First off, thank you very much for taking the time to join us! How’ve you been? 

Thank you for inviting me! I’ve started off 2025 by traveling around to see friends but I’m excited to get back to the upcoming releases. Getting to do a guest mix here has been such a highly sought goal for me after seeing all of the artists who inspire me have their own spotlight over the years. I hope I can have that same effect on others as they listen through this.

What can listeners expect when diving into this mix?

In all honesty, I know this is the first time most people are hearing of me so I wanted my first impression to capture the attention of those who embrace the unconventional. I tried to find the most obscure and unique tracks I’ve saved to showcase artists that deserve to be seen by everybody. Most of these tracks are from myself but sprinkled throughout are tracks from friends and the deepest corners of SoundCloud where I get a lot of my inspiration. As a huge fan of unconventional music, I’ll take you through some of the bounciest sound design flexes along with a few familiar ones to not throw the listener off too much.

I have no definitive long-term goals besides continuing to find love and enjoyment in the process of creation—start new ideas more often and worry less about releasing every track.

Since it’s the beginning of a brand new year, do you have any specific plans or goals you’ve set for the future for your project?

I have no definitive long-term goals besides continuing to find love and enjoyment in the process of creation—start new ideas more often and worry less about releasing every track. For short-term goals, I want to feel more connected with the community and work with others. I’ve gone so long on my own island and I’m hoping to collaborate with the friends around me who inspire me everyday. There’s so many artists I want to work with and I think it’s high time I got started!

Your style is truly a wondrous and unbreakable force. Proving it time and time again with each release. Tell us, where do you find your inspiration?

I’ve always had a fascination with flow changes and fills. Rickyxsan was such a pioneer in this regard when I was starting and I can still see their impact in so much of my sound. Other genre influences throughout the years like Hyperbounce and Dariacore have given me so much awareness of the freedom music can bring. Make the weirdest snare you can—make the most unconventional bounce to your percussion. I’m inspired so much by artists these days it’s hard to mention all of them. Innovators like San, Carbine, Moore Kismet, Klypht., REKON, and beastboi keep my standards high and help me push my own perception of what’s possible. I’ve also fallen in love with these artist’s ability to combine intricate sound design with a more grounded vocal layer to really bring it all together into a cohesive and beautiful story. I have a long way to go but I’m ready for it.

We’d love to know the origins of the ELIMINA project! When did it officially begin for you personally and what were some of the hardest challenges you had to face in the beginning?

The name started wayyy back when I wasn’t even producing music yet around 2013/2014. But jumping forward to late 2018 I was contacted by somebody who enjoyed my mashup/edit packs and wanted to collaborate on a track. This was my first time opening FL Studio, and well, it turns out it was his first time too! So we pretty much self-taught the basics together and met every week to show what we figured out so we could slowly put together our first release. This was the catalyst that started me down this 6 year journey. To this day I still value the concept of self-teaching just like I did in the beginning of this project. I think my biggest challenge I still face is fixating on existing ideas rather than making new ones. This really got me into some bad writer’s block in the beginning but I’ve gotten to a point where my process and writing abilities allow me to sketch something usable out fairly quickly compared to years ago.

the solid benefit about starting a music project is that you can combine all creative skills at once! 

Have you always wanted to take the artist route or did you have another passion you wanted to pursue before?

Throughout my life I was into any endeavor that could utilize creativity. I got into graphic design and film in high school and eventually settled on pursuing design for my profession. Who wouldn’t want to make funny shapes all day for a living, right? And the solid benefit about starting a music project is that you can combine all creative skills at once! Since starting, I’ve learned a lot more about 3D rendering and in the past 3 years I’ve begun my web development journey. I know I can pick up anything if my brain can get hyper-fixated on it. I really do miss film and hope to make a return to form when I get to a size where music videos are viable!

Your artworks never fail to impress and amaze so many. They’re filled with such crisp and delicate detail! When did your passion for graphic design begin? Did it intertwine with your beginnings as a musician or were you practicing that skill before it all? 

I’ve always been passionate for design since high school but I discovered a new found love for typography and 3D art much later when I finished school. I started producing music in my sophomore year of college so it definitely took me some time to finally combine the two skills. As you can see I was a bit late to the scene.

Are there any plans on releasing an EP or album in the future?

Well, actually– I’m in the midst of releasing one right now! My ‘Lost in a Void’ EP is halfway out and I plan on releasing the full thing very soon (after my travels.) This project is something that came together by accident but I’m extremely proud of how it turned out. It touches a different genre in each track to truly show my range while still transitioning between each track to take the listener through a journey. In the future I hope I can manage an album, though I’m a bit sluggish and rework entire tracks completely 4 times before settling on an idea. The amount of extra scrapped sections in my projects is kind of a problem haha maybe just EPs for now…

I maintain a sort of internet archive of music for my own listening enjoyment. Hundreds of tracks that are lost to time from deletion or ones that never came out. There’s something really special about listening to music that maybe a handful of people have heard. Upsetting how much art is left to collect dust…

Outside of music, what are some activities or passions you really enjoy doing to escape reality for yourself?

I was into modding games for a while and created a couple very popular mods for Dying Light and Fallout 4. Haven’t done anything in that scene for a minute but I always want to come back to it. I also find myself looking deep into the car scene and hope to afford myself a project car someday that I could mold into something of my own. I adore the aggression of time attack cars and want to try my hand at building one! Also on the side I maintain a sort of internet archive of music for my own listening enjoyment. Hundreds of tracks that are lost to time from deletion or ones that never came out. There’s something really special about listening to music that maybe a handful of people have heard. Upsetting how much art is left to collect dust…

If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Honestly, I would love to be a part of something small. I went to FORM Fest 2024 and I’ve never experienced something so incredibly energetic. I’ve been to EDC a couple times, nearby tour dates, and Second Sky but nothing compared to the feeling of community at FORM. Nobody was there to get messed up or to look trendy on socials—they all just wanted to hear amazing music and go all-in for every single artist. I desperately want to experience something like that again and maybe be the one up there playing.

I want to see a newfound revitalization of people’s appreciation towards giving a new name or sound a chance.

In terms of the electronic music industry and where it’s at today, what would you like to see change or improve this year?

I think that 2024 was the best year we’ve had in music in the past decade. The amount of innovation and talented artists popping up every month was an absolute joy to see. I think the artists I follow doubled just last year as I kept stumbling across jaw-dropping releases. If we can keep this momentum going and push ideas even further, I’ll be extremely impressed and a bit worried about how I can push my own tracks further. Only thing I want to see change is the top end of the music industry. Let these artists who actually put their passion on a platter play at shows and get on labels. Stop going with the safe options! We have large brands that can take risks with their platform but they choose not to go for anybody that challenges the identity of what electronic music can be. I want to see a newfound revitalization of people’s appreciation towards giving a new name or sound a chance.

Take a moment to look back at where you began and see how far you’ve really gotten. You’ll surprise yourself with how much you’ve really grown as a person and artist.

If you could travel back in time to talk to your younger self, what advice would you bestow upon yourself? 

I often think about this question in regards to how late in my life I started music. I always pose the question of starting way back in high school but realize I’m only at this point right now because of everything that led up to me laying down my first kick. I don’t think I would tell myself to start music early but would rather tell my younger self to not worry so much about how others are doing. Focus on yourself and see your own achieved goals rather than looking at what others around you accomplish. We’re all on our own journey and it’s not worth getting in your head about feeling like you’re not enough. Take a moment to look back at where you began and see how far you’ve really gotten. You’ll surprise yourself with how much you’ve really grown as a person and artist.

Any final words you’d like to share with our readers and listeners?

I really hope everybody enjoys what I put together and finds it inspiring enough to open up a daw to just experiment freely. Whether you already make music or you’ve never done it in your life and keep putting it off, just open it once and make something. I didn’t expect to ever make this my hobby and it was so intimidating thinking about the process. The freedom of creation has no rules so it doesn’t have to be intimidating.

