is definitely more heat to come.
-C

PEROXIIDE

PEROXIIDE is the wicked brainchild of latesleeper and Hydrae (aka NOAH ISLA). While the former is among bass music’s most underrated talents and the latter is the creative director and sound engineer for mccxvi.pl, together, PEROXIIDE remains relatively unknown. That needs to change, though. The duo, who have known each other since the beginning of the pandemic, first started making music together in late 2022, inspired by the footwork, jungle, and juke tunes in Euro Truck Simulator radio. This inspiration first came to life in the form of ‘GAZ,’ the duo’s first release, which showcased their wicked attention to detail, meticulous sound design, and ability to stray from typical bass music boundaries. Their debut EP, FR!!ENDLY F!!RE W!!LL NOT BE TOLERATED, further showcased this knack for blending all of the aforementioned influences into action-packed tunes, with ‘STREAML!!NE’ standing out as a personal favourite. Every subsequent release from PEROXIIDE has been equally as impressive as the last, attesting to the duo’s undeniable chemistry and raw skill. Don’t sleep on PEROXIIDE.
-SC

Written by Alessio, Braden, Colin, John & Steph.

The post Focus Five: Volume 68 appeared first on FUXWITHIT.