From the get go, Dylan Matthew’s powerful voice injects passion and energy before numerous elements of the song get involved. After a short verse and a build up, the emotion from the vocals is met with a powerful lead section filled with melodic synths and subs while also maintaining the emotion and theme of the intro section. From here, the vocals are reintroduced quickly before we are lead into a classic grimy dubstep switch up. Following this section, Dylan Matthew gives us another verse, this time showing us his impressive range and moblility. Finally, all three producers’ styles converge during the last lead section of the track, where it feels as if the track has reached maturity. Definitely don’t miss this one!

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As his Facebook bio indicates, Canadian dubstep producer and world-renowned DJ, Jeff Abel is the furthest thing from a stranger to the bass music community. A debut studio release nearly 8 years ago on mau5trap, titled X Rated, offered a formal introduction to Excision’s timeless sound design, while more recent projects Codename X and Virus offer further proof that his style is ceaselessly developing and constantly evolving.

Excision’s latest album APEX is yet further illustration of Jeff’s desire to push the creative boundaries of dubstep. Composed of 14 total tracks, the project is nothing short of a marathon from start-to-finish and had me gasping for breath by the end of it. While the project remains loyal to Jeff’s intricate approach to sound design, he unearths an arsenal of brand new sounds and juicy collaborations that truly set this album apart from the rest.

Kicking things off with ‘Exterminate’, which composes the familiar grungy repetitive ‘X’ sample, layered between pounding, wavering notes of bass. The track really comes together as contrasting off-beats materialize into a timewarp-esque buildup, which drops into an onslaught of tight metallic hits.

The first of two SPACE LACES collabs from the album, titled ‘1 on 1’, builds from grimy UK-inspired vocals into an insistent bass rhythm. An energy-ridden buildup launches the song into an assault of rigid screeches, alternating with ruthless, soaring synths.

‘Wake Up’ derives Sullivan King‘s genius death metal style with a chorus and lead reminiscent of a punk rock track, the tune builds into a seamless barrage of resonating bass frequencies, broken only momentarily for incisive guitar riffs.

The energy-laced tune of the album, ‘Tonight’ starts with a throwback synth melody, graciously building emotion before the tuned-out, raspy vocals “This..is the night” catapult the track into an unyielding assail of oscillating synths and rumbling bass patterns.

A long-awaited collaborating in the works, ‘Gold‘, is a beautiful depiction of Excision’s ability to take a more vulnerable, emotion-based approach to a song. Composing the luscious, heavenly synths Illenium is most known for and stunning vocals from Shallows, the tune mimics the emotional rollercoaster of young love. A synth-heavy first drop set the stage for the track, while the drowned out chorus in the interlude leads to an unsuspecting bass-ridden second drop, which gorgeously combines X’s raw power with Illenium’s euphoric appeal.

A thundering medley of synths, joined by pounding percussion lead the intro of ‘Fall’, before a perfectly timed pre-drop sample launches the tune into the depths of an abyss with relentless, precise bass hits and wailing synth patterns.

Laidback, vibey synths lead into the beginning of the first Dion Timmer collaboration from the project, titled ‘Home’. An insatiable melody and vocal chorus give the song an overtly euphoric feeling, while tropical, bouncy bass notes provide the track with more than sufficient energy. The second Dion Timmer collaboration, ‘Where Are You’ takes the album backs into the depths of bass. An otherworldly intro with brief hinds of drowned out industrial noises build the tune into a quick percussive lead before the sample “They’re everywhere” heaves the track into a descending pattern of blaring synths.

Shrill revving lines the intro of ‘Power’, as a drowned-out robot vocal groans “Power”, a ferocious, compact melody of synths wash over the tune. Perfectly timed breaks, riddled with growling bass notes provide the track with a choppy, yet seamlessly coherent feeling.

Perhaps one of Excision’s most sought-after releases to-date, ‘Vault’ was initially teased in a number of live sets, culminating as the introduction to Jeff’s Lost Lands 2017 mix. A masterpiece in and of itself, the song scaps a trove of nostalgic pre-drop vocals from past Excision tracks in a captivating, yet refreshing manner.

Initially released nearly 9 months ago, ‘Hoods Up’ with Dion Timmer was Excision’s first sneak peek of the forthcoming APEX. Gripping vocals from Messinian lead to a monumental, rambunctious buildup of energy before the drop introduces an invasion of reverberating synths. Revisiting the death metal style, the second Sullivan King collaboration, ‘Fight Through the Pain’, uses a riveting guitar riff and screaming vocals to intensify the energy of the grumbling synths and pulsating bass.

Released just shortly after ‘Hoods Up‘, the second SPACE LACES collab ‘Rumble’ furnishes the ideal end cap to an astonishing album. Intergalactic lasers and an ensemble of fast-paced percussion build unparalleled energy before a bonkers metal-on-metal sample unleashes a blitz attack of industrial synths and thundering bass.

A much-anticipated release for the bass scene, APEX, is a radiating depiction of Excision’s meticulous sound design and ability to span multiple styles and genres over the course of one project. Armed to the teeth with heavy-hitting collaborations and solo releases, this album is indisputable affirmation of Excision’s creative prowess.