ELIMINA FUXWITHIT Mix Tracklist 

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

In the following years, I had the pleasure of sharing some more time with Alex through sporadic and hilarious impromptu video calls where we talked about all things music, life, and beyond. I learned that he is a lovely and kind person with a charming way of talking about his passions and beliefs. Besides of course being a creative mastermind, a natural-born musical storyteller, and a first-class technician, his original compositions are some of the most sophisticated, detail-rich, and heavy releases in my collection. He also belongs to the handful of artists who successfully remixed classics from Deadmau5 and Eric Prydz.

The guest mix perfectly showcases Voliik’s sonic identity and does an incredible job of taking us deep into his raw and uplifting dungeon. In the interview, we start reminiscing about Voliik’s beginnings in Denmark and we go all the way through his recent debut in the video games world, touching upon what it might mean to be a producer in 2024 and, of course, the electro house “revival.”

First and foremost, tell us what the underlying theme of this guest mix is. What should listeners expect?

The theme is all about energy and what I want to bring to my live shows. It includes a lot of early 2010s tracks, as some of the best songs came from that era and would still crush it live today. Of course, it also features some of my released and unreleased songs.

Voliik as a project has been around for around six years now. Can you give a recap of your journey as Voliik since its inception?

Since I started releasing Voliik songs in 2018, a lot has changed. Initially, I had no expectations or goals, just experimenting with FL Studio since I was 15, influenced by Electro House and Dirty Dutch artists like DJ Antoine, Ton!c, Vengeance, and Joel Fletcher. However, hearing Porter Robinson’s remix of ‘We No Speak Americano’ in 2010 inspired me to create similar music. My jaw just dropped when I heard that remix. It took time to get decent, and by 2018, I was releasing music for fun and staying up late to watch major festival live streams. Things changed for me when k?d played a remix I made of his song ‘Zero One’ with Slooze during the Tomorrowland 2018 livestream. That’s when I started dreaming of playing my own songs live. Connecting with people worldwide through my music was surreal. I suddenly had friends across the globe, adding much more meaning and purpose to Voliik. A significant and surreal moment came in 2019 when Porter Robinson played my song ‘Trust’ at Ultra Korea, showing me how far I’d come. However, 2020 through 2023 brought challenges with COVID-19, health issues, getting hacked, and losing my job. To support myself, I started studying and will soon have a Bachelor’s degree in Sound Design, specializing in Sound Engineering for Video Games. Now, with fresh energy and inspiration from working in the games industry, I can focus on rebuilding Voliik and setting new goals.

I believe everything in the world comes in cycles, especially music. Trap and hybrid trap have had their revivals, so why shouldn’t electro?

Electro House is a term that pops up a lot going over your history and, more obviously, while listening to your music. We can say it’s been a constant in your story, way before the current buzz. When did this love start? Do you think in the current mainstream scene there’s space for an “electro” revival?

I LOVE Electro House. It’s been my top genre since I got into electronic music. Off the top of my head I think I started with DJ Antoine, then moved on to old Avicii, old Boys Noize, Deadmau5, Mord Fustang, Charlie Darker, Gregori Klosman, Far Too Loud, Hardwell, Maison & Dragen, Dada Life, Knife Party and many more. But the cream of the crop for me is Porter Robinson and the Danish legend Mikkas. There’s something so satisfying about the fast tempo and complex basslines with digestible rhythms that always give me goosebumps. It gets even crazier when there’s a melodic trance-like break and a melodic second drop—just woooow. There’s absolutely space for an electro revival. I believe everything in the world comes in cycles, especially music. Trap and hybrid trap have had their revivals, so why shouldn’t electro?

For the culture, name three electro classics everyone should know (and explain why).

VERY hard to just name three, but here’s a shout off the top of my head. Porter Robinson ‘Say My Name’: such a classic! Everything from the kickloop intro to the catchy melody, the pluck melody in the break, and all the crazy details in the drop and fills made the song so fresh and unique. The song’s popularity also contributed to the mainstream success of electro house as a genre. Emma Hewitt ‘Rewind’ (Mikkas Remix): one of the best remixes ever made! This remix is so important because it blends melodic and high-energy elements in the perfect way, showcasing Mikkas’s signature top-tier production quality. The intricate vocal details in the drops and the powerful emotional impact of the distorted melody in the second break encapsulate everything great about electro house. Spencer & Hill ‘So Dance’: this song was ahead of its time. This song, along with some of their other tracks, defined and popularized the key elements of the electro house genre. Its energetic pacing, punchy and detailed basslines, and catchy hooks set the standard for what others would try to replicate in electro house. It’s an absolute classic.

How was building a project like Voliik in Denmark? Was your local culture a huge influence and a resource or did you find your reference points on web communities?

Building a project like Voliik in Denmark has been challenging. The local scene for electronic music here is quite limited; while Denmark once had a vibrant electronic music scene with international artists performing at small venues, that has dwindled significantly. There’s some interest in techno and tech-house, but genres like bass, electro, dubstep, and trap are virtually nonexistent, which can be demotivating. I’ve often felt like an outcast locally, but the internet has reassured me that my music has a place. My primary influences and resources have come from online communities, especially SoundCloud and Instagram. These platforms have been crucial for connecting with artists and producers globally, and I’m grateful for the incredible people I’ve met digitally. The online community has been vital in shaping my sound and growth as an artist. Connecting with like-minded individuals from around the world has been an amazing experience, especially given the limited local scene in Denmark.

Keep focusing on what you can control and celebrate the progress you make, no matter how small.

In a recent tweet, you expressed the difficulty you’ve had finding the motivation to continue with Voliik over the past few years. You mention personal motivations but I also find points in common with what other artists have previously shared on social media. Do you think there is indirect pressure given by the standards of the music scene and industry?

Absolutely, there is significant indirect pressure from the standards of the music scene and industry. We’re in an era where there’s a constant demand for new content—whether it’s music, tweets, reels, TikToks, or photos. This relentless need to stay relevant, keep up with trends, and continuously produce content can be overwhelming, especially if music isn’t your main gig. On top of this, personal challenges can compound the struggle. Over the years, I’ve faced numerous difficulties and lost my core support system. Many of my closest friends and fellow artists have disappeared from social media or stopped their musical careers, which made returning to the scene feel like starting over alone. Social media often amplifies this feeling of isolation by showcasing only the curated highlights of others’ successes, making one’s own struggles seem more pronounced. Balancing industry expectations with personal well-being is a challenge many artists face. It’s okay to not like this pressure and to not want to feed into it. Success in today’s music industry often seems to require more than just being a talented artist—being active on social media is almost essential. However, many artists, including myself, struggle with this because we are sensitive and creative individuals who can easily feel overwhelmed. I’ve been working on finding a balance by stepping back and appreciating the smaller successes, such as simply being able to create and release music. Consistent music production and release have been challenging for me in recent years, so being able to do so now feels like a major achievement. Success is personal and unique to each individual; celebrating small accomplishments and prioritizing your happiness and well-being is crucial. Ultimately, if you face obstacles that are beyond your control—like a full-time job, health issues, or personal problems—it’s important to be kind to yourself. Keep focusing on what you can control and celebrate the progress you make, no matter how small.

You announced you recently started a music-related job in the world of video games. What are you doing and how did it happen?

I recently began working in Game Audio, specializing in sound design, technical audio engineering, music composition, and voice acting. This opportunity arose from my Bachelor’s degree in Sound Design. I’ve just finished an internship as a sound designer at a video game company, which was an incredible experience. Additionally, I’ve co-founded a company with a friend that offers comprehensive audio services for video games. I’ll be sharing more about these projects soon, but there may or may not be Voliik music in some new games

How the skills you developed as Voliik are helping you with this new experience and, vice versa, how is this experience helping you grow as Voliik?

The skills I’ve built as Voliik have been really useful for my work in game audio. Creating sounds and music for Voliik taught me how to craft unique sounds and add special details, which translates directly into designing audio for video games. I’ve learned how to make dynamic sound systems and get creative with sound, which has improved my technical skills. On the flip side, working in game audio has helped me a lot with Voliik. I’ve picked up new techniques for sound design, discovered weird new plugins and mixing tricks, all of which have made my music production more efficient and structured. The experience has sped up my workflow and helped me tackle challenges in my music projects with new approaches. So, it’s been a great exchange of skills between both areas, benefiting both my game audio work and my music as Voliik.

Must-do question at this point, what are your favorite video game soundtracks?

When it comes to video game soundtracks, NieR: Automata is always my top pick. Keiichi Okabe’s work on this game is phenomenal. The music is incredibly immersive and truly stands out as one of the best soundtracks ever created for a game. It’s so powerful that I remember feeling captivated by the menu music alone, it gave me goosebumps. Wolfenstein: The New Order by Mick Gordon is another favorite. His soundtrack is intense and impactful, with a raw, unsettling energy that really gets under your skin. Mick Gordon’s ability to create such a visceral experience with his music is something I deeply admire. Finally, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has a special place in my heart. Jeremy Soule’s soundtrack is both nostalgic and inspiring. I spent countless hours exploring the game’s world, often just walking around to soak in the music. It has a way of making the game’s fantasy world feel real and magical.

Now let’s talk about your music. Tell us about your latest releases, ‘NOX’ produced with ELAC and the collab with Lizdek, ‘KNOCK,’ recently featured in his brand new EP on Ekali’s Awakening Records.

For ‘NOX,’ I worked with ELAC, and it was an awesome experience. We’ve been chatting for about two years, bonding over FL Studio, electro house, and Melbourne bounce. I started the track and sent the stems to ELAC. He made some big changes, which got me inspired to rework the song when he sent it back. The whole process was really fun, and I’m super happy with how it turned out. Working with Lizdek on ‘KNOCK’ was also a great time. He’s been incredibly supportive of my comeback, and our collab went smoothly and quickly. I sent him the initial idea for the first drop and some vocal fills, aiming for a mix of Big Room house and electro house vibes. He asked for the stems and, within 24 hours, returned an amazing final version. It was incredible to see our ideas come together so seamlessly and fast. Both of these projects were fun, and I’m excited for the others collaborations I have in the works. Make sure to check out Lizdek’s new EP and ELAC’s latest release—they’re both awesome!

I’m taking a more relaxed approach: creating music I love, having fun, and releasing it whenever it’s ready.

In the aforementioned tweet, you also express your desire to return to your roots. What will this mean in terms of releases? What should we expect?

Returning to my roots means going back to the basics of what made Voliik special when I first launched in 2018—making and releasing music simply because I enjoy it, without setting overly high expectations. After everything I’ve been through, diving back in with intense goals would be unfair and unrealistic. Instead, I’m taking a more relaxed approach: creating music I love, having fun, and releasing it whenever it’s ready. Right now, I’m not connected to any labels, and that’s okay. What matters is that I’m making music and enjoying the process. You can expect a more carefree and spontaneous Voliik, with regular releases of tracks that I’m passionate about. I’m also taking on the task of creating my own cover art, which is a new challenge for me but adds a personal touch and flexibility to my releases. While I still have dreams and goals for Voliik—like playing shows and meeting the amazing people I’ve connected with online—my main focus right now is to get back to creating and sharing music. Collaborating with other artists and having fun with the music I make is my top priority.

Voliik FUXWITHIT Guest Mix Tracklist

Voliik x FERA – Omen
Voliik – ID
Me and Cosmic Saturn (Mashup)
Lucky Date – Freak
Dj Isaac – Face Down, Ass Up (TON!C Bootleg)
Flowdan, Lil Baby, & Skrillex – Pepper (Voliik Remix)
gyrofield – Superheat
Voliik x VARI – ID
Voliik x Blood ID – ID
Fera – ID
DJ Bam Bam, Hatiras – Thrill Her
Mercer – Bangla vs The Prodigy – Breathe (Mashup)
Desembra – Bust
Baauer & Boys Noize – Fire Like This (Topi Remix)
VARI – ID
Stoltenhoff – Boozy
FERA – ID
Voliik x CZER – ID
Deadmau5 – Raise Your Weapon (Voliik Remix)
Porter Robinson – Unison (Mikkas Remix)
Voliik – Reanimate
Stoneface & Terminal – Skyfall
Porter Robinson – Spitfire (Voliik Remix)

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

So it’s with our greatest honor and pleasure to welcome him for his very own guest mix and interview! Within is packed full of mind-enriching tones, frequencies, and rhythmic structures. We also talk about his beginnings along with where he wants to head in the future to come!

First, thank you so much for taking the time to join us! How’re you doing? 

Thank you so much for having me! I’m doing well- trying to stay cool in this 90 degree weather we’re having over in NY.

What can listeners expect when diving into this incredible mix? 

Like most projects I put out, a little bit of everything. there are some unreleased songs from friends, all-time fav tunes, music I’ve been listening to recently, and plenty of drak ids!

I’ve never been good at finishing songs, so the album really forced me to finish a lot of stuff that I probably would’ve just given up on otherwise.

Congratulations on your debut album ‘drakdrakdrak.’ Such a stellar project. What was the creative process like creating it? What were some of the major challenges you had to face? 

Thank you!! It was quite the journey. At first, I didn’t know what I wanted the album to be- I just knew that I wanted to make one. I started making songs, discarding songs, revisiting old songs, and the project just kinda slowly revealed itself to me. I’ve never been good at finishing songs, so the album really forced me to finish a lot of stuff that I probably would’ve just given up on otherwise. The most challenging thing about making ‘drakdrakdrak’ was finding time and energy to actually make it happen. Between working a full-time, labor intensive job, having a girlfriend, a dog, and just generally being busy, quality time to sit down and create was hard to come by. There were a lot of days where I had to force myself to work on the album when I really only had energy to lay down after work and go on my phone.

Throughout the years, your sound has continued to evolve and become an everlasting essence of harmony, where do you see your project in the next 5 or 6 years down the line? 

I honestly have no idea. I definitely want to put out more albums in the future, but I couldn’t possibly tell you what kind of music will be on them. I think playing shows would be cool, but all I really want is for people to appreciate and resonate with my music in some way. To me, the album format is the most appealing way to achieve this.

Have you always wanted to take this creative path or were you pursuing something before your journey started? 

Ever since I first started using fl studio, I knew that music production was for me. I was 16 and hadn’t done much creatively besides some writing and playing piano/bass clarinet. Producing scratched an itch I didn’t even know I had- it gave me the chance to make any kind of sound I wanted, something that I could never achieve with a traditional instrument.

Growing up, what kind of music were your parents playing in the house and do those styles and artists influence your works today? 

There was a lottt of classic rock in the car. Q104.3, 92.3 K-Rock, 95.9 The Fox… anyone from New York probably remembers those stations. I really don’t think they influenced my music that much though. When I was alone in my room, I would listen to Hot 97 on my little mp3 player. And scary monsters and nice sprites. That was middle school.

If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? 

I’ve never really wanted to be a DJ, so I don’t have an answer for this. Anywhere where people are actually engaged and there for the music, I guess.

I think there’s still just as much heat on SoundCloud today as there was 5, 10 years ago- you just have to know where to look.

What are your thoughts on the electronic trap scene and its environment currently? Where do you see the movement going?

The electronic trap scene will always hold a special place in my heart. I love all of the little offshoots it’s produced, the subgenres-within-subgenres. I think there’s still just as much heat on SoundCloud today as there was 5, 10 years ago- you just have to know where to look. It seems like there’s discourse every couple of months on the state of electronic trap, whether it’s people debating on if it should be called “trap,” debating whether or not it’s dead, or declaring that “trap is back!!!” I think the fact that all of this discourse exists shows that people do care about it, even if it may not be represented in a lot of edm festivals. I don’t see trap ever dying- between producers like Isoxo, LYNY, and Jon Casey, as well as collectives like Partica Artist Group, I think the future of trap is in good hands.

Do you have any specific hobbies you like to do or are trying to get into outside of the music realm?

Yes! I am very into disc golf, and try going upstate to play at least a couple times a month. A new course at a park near me in NYC just opened, so I’m very excited about that. once I can afford a new computer I plan on getting more into video editing and making videos, both music related and non-music related. I’m also a big Mets fan!

I think regular people making the best of their lives and the lives of people around them is inspiring…

Besides music, what or who inspires you today?