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Taking place June 8th-10th at Bingemans, this year’s lineup has amusement park rides, a waterpark, and a slew of top-notch artists sure to unite bassheads and festivalgoers across the GTA (and beyond). All things combined, it’s set to be an entire weekend of music, fun, as well as potential neckbraces the following Monday.

Last year was well known for its back-to-back-to-back set, which featured Cookie Monsta, 12th Planet, and Funtcase. The good news is that such an experience will be making a return this year – what’s more is that this year will feature an additional 7 back-to-back sets on top of that:
–Flux Pavilion & Doctor P;
–Midnight T & Megalodon;
–Excision & Datsik (Sunday’s headliners);
-and Zomboy & Skism, to name a few.

Pure dubstep/Riddim aside, there’s also going to be features such as Hydee for some solid dnb action, Space Jesus & Liquid Stranger bringing some glorious space music, and Sullivan King, who knows the intricacies of the guitar like the back of his hand.

Those who are more into the house side of electronic music will be pleased to hear that Saturday will feature some of the best in the genre! Claude VonStroke will be headlining on Saturday, along with a wide variety of variations of house. From French bass house sensation Dombresky, to the return of Daniel Portman, whose groovy set was much-talked about after last year’s festivities, to AC Slater bringing his Night Bass vibe to the grounds, there’s an entire afternoon of shuffling and g-stepping for those itching to do so.

There’s also a petition going around to help justify sound levels & curfew for the festival, which have proposed changes after last year caused a surge in noise complaints on the final evening. Considering how much energy everybody put into the Sunday closers, Zeds Dead, it’s not all too surprising, though – yet one can only hope that the residents and festivalgoers can come to an acceptable agreement.

Tickets for Ever After can be bought here – don’t sleep on this though, since this year’s already looking very promising! Take a look at the full lineup below.

Featured image courtesy of Ever After/Facebook; Zeds Dead picture courtesy of Tania Hiriart.

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There were hints of ninja-related influences in the EP before it, particularly in its artwork; this time around, the theme runs rampant throughout, visible not only through the track names and cover art (which is similar to that of its predecessor), but also in some of his choices of sounds/samples between the unrelenting bass. His shadow clan includes the likes of powerhouses jPhelpz, Ganja White Night and Excision, to aid him in his conquest of darkness.

‘Pressure Plates’ is the perfect storybook opener for the EP – a bright start which ushers in something grand with its triumphant synths, along with elegant vocals to uplift the spirit, to help prep for a new adventure. Nearing the end, it transforms into a wobbly beast of a tune, with the synthwork becoming much more mechanic, as well as a switch in the vocals to help put on the pressure.

His first track with Virtual Riot, ‘Warriors of the Night’, follows closely behind in intensity, and has resemblances to Knife Party‘s ‘Centipede‘- an ominous opener, with a dude (possibly some renowned expert) giving some knowledgeable insight to the subject at hand – proof as to how the silent-yet-deadly ninja is superior to the loud and boisterous samurai (like how ‘Centipede’ boasts the giant tropical centipede’s superiority over the tarantula). The riddim onslaught continues for the next few tracks, with Ganja White Night and jPhelpz joining in the foray.

Datsik’s second and only other solo track, ‘You’ve Changed’, could very well be a personal homage to Datsik himself, since it stands out from the crowd by flashing hints of his older style. It could be seen as a sort of treat to those who have come this far with him along his journey, experiencing his personal growth to the point that he’s at now.

His and Virtual Riot’s second collab on the album, ‘Freakuency’, really lets loose – it has its own version of a freakout, complete with a well-timed curse for added rage, before unleashing a three-way final blast with ‘Find Me’ – which features Kelowna basslord, Excision, along with rising sensation Dion Timmer, forming a bass trio which incorporates each artists’ style, to conclude in the heaviest way imaginable.

To coincide with the release of Master of Shadows, Datsik’s also going on a huge ninja expedition all across North America! He will be accompanied by fellow audio assassins Space Jesus, Riot Ten, Wooli, Carbin, and Swage, as well as other special guests throughout their journeys. The crew will have within their arsenal a PK Sound setup, and Shogun-inspired visuals (courtesy of Wolves Live Visuals) to demonstrate their definition of silence.

You can grab tickets for the tour here – while you’re at it, make sure your ninjutsu skills are at peak performance before the Master of Shadows infiltrates your village!

The post Datsik’s Latest EP Proves He’s the <em>Master of Shadows</em> appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

You may recognise his track ‘Berzerk’ which surfaced a while back, or ‘Hoods Up’ with Excision, but there are three totally fresh sounds. We love the pacy futuristic house style of ‘Cyan’ and ‘Textacy,’ but there is some fiery bass thuds and guttural strikes from ‘Tell You Why.’

Give them all a listen through here. 

The post Dion Timmer Lets Loose New Bass Goodness With EP appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

Returning after once again dominating the bass music game with a huge tour and killing it at global festivals, the Canadian somehow found time to put together this massive collection of tracks and remixes of his last album, Virus. As expected it’s a bass fest – unrelenting, loud and in your face; check for the pounding womp of Barely Alive’s ‘Harambe’ remix for proof.