Music is definitely my main source of inspiration, so that’s a tough one. I think going to shows and seeing artists I like showcasing their art is inspirational. I think regular people making the best of their lives and the lives of people around them is inspiring, whether on a TV screen or in real life. I’m not too big on influencers or role models.

What are your top 5 pieces of cinema? Can be either a show or movie in any form! 

Uncut Gems is my favorite movie of all time. Love how frenetic it is, love that it’s an NYC movie made with actual New Yorkers, love everything about it. The Princess Bride is also one of my all time favorites. I love silly shows about ridiculous people, so I’d put Trailer Park Boys and always sunny up there too. I’ll give my final spot to Westworld, which had the best first couple of seasons of any show I’ve ever watched.

Just make good music, make good friends, and make good tiktoks. That should do it.

For those wanting to get into this crazy industry in any fashion, what advice would you bestow upon them? 

I don’t really consider myself “in the industry” so I have no idea!! Just make good music, make good friends, and make good tiktoks. That should do it.

Now that you’ve accomplished such a huge goal with your album, what’s next for you and the rest of 2024? 

I have a mostly-done ep that I may or may not decide to release! Besides that, I’m just going to try to promote my album and release a few singles to put drak on the map again.

Any final words you’d like to share with our viewers and listeners? 

If you’ve made it this far you are truly goated. If you’ve already listened to ‘drakdrakdrak,’ thank you. If you haven’t listened, you probably should- there’s a little something for everyone on there. I hope you all enjoy the mix and I hope to connect with as many of you as I can! I love you all.

drak FUXWITHIT Guest Mix Tracklist

drak- ID
ql1x- ID
Dink The Poof- ID
golden child x asáu- mahahaha
drak- ID
drak- runwild
Robu- Just like that
drak- ID
drak- cloak
Space Laces – D.A.W (Jon Casey Flip) (drak flip- unreleased)
drak- ID
Olswel- 2012
milye- Libelle
drak- ID
drak- FRIGHT (alternate version- unreleased)
golden child x asáu- mahahaha (drak remix- unreleased)
drak- ID
GURF x wasteurself- ID
episcool x drak- ID
aprovoli- separated

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

His unpredictable flow and execution are always leaving listeners astonished and blown away. Transporting you into a hypnotic and intoxicating club space with each release. And it’s with our great honor and pleasure to celebrate his journey with his very own guest mix and interview! So prepare for an absolute rush through your minds as you embark on a sonic ride through the eye of a storm. We also talk about the artist’s beginnings as well as his hopes for the future!

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First off, thank you so much for taking the time and joining us! How are you? 

Absolutely, thanks for having me! I’ve been great! Been a lot to celebrate the past few weeks, and it’s been nice to finally get some time to relax and decompress after the EP and release party.

I was trying to capture that same fun & raw club energy that just makes people want to dance.

What can listeners expect when diving into this beautiful mix? 

With this mix, I wanted to both showcase my new EP, FLASH which just dropped as well as many of the inspirations behind the project. I was trying to capture that same fun & raw club energy that just makes people want to dance. This mix, much like the EP, was intended for a live setting. You can also expect a few IDs from me and some of my close friends & collaborators too :)

How did the Squired project start? What are its origins? 

I first began DJing and producing back in 2012, so it’s been a minute. Honestly, makes me feel so old saying that. I didn’t really start taking it seriously until 2015 though, back when I was in this duo Opvs. That was my primary creative outlet for a while, but I had always been making music for the Squired project on the side. Then in 2018, I left Opvs to focus on Squired, and from there I’d say was really where Squired started to bloom and take shape.

Living in New York City, how has the electronic music scene changed throughout your time living there? Where do you see it going in the future? 

The electronic scene in NYC is definitely interesting. Before COVID in 2020, the scene here always felt big. There were a lot of promoters throwing shows in all sorts of genres, especially in the trap & bass sphere, but post-COVID a lot of those same promoters either left or went away. That’s not to say that there isn’t still a huge electronic scene here, but it certainly is not what it used to be and shows are fewer and far between. With the resurgence of trap (even though in my head trap never died lol) I feel like we are going to start seeing more and more shows like that happening here. I know some friends and I have discussed wanting to throw more events on our own instead of waiting for stuff to happen, so we’ll see what the future holds!

Congratulations on your debut EP, FLASH. What an amazing achievement for you and your journey! What was the main inspiration behind the project? Do you have a personal favorite track off it? 

Thank you so much, seriously! Working on FLASH is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in my music career thus far.  I’m just so happy with how it all came together! Since finishing the project, I really feel like I’ve learned so much and developed as both an artist and producer. Frankly, it’s made me so much better at writing and creating on the whole.

All the records on FLASH were just simple beats and ideas I wrote for fun. At the time, I was in a place where I felt like I had forgotten how to make music, and would never be able to finish a track again. I put so much pressure on myself with this other project that I was writing, and it really started to hinder me, and ultimately left me in a state of writer’s block. With FLASH I just wanted to get back to that place where the process of producing was exciting and fun, and there wasn’t all this pressure around what I’d end up leaving with it at the end of a session. And that’s really what FLASH is all about, just harnessing that fun, club energy with each track purpose-built for a live setting.

If I had to pick a favorite off the EP, I’d probably go with “RTC’” just because I really feel like I leveled up my production on that one, and it’s probably one of the cleanest records I’ve ever produced.

I feel like I never really celebrate my achievements and always diminish them but, being able to sell out my debut EP release party with all my friends Buns, Bafu & Pixel Prince on the lineup was a dream.

You recently threw a massive EP release party to celebrate in Brooklyn! Tell us about that experience! The lineup was wild. 

I still can’t believe we pulled that off. I feel like I never really celebrate my achievements and always diminish them but, being able to sell out my debut EP release party with all my friends Buns, Bafu & Pixel Prince on the lineup was a dream. It took me like the entirety of the next week to really digest what it meant. Super proud of what we made happen with that show, and what it means for the future of this project. It’s something I’ll never forget, and am forever grateful to everyone who made it possible!

What’s your favorite part of living in New York City? And does the atmosphere inspire your work today? 

Yeah, NYC absolutely has a massive impact on everything I make. The energy here is unlike anywhere else in America and I don’t know if I could ever live anywhere else in the US. There is just something so exciting about the endless possibilities here and I love the chaotic energy of New York City. The summertime here is definitely peak inspiration for me! Nothing beats walking around NYC with some friends, and getting dinner & drinks outside while watching golden hour set in!

You’ve worked with some amazing artists such as Adventure Club, Cerdin, Juelz, and more! Are there any artists out there you’d love to collaborate with in the future? 

Skrillex, just like every other producer lol. I’d also love to work with Wavedash, FrostTop, Montell2099 & Jukaa. There are endless artists from all genres of music that I could list out here, but these are just a few that came to mind!

Is there any underground talent you’ve been admiring recently that deserves a lot more attention? 

Absolutely, 1000%. Cerdin, this dude is just one of the most incredible artists (and people) I’ve worked with! He wrote “NOREST” with me on the EP and did the cover artwork for the project. He is truly your favorite producer’s, favorite producer. Also, my friend BUNS, who opened my release party the other week. She has so much sick music coming out. She is also one of the best live DJs I’ve seen, and is similarly an incredible person!

I’ve just realized at the end of the day there is so much that just isn’t in your control and that’s just how it is. So to be able to detach and have other things in your life that give you a sense of fulfillment and joy has truly helped me so much. I used to get all my happiness from things I accomplished in my music career and that was a horrible state of mind to be in.

The industry can be such an overwhelming and toxic space with so much to take in, what do you personally do in order to just let go and step back from everything? 

I used to be really bad about comparing myself to others and friends of mine, but that quote “comparison is the thief of joy” is always front of mind now. As a result, I’ve gotten so much better about not comparing myself to others. This industry can be so cutthroat and a lot of it isn’t fair, but at the end of the day, I just do my best and try to do all the things I can to make sure I never have any regrets in music. I’ve realized at the end of the day there is so much that just isn’t in your control and that’s just how it is. So to be able to detach and have other things in your life that give you a sense of fulfillment and joy has truly helped me so much. I used to derive all my happiness from things I accomplished in my music career and that was a horrible state of mind to be in.

Now that you’ve concluded such an amazing chapter with your EP, what’s next for you this year? 

Well the EP chapter isn’t exactly over….there’s still a little more on the way there. In addition I’m planning on dropping more collabs, singles, and bootlegs later this year. I’m also continuing to work on my follow-up project. This one has been in the works for some years now, and was initially supposed to come out prior to FLASH before my team and I switched gears. It’s going to showcase another side of me sonically and I’m really excited for people to hear it!

Finally, I’ve got another huge announcement coming this summer, and it’s safe to that it’s one of the most insane things I’ve ever done. I’m dying to share it and I promise I will soon :)

Any final words you’d like to say to our listeners and viewers?

Just want to say thank you to FUXWITHIT for having me and for all the support on this EP! Same to everyone who has read this far in, and all those who have supported me along the way! Thank you all!!

Squired FUXWITHIT Guest Mix Tracklist

Squired – RTC

Young Miko – Lisa (Control Freak Remix)

WAVEDASH & Shadient – Get Wicked x SKEEYEE (Squired Edit)

Peekaboo – All I Need is Bass

Nitepunk – Steps On You (Peep My Style)

Adame DJ – Agressiva do VoltMix

Jengi – BEL MERCY (RICHTANNER Remix)

Posij – B-Boy Sonatta ’99

Juelz – Inferno (Squired Remix)

Squired – ID

Destiny’s Child – Lose My Breath (camoufly Remix)

Ivy Lab – Kai Tech (Cerdin Klub Tech Edit)

Yoofee – Seek & Move

Silcrow – TAKE ME DOWN

ISOxo – MOONSPELL

Baby Tate – Pedi (Gaszia Edit)

Casement – Sophie Riddim (Work Edit)

Squired – SONAR x PRINCESS SONAR (VIP Live Edit)

Skrillex, Hamdi, TAICHU – Push (Lizdek Remix)

Central Cee – Entrepeneur (borne Remix)

Godlands & Cerdin – ID

4B & Viperactive – Throw it Back

Squired & Cerdin – NOREST

Cesco – Up The Place (Gaszia Edit)

Squired – Watch Me Take It

WINK – SHAKEN

Joy Orbison – Flight FM (140 Lil Yachty Edit)

Baby Keem – Vent (Viperactive Remix) w/ Angels Crest

WAVEDASH – Stutter

Ken Carson – Fighting My Demons (SLICK EDIT)

Nitepunk & Habstrakt – Point (Nvadrz & WINK Remix)

Bladee – Sid by Side (feat. Thaiboy Digital)

Rustie – Terra Star

PinkPantheress – Just for Me (kmoe rage edit)

Squired & KLAXX – ID (w/ shypop vocals)

A.G. Cook – Show Me What (Cerdin Remix)

Ecco2k – Peroxide

Vierre Cloud – the moment

Squired – the way we used to be

Upgrade – Won’t Hold Back

The Weeknd – Out of Time (Juelz & Squired Remix)

Squired & Cerdin – GASLEAK

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

His poetic and adventurous creations will truly make your souls leave your body in the best ways possible. And it’s with our great honor and pleasure to welcome him with his very own guest mix and interview! So buckle up, because this one’s going to be a wild ride!

First off, thank you for taking the time and joining us! How’re you doing? 

I’m doing great! I just came back from San Diego playing for the NOEXPECTATIONS crew with Tisoki and Control Freak. In general, I’ve been in a great creative headspace recently and really excited for this year, feels like anything can happen.

What can listeners expect going into this powerful mix?

Some upcoming records I’m working on, my favorite works from friends, and a few edits of all-time favorite records that have inspired me. This mix is a little bit of everything with some cool surprises thrown in as well :)

When I found electronic music, it felt like a place where I could really make my own world, so it stuck. 

Your artistic integrity and vision have shocked the underground and continues to push to brand new heights. Where did the Strobez project come from? What are its origins?

I’ve been making music in some form or another since I was 12. My fifth grade teacher was the mother of an artist who goes by Mad Zach. She’d play some of his finger drumming and beat-making videos in class during spare time or on rainy days, and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I came across Skrillex right after, and his music opened up a world of sounds and energy I’d never heard before. It all clicked and I was like, “I gotta try this.”

I was also the type of kid who was always making something, always trying to replicate whatever I enjoyed the most at the time. I’d write stories, make homemade movies with my friends, build rocket ships out of cardboard boxes. When I found electronic music, it felt like a place where I could really make my own world, so it stuck. My tastes and inspirations have changed since then, but I’ve slowly been figuring out what Strobez means and sounds like.

Do you remember the first moment you just knew you wanted to pursue this crazy dream full-time on a serious level?  

There wasn’t a single moment where I felt like I was all in, making music was kind of always by my side as I was growing up. But the little wins, like playing my first show, getting my first few thousand plays, and eventually meeting some of my best friends through music all collectively convinced me that music is really where I belong.

Your debut EP, Restless adds such color and exceeds all expectations, bringing a new life to your project. How was the process of creating it as a whole? Were there any major obstacles you had to overcome?

It was a long process, but the most rewarding project I’ve done. I’ve always been excited by narrative-driven projects, and I really wanted to try my hand at that. It came together very naturally over the course of about 2 years and it feels closest to the core of what Strobez sounds and looks like. It was also a ton of fun working with my friends to bring the whole thing to life. A good friend of mine from high school contributed the vocals, we actually recorded some of them after class in the back of our school library. Halfway through the process of writing the music I met my now manager, photo/videographer and one of my closest friends, John Slack (@slvcker on socials). In addition to managing a couple of artists at FourFour Entertainment, he’s an incredibly talented full-time photographer and videographer. He really helped me bring the whole project to life, driving around with me and my friends in the middle of the night to shoot all the content. Those are some memories I’ll cherish forever.

You recently performed one of your biggest shows at a sold-out warehouse! How was that experience? What did you learn from that night? 

It was so much fun. I tested out some brand new music I’d never played out before and seeing the reactions was so amazing. Also really cool to see underground culture still going strong in San Francisco.

I’m really fortunate to have worked on projects for some of the most cutting-edge acts like Nitepunk, Habstrakt and ISOxo.

Beyond the music spectrum, are there any other activities or hobbies you love to do or want to do in the future? 

I do freelance graphic design and 3D animation when I’m not in school or working on music. I’m really fortunate to have worked on projects for some of the most cutting-edge acts like Nitepunk, Habstrakt and ISOxo. I’m a very visual person in general when it comes to creativity, I think that translates to my music as well. I always have an image in mind while working on my tracks.

What are the main qualities or characteristics that make up a Strobez tune? 

That’s hard to say, I feel like I have a hard time sticking to a consistent sound. I’d say a lot of my work has a dream-like and ethereal quality to it, and I want every song to transport you to a little world while you’re listening. Each song is a different place for me, but I put a lot of work into crafting a unique space with a lot of detail and texture that I hope the listener can get lost in. I also try to balance all that with a bit of attitude and playfulness, so hopefully that translates as well.

It’s a challenge for me to balance the introspective stuff with the heavier stuff, but when it works out, it results in the music that I’m most proud of.

Do you have any secret or really useful tips you always rely on when creating your works?

I think my best musical ideas come directly from memories. It’s a challenge for me to balance the introspective stuff with the heavier stuff, but when it works out, it results in the music that I’m most proud of. I also think it’s important to look beyond dance records and get inspired elsewhere. There’s a lot that I find in films, photography, design, and fashion that gives me ideas to bring into dance music.

Top 3 locations you’d love to perform at? It could be anywhere in the world. 

My dream venue is Printworks, London. It’s a really cool space, love the architecture. The Warehouse Project in Manchester is a dream to perform at as well. And of course, Red Rocks Amphitheater is on the list for sure.

Any exciting news coming for the rest of this year for you? 

There’s not too much I can say right now, but you can definitely expect a lot of new music!

Who are some major heavy hitters you’ve been listening to recently that listeners need to know about? 

This is a really cool time for electronic music, a lot of new faces are bringing fresh stuff to the table right now. There are so many dope projects I’m excited about, but just to list a few, Shadient, Control Freak, Viperactive, and WINK have been killing it. Silcrow, Badlike, CURE97 and Oddly Godly are some new kids I’ve been stoked on recently.

Where can you see this journey going in a few years from now? 

I’m grateful to have anyone at all listening to my music so I try not to have any expectations. Just hoping to be able to keep doing what I’ve been doing and get to work with more talented musicians and visual artists. My big goal is a completely synced up audio/visual show, hopefully there’s an opportunity to make something like that down the road.

Thank you again for taking the time for this interview! Any last words for our viewers out there?

Thanks for having me, appreciate the opportunity to share some words about what I’ve been working on. Thanks as well to everyone reading and listening, the support means everything to me!

Strobez FUXWITHIT Guest Mix Tracklist

The Prodigy – No Good (Start The Dance)
Skrillex, Aluna, Kito – Inhale Exhale (Strobez Flip)
Nitepunk – Slices (Silcrow Remix)
Swedish House Mafia – It Gets Better (Control Freak Remix)
Strobez – Drama
Acyan – ID
Strobez & Phantomhouse – ID
Oddly Godly – NO FRNDZ (Strobez Edit)
Shadient & nikko – ID (+ Tyler, the Creator – EARFQUAKE)
Overmono – Blow Out (Strobez Flip)
Control Freak – FEVERDREAM
nikko – ID (+ Leotrix – Good)
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Heads Will Roll (Strobez Flip)
solomax – Really Bout It (+ Baby Keem – Trademark USA)
Tessela – Hackney Parrot (Strobez Flip)
Charli XCX – 1999 (Strobez Flip)
Strobez – You Won’t
Viperactive – Angel’s Crest (+ pinkpantheress – Another Life ft. Rema)
Strobez & Viperactive – ID (+ Gunna – fukumean)
RemK – Surface Wave
Strobez & Viperactive – ID (Tisoki Edit)
Strobez – ID
Strobez – ID (+ Rihanna – Diamonds)
PARTYNEXTDOOR – Her Way (Edit)
Strobez – Face It and Run To It (+ FLUME – Voices ft. SOPHIE & Kučka)

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

If you’ve been in this scene for some time now, then you would’ve come across her works one way or another. Her magical originals speak volumes while driving a powerful and relentless force of good. Not to mention she’s also worked with some other powerful artists such as Skrillex, Whethan, and Louis The Child! Her mark on the industry is one to behold. Contributing so much to listeners everywhere. Making her an absolute icon and inspiration for many. We’re stoked to see and hear what’s next in her journey! So make sure to check out the full interview below as well as stream her newest single everywhere!

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First off, thank you so much for taking the time for this interview! How’re you? Anything new?

Thank YOU for wanting to interview me! :) I am alright! Every day is different some days are harder than others, some days are filled with serotonin so it’s an ever-changing answer to that question. New hmm yes I am working out pretty much every day and that is new for me and really helpful!

Congratulations on your newest release! What was the creative process like when molding ‘Can’t Remember Your Name?’

Thank you! This process for the whole album including ‘Can’t Remember Your Name’ was different! I spent a lot of time initially just sitting at the piano or writing while driving or while lying in bed. And then I would go into the studio put down a simple piano part and track my vocal to either just a click track or a simple piano track. I would then work with collaborators and produce around my vocals. It was a really fun way to create. For reference in the past, I would go into the studio with nothing and kinda do it all in that day. I still do that lots but this album in particular was a lot of sitting at the piano and writing melodies and lyrics.

It was an outlet for me to try new things and to be authentically me.

Your voice has been an absolute staple in the music industry for many years now, what’re the origins of your project? How did it form into what it is today?

Well that is an extremely kind statement so thank you for making me smile!! It really just started from experimenting. I would go to the studio every evening and stay until 4 am creating trying new things and learning. It was such a special time because I had no clue what would happen with the project. It was an outlet for me to try new things and to be authentically me. By doing that it has been really cool to see the response and connection some people had to the lyrics and message and music. Nothing makes me happier than someone finding comfort in the music I have made. There is really nothing else I could hope for.

Growing up, what kind of music did your parents play in the household? And did those artists or overall music inspire any future creations you made?

A lot of Pink Floyd! U2! Lots of jazz and blues. Jimmy Hendrix! Fleetwood Mac. Steve Vai.  And a lot of alternative music played on kroq (local los angeles radio station). I also grew up exclusively studying classical piano so yes I think everything they played and my studies definitely influenced my music-making!

You are one of one and what you create cannot be created by another human being.

From stellar original works that truly speak from the heart to working with artists such as Skrillex, Louis The Child, and Whethan, do you have any words of wisdom or advice to women who are trying to push their vision through their art in such a crazy industry?

I find this industry has always been hard but it feels as if it is getting harder and harder. My advice is to stay true to you. You are one of one and what you create cannot be created by another human being. Focus on you and your goals and what you love. Trust your gut! Work and write as much as possible. Take care of YOU!

Did you always want to pursue a career in music or were there other professions or interests that spoke to you on a similar level?

It has always been music for me! It is all I have ever known. I cannot imagine doing anything else!

The beautiful thing about music is it is infinite! You can always learn more, you can always write more, you can always discover more. It is truly never-ending…

Your journey of self-expression and empowerment through your words, productions, and more have touched the souls of many, where do you see the Elohim project in a few years down the line? 

I hope the project is floating through the universe still finding its way into people’s hearts minds souls and ears! The beautiful thing about music is it is infinite! You can always learn more, you can always write more, you can always discover more. It is truly never-ending… One of the rare things on this planet that are like that! All I can hope for is that I am still making a living through music and able to create while giving people something new they have not heard before!

What kind of hobbies do you have outside of the music realm? What brings you happiness and peace of mind? 

Lately working out helps so much with my mind and its chaotic nature so I am really into working out. Honestly, I also love watching television and I LOVE taking baths. I love walking and hiking. Being in nature is really healing. I enjoy grocery shopping. Haha.

If you could perform anywhere in the world right now, where would you choose and why?

Anywhere! Maybe Palm Springs? Maybe Japan? Maybe Europe? Palm Springs because I feel happy in the desert. Japan because I’ve never been and it looks very cool! Europe because wow so much to explore that I never have! I truly just pray for my body and mind to calm down enough to allow me to perform anywhere!

What’s next for you? Any exciting updates or plans for 2024?

Yes! Tons of writing and releasing an album and hopefully some special meaningful shows.

We are all human, life is strange but also can be really beautiful. Hang on keep going you are AMAZING.

Thank you again for spending time with us! Any last words you’d like to say to our readers out there?

Whatever you’re going through I want you to know you’re not alone. We are all human, life is strange but also can be really beautiful. Hang on keep going you are AMAZING.

The post ELOHIM Talks Music’s Infinite Potential, Industry Advice, New Project + More [Interview] appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

First off, thank you for taking the time for this! How are you doing so far?

Thanks for having me on, I’m doing good! At the time of me writing this, I am 8 days nicotine-free, so I’ve been feeling a lot better. More concentrated and motivated, has been helping lots with getting anything music-related done.

Diving into the mix, what can listeners expect or look out for?

In this one you’ll find lots of Trap, Dubstep, touches of DnB/Halftime, and a good chunk of Electro House. There’s also some stuff outside of EDM sprinkled in there, mostly rap or rock. RAW energy.

Any major goals you’ve set for yourself throughout this new year?

Travel and play shows. Go see people in new places. Continue making music in the midst of it all. The circumstances between 2020 and 2022 prolonged a lot of those plans, which I know lots can relate to. Given how eager I’d become last year to pursue that, this year is the year I wanna see everyone and everything I’ve been wanting to see.

The main obstacle was taking what some people would call an absolute mess of a collection of songs and packaging it into something cohesive

Congratulations on your newest EP! The diversity is crazy. What was the inspiration behind the direction you took for that experience? Were there any obstacles?

Thank you! The main obstacle was taking what some people would call an absolute mess of a collection of songs and packaging it into something cohesive; thankfully, myself and Halcyon succeeded in doing that. A lot of that EP touched on childhood themes that I’ve been attaching to the Lizdek name these last few months, largely attitude-era wrestling and gaming from that same era. I know I’m a generation behind (22 years old) but that’s still what I gravitated towards as a kid.

Your works are always so full of color and spirit, were you self-taught in terms of music production or did you have any mentors along the way?

Everything I learned on the production side was through other peers on the internet and YouTube tutorials. Never took lessons for any of it. Same goes for my creative process, songwriting style and whatnot, which is not something that I think you can teach. That color and spirit is something you have to build yourself if it’s not already there. I can only teach people how to be me, but why would you wanna do that when you can just be yourself?

Are there any fun facts listeners don’t know about you yet?

I try to make it pretty clear to people that I come from a balkan background, specifically a Serbo-Croatian one. However, most people don’t know that I can speak a decent amount of the language. I’m rusty though, so if any serbs or croats wanna link so I can dust off the cobwebs, hit my line.

Outside of the electronic spectrum, who are some of your favorite musicians you’ll listen to from day to day? Have they impacted your own personal work today?

Right now I’m heavily on FRVRFRIDAY and untiljapan for rap stuff. Their swag is unmatched at the moment, in their own respective ways. On the rock side, it’s admittedly a bit of a whirlwind, but Motley Crue, Killswitch Engage, and Judas Priest come to mind. The Naked and Famous and Cigarettes After Sex are namely in my rotation on the more indie wave. Obligatory shoutout to some balkan inspirations as well, thank you Sadin Idic, Lepa Brena and Aca Lukas.

The name “Lizdek” holds a lot of weight to me, so I want to make sure that anything I do under that name represents my true self, especially given how many dumb, disingenuous characters can be found in music and entertainment as a whole.

What’s the story behind the Lizdek name?

Lizdek is my surname. It originated in Bosnia, but there’s a handful of Serbians with the last name as well. I use it as my alias given the number of attempts I’ve had under made-up names in the past. It’s been since late 2016 that the SoundCloud account was created and I’ve come to the realization these last couple of years that I don’t want to waste time doing something as an artist that doesn’t stand for something. The name “Lizdek” holds a lot of weight to me, so I want to make sure that anything I do under that name represents my true self, especially given how many dumb, disingenuous characters can be found in music and entertainment as a whole.

If you could play a show anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I want to tour the United States more than once or twice before I even think about where else I want to go. That has been one of my biggest dreams since the beginning. I have a very hard time reaching my US peeps because of how difficult it can be to obtain a performance visa, but once that’s sorted and I’ve checked that off my list, I would love to play a show in Croatia, Japan, and/or Australia. All those scenes seem so full of life in a very different way that the North American scene, and I would love to experience that in person in the future.

Do what you have to do to make sure you don’t sacrifice being yourself.

For those wanting to start out in this crazy industry, producer or other profession, what advice would you bestow upon them?

Do what you have to do to make sure you don’t sacrifice being yourself. But, be smart and creative with how you showcase that to the world. Keep in mind how many people are in this space scrambling to have their hands on the same thing.

Any last words you’d like to say to our readers and listeners out there?

I hope you guys enjoy the mix! Always appreciate the opportunity to share some words along with what I’m doing. Much love to you all, hope you all have a great 2024 with me!

LIZDEK FUXWITHIT Guest Mix Tracklist

** = unreleased

1. Lizdek – The Dirty Dutch Destroyer 2024
+ 2. – Calvin Harris & Disciples – How Deep Is Your Love
3. Schoolboy – Aftershock
4. The Bloody Beetroots – My Name Is Thunder (feat. Jet)
5. Knife Party – EDM Death Machine
6. F.O.O.L – Feelings (Lets Be Friends Remix)
7. Svidden – Chemistry
8. Minero – The Touch
9. The Bloody Beetroots – Rocksteady (Gigi Barocco Remix)
10. Lizdek – ID**
11. Lizdek – MEMORY_MACHINE
12. Lizdek – ID**
13. Malixe – ID**
14. SHM – It Gets Better (Control Freak Remix)
15. Moody Good – Tweakrrs Revenge
16. Lizdek & Aekae – ID**
17. Sir Spyro – Topper Top ft. Teddy Bruckshot, Lady Chann and Killa P (Disaffected Bootleg)
18. TUNGO – Monkey Business (VIP Mix)
19. Skybreak – ID**
20. Lizdek & nikko – ID**
+ 21. Cesco – Up The Place
22. FRVRFRIDAY – JACOB’S LADDER

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

He’s taking no prisoners and we guarantee he’s going to have a successful and wonderful year. And it’s with our great honor and pleasure to welcome him with his very own guest mix and interview! We’ll dive down to the origins of his story while his hypnotic mix will leave you nothing but satisfied. So don’t sleep because this mix is going to blow your mind. The future is looking quite bright for him and this style of music.

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First off thank you so much for taking the time for this interview! How’re you doing?

Good! Appreciate you all reaching out! It’s an honor to do a mix for the FUXWITHIT fam. And just finally getting a chance to finish some other projects now that the EP is done, keeping healthy, working hard.

What can listeners expect when diving into this wild journey?

For anyone familiar with my work this mix will feel like a follow-up to my showcase mix I put out last year, with the addition of some unreleased music from me, my friends, and peers. Naturally, I also had to add some of the classic KILLMATTER tropes like the vhs tape cuts and dialogue throughout. Listeners can also expect to hear about 9 unreleased tracks/demos from me as well. If you are unfamiliar with my tunes, this will be a good introduction as to what style represents me best.

The KILLMATTER project has shown such incredible growth and evolution, what’re the origins of the name and the project overall?

The name was something I toyed with when I had first started making music years ago. Was always inspired by names like Ghostface Killah/Rage Against the Machine. My first name is Matthew so it was sort of a play off that. Originally KILLMATTER was a side project where I wanted to try to combine my music with the feeling of flipping through an endless amount of tv channels. My first 2 singles under KILLMATTER (‘VHS1/X-BEATRADIO’) are actually a weird mess of exactly that, using a lot of random footage I found to try to create some sort of narrative. As the project progressed I started to make it all feel cohesive and made the intention to use footage and dialogue that coincided with my music and the messaging.

I think most of my affinity for music comes from my mom though, she was adamant about introducing me to all kinds of music as a kid.

Are you the creative person in the family or do you have other members on the artistic side?

My mom was actually a dancer when she was a kid and my dad sang/played guitar. My uncle is also a painter and my grandfather on my dad’s side played French horn in a jazz band for a long time. I think most of my affinity for music comes from my mom though, she was adamant about introducing me to all kinds of music as a kid.

Your style has been nothing but consistent and eye-opening. Each one of your pieces contains so much crisp detail and switch-ups. Where do you get your inspiration?

As a kid my mom worked a lot, so I spent a lot of time on my own which sort of led me to television, video games, and early internet days of skate videos and CKY/Wildboyz insanity. I think a lot of inspiration comes from growing up and hearing all types of music in the media I ingested. In terms of my writing, I think a lot of it comes from my own fascination with TV/movies and more specifically storytelling. Production wise the big names like Skrillex, Noisia, Joyryde were eye-opening to me on what is possible with EDM and music in general for me. But I think it was guys like X&G and Nitepunk who opened my eyes to the potential of drum-oriented bass music and how I could fit into that. Most of my introduction to drum-heavy music within the electronic scene was Monkey Boy Breaks, Dreamcast era music, and The Prodigy. Hearing the way Nitepunk and X&G intertwined bass music with the music I loved as a kid blew my mind. As a lyricist, it also had me wildly excited for the potential of those types of productions with lyrics.

Congratulations on your debut EP! How long has it been in the works? What was the major goal behind it all?

Thank you so much and much love to the FUXWITHIT fam for showing the continued support on it, it’s been beyond cool. Incidentally, that EP had not been in the works that long. The oldest track on there was ‘Soaked In Wolfblood’ which was made about a year ago but most of those tracks I made months, some even weeks before the release. I think the biggest goal of this EP was to get a collection of works out that represented the current me and where I’m at mentally right now. I didn’t shop it to any labels, so I had more ability to dictate what I wanted on the EP, the track listing, lyrical content, etc. I had never actually done an EP like this before, even under other aliases, so it was honestly a great learning experience.