There’s so much on here (18 tracks to be precise,) it’s hard to cover it all – but just know it’s uncompromisingly great and you need it. You can stream it from below, and full release comes on September 12th.

The post Excision’s ‘Virus’ Is Brought Back To Life Via A Banging Remix LP appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

Please note: this is a small list derived from a MUCH bigger one (the actual lineup); your “mileage” may vary.
Cover photo courtesy of Will Selviz.

REZZ

Stage: Pagoda
Her debut at last year’s event turned so many heads, and had people raving about it months after the festival. It’s a dark, mysterous and quirky set, and features some stellar IDs which have now been revealed since, including her widely-sought ‘Relax‘, off her upcoming album Mass Manipulation. Speaking of, the album releases days before this year’s event, and you can guarantee that some, if not most of its tracks will be present in her set.

The Pagoda itself (pictured above) is undergoing a makeover this year as well, which amplifies the likelihood that this set is going to be etched into the history books, as well as the hearts of her devoted cult following.
Check out in 2017: Truth (b2b w/ Stylust Beats)

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Sub Focus

Stage: Village
As the first artist featured in the Shambhala Live video series, London’s drum & bass wizard tore down the Village, going across all fronts of the genre – from the smoothest of liquid d&b, to the heaviest and dirtiest neurofunk, you’ll be rinsing out for an hour and a half straight to this killer set, which you can experience/re-live both audibly and visually.

Special mention goes to the 32-minute mark, where his classic ‘Out The Blue‘ is accompanied by an intense and magical spectacle, thanks to the sheer radiance of the gargantuan disco ball hanging overhead.
Check out in 2017: LTJ Bukem, Calyx & Teebee, Pendulum

K+Lab

Stage: Fractal Forest | Free download
The Vancouver-based DJ always knows how to keep his music true to the ethos of the funkiest place on Earth,  and returns to Shambhala to lay down some of the grooviest, sexiest funk this world has come to experience. From some booty-bumpin’ disco, to the wubbiest of glitch hop, you’ll feel like you’re on the set of Soul Train, breakin’ it down in ways you didn’t think imaginable.

Nearly every song on the tracklist is an original or remix done by/with K+Lab, and he knows exactly how/where each puzzle piece fits together, to create a musical mosaic that will leave you wanting more.
Check out in 2017: Stickybuds, Father Funk, WBBL

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Sabo

Stage: Living Room
This is most of Sabo’s 5.5-hour marathon sunrise set, which said goodbye to the final night of the festival into Monday morning. After an exuberant weekend, it was the perfect cooldown before the masses started making their way back to civilization.

He laid down some globally inspired house and tech vibes for a set which was tranquil and flowed smoothly, just like the nearby Salmo river. If you’re looking for something to set the mood for a daytime pool party, or a late-night dip, this will easily help you get comfortable, no matter which body of water you choose to swim in. Click the ‘Download’ icon in the top-right corner of the mix for an instant copy!
Check out in 2017:The Orb

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CloZee

Stage: The Grove | Free download
Toulouse-based Chloé Herry, best known as CloZee, rocked the Grove on the evening of her Shambs debut. Her mix featured an eclectic mix of a variety of sounds – from some low-to-the-ground frequencies, to world-influenced melodies, as well as a good number of throwbacks and hip-hop remixes to get the crowd singing along and feeling nostalgic.

Her own natural flair of magic, combined with that of the Grove’s, brought about a heavy yet euphoric set, which is creating a lot of buzz for her return this year.
Check out in 2017: Tor, OCTABÄN

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Space Jesus

Stage: Amphitheatre
If there’s anyone who can make weird feel like the norm, it’s Brooklyn’s Jasha Tull, a.k.a. Space Jesus. Along with Sub Focus and Getter, he was treated to a Shambhala Live video of his own, which shows a glimpse of what went down the eve before the festival was in full swing.

He was also a very soothing voice amidst the wild, weird madness – at intermittent points, he would hop on the mic, and spread loving vibes into the crowd. Whether from homesickness, being a first-timer, or whatever other reason, he also assured anybody freaking out/uneasy/paranoid about anything that everything will be alright, and to just take in the moment and let go.

His set includes the track ‘M. Night Shambhala‘, which he created to express his love for the festival since his 2015 debut!
Check out in 2017: Liquid Stranger (b2b w/ Space Jesus), Yheti, Sumthin Sumthin

Excision

Stage: Village | Free download
This is a rather monumental time for the Canadian bass maestro, given that he’s preparing a special 10th anniversary set for this year’s shindig, along with the launch of his own music festival later this year. At nearly 3 million views since its release, this set brings the full force of the Village to your speakers, so take caution in where you choose to unleash this.

And to those going to both festivals this year, I hope you realize that you’re THE envy of the town.
Check out in 2017: Datsik, Ganja White Night

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To those attending, the countdown is almost over – see you on the farm soon. Happy Shambhala!

The post Shambhala Prep: the “All-Star” Sets of 2016 appeared first on FUXWITHIT.