I just kept writing every day last year, notes and notes of random stuff until I felt ready to put it fully into my music.

We noticed you write and perform all your own vocals! So stellar. Tell us about that. How does that add to your overall process and writing formula?

Appreciate that a ton! I’m glad people dig it all to be honest. I have always written lyrics and for a long time did production for other people, while recommending lyrics to them on the side. On other projects, I occasionally added my vocals in as samples but for KILLMATTER I sort of knew out the gates that I wanted to do lyrically heavy music. ‘X-BEAT radio’ was the first time I tried it, and that was a great learning experience on how I could improve my lyrics within the context of EDM. Eventually I wrote ‘NITRO BURNOUT’ and the reaction to it made me feel like “yeah, this is some shit I can actually do” so I just kept writing every day last year, notes and notes of random stuff until I felt ready to put it fully into my music. In terms of my formula, I now write my instrumentals based on an idea as opposed to just throwing stuff at the wall like I used to, or making just a drop. Now, I tend to find a topic of interest and just dive into it. A lot of the time I end the track ends up being something I didn’t originally intend.

What are your top 5 production tools you always find yourself coming back to? Any favorite vst’s?

I don’t think many people would be surprised to know that a ton of my music is sample based. I endlessly dig through forums and dj tools for drums or vocal samples. I have had no proper training and learned entirely from YouTube/trial and error so grain of salt to any of my advice. In terms of VST’s I obviously am a nerd for Antares just because I add a lot of effects to my vocals. Detuned  vocal stacks are my jam. Serum is great for creating basslines, but the majority of the grit comes from the post effects like heavy distortion, detuning, and very specific eq placements. I’m on ableton and I am 100% a stock plugin advocate. I use heavy amps on everything, heavy distortion on everything, and glue compress like a mad man. I’ve been asked a few times (I think there might be a few reddits on it now lol) how I make my bass lines sound how they do. The trick to most of my basslines is that I stack and detune. I typically will take one bassline and stack it, sometimes even several times, and detune it like crazy with complex mode. I go a little insane with this, playing with formants, and a lot of the time it sounds horrible until it eventually doesn’t. I do it entirely by ear until it starts to sound like one singular sound. A little width, sidechain to the drum, you are good to go.

What kind of music were you listening to growing up?

Growing up my mom used to take me to the Barnes and Noble up the street from our house where she could work/read in the cafe area and I could go to the CD section and get totally lost in that world. The first 3 CDs I remember my mom getting me were 36 Chambers by Wu Tang Clan, Demon Days by Gorillaz, and Re: Animation by Linkin Park. Admittedly, my kid brain picked out those albums based solely on the covers at that time, but those albums ended up being what I pull from the most now. My earliest memory of being actually inspired to make music was playing JSRF on my friend’s Xbox when I was a kid. The music from that game blew my mind, I had no understanding as to how that could possibly be made, I was just used to seeing guitars and hearing people sing. That game soundtrack made a huge impact on me.

There is so much potential still within electronic music and I think we are just barely scratching the surface. I’m excited to keep exploring it all.

Where can you see the KILLMATTER project in a few years?

In a few years, I see the project reaching enough commercial success to enable me to have the luxury of creating 24/7. That means a steady release schedule, constantly trying new creative things, making affordable shows, and making affordable merchandise. All the while still making the art new, fun, meaningful, and accessible to everyone. I’d like to work with a multitude of incredibly talented people, and keep discovering new underground talent that can help progress the scene forward and not just rehash it to death. There is so much potential still within electronic music and I think we are just barely scratching the surface. I’m excited to keep exploring it all.

Do you have any interests or hobbies you like to immerse yourself in outside the music spectrum?

I find so much joy in doing creative stuff that usually when I’m not making music I’m trying to write or create something else. That could be a script or visualizer or short story or something random like that. I have to force myself to stop, get some exercise, and smell actual fresh air. I grew up surfing/skating, playing basketball, and tennis so I like to include some of that stuff into my day-to-day life as well. It is wildly important to be in nature as well, I’ve learned that as I got older, especially as the digital world becomes increasingly pushed. So I at least try to get outside multiple times a day to reconnect with the real world and ground myself a bit. Most of the time I find myself doing some sort of writing to some degree wherever I am and whatever I am doing.

If you could travel back in time, what year or environment would you go to and why?

That’s a tough question but honestly I would hit up the 90s just because all my favorite artists were coming up at that time. I always viewed the 90s as a time where creative spaces became less closed and different cultures were being introduced on a commercial scale. If I did go back I would have made sure I went to the Source Awards 95 and saw that piece of music history in real time. Also would have immediately gone to a Wu-Tang show with ODB before his passing, that seems like a must for me. Also Hulk Hogan WCW are you kidding me, brother? For sure 90s.

Stay sober, remain motivated, love yourself, don’t compare yourself, your friends are not all your friends, trust your voice, know your value.

If you could bestow some advice to your younger self, what would you tell him?

Stay sober, remain motivated, love yourself, don’t compare yourself, your friends are not all your friends, trust your voice, know your value.

Your artistic vision is truly strong and alive. What fuels your perseverance and overall dedication to put so much into it?

I think it’s almost a form of therapy for me. I think it reminds me of pieces of me that I’ve lost over time, which I think a lot of artists can relate to. I focus heavily on vision and dedicate so much time to that vision because the artists I respect and look up to do the same. For a long time I got caught up in numbers, it wasn’t until recently that I realized that the mentality of just challenging yourself to always improve, learn, and strive to do something new and innovative is more important than the numbers or result. At the end of the day music is supposed to be fun and keeping that in mind helps me stay dedicated and motivated.

Thank you again for joining us! Any final words for our readers and listeners out there?

Thank you so much for having me, it’s been a blessing having the support. Only thing I gotta say is shout out to everyone who has stuck with me through all my projects including this one. I’ve been through so many times in the past years where I wasn’t sure if music was meant for me at all but every time I started to genuinely give up someone would reach out with encouragement. That means everything to me, thank you. No plans to slow down now, tons more music this year, and some special announcements later in the year be on the lookout! Much love to the FUXWITHIT fam, thank you again for having me.

Tracklist:

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

MZG’s incredible chemistry both on- and off-stage is like “relationship goals” but for producers. Their passion for music shines bright like a diamond with every release. As the old saying goes: “two heads are better than one.” These brothers are a testament to the kind of brilliance that can only result from collaborative effort over a shared delight for music. We’re honored to have the chance to welcome them to FUXWITHIT for an interview and guest mix, so let’s get into it!

What can listeners expect to hear (or feel) from this mix?

A good amount of our 2023 releases and few ID’s!

Can you give us some backstory into the meaning of “MZG” and why you chose that as your producer name?

MZG is shorthand for monozygotic which means two cells derived from a single ovum and thus identical. We chose this moniker to express our unified front in the project and how we are one and move as one.

We are one and move as one

As twin brothers, do you guys find that your musical tastes mostly overlap, or do you each have your own distinct tastes?

Shockingly enough we have very identical taste in music!

There’s a lot of genre variety throughout your track releases and mixes. If you each had to pick a favorite genre, what would they be? How about a favorite track you’ve produced?

We dabble in the trap realm and try to keep things fun and bouncy for our listeners. As of recently, we’ve really been feeling the minimal tech and tech house genres and are pursuing a fun new project we’re calling ‘Duplex’ where we DJ and produce house music! Our favorite releases this year are ‘Bownce’ and ‘Bring that Back.’

Are either of you classically-trained musicians, or are you entirely self-taught?

We are self-taught for the most part but Charles plays piano and Zach plays classical guitar. We both strive for jazz sounds when we play.

Which artists inspired you to start producing the most?

Charles started producing music after seeing Eliot Lipp perform! As for Zach, Mr. Carmack really set things in motion for his inspiration.

Most of your releases thus far have been singles. Should we be on the lookout for any future album or EP releases in the works?

Yes, be on the lookout for an EP next year and some fun flips on SoundCloud.

Do you two always make music together, or do you also have solo projects that you’d like us to know about? Do you each have a particular strength that you bring to the table in the duo?

The entire project is predominantly collaborative on all fronts! There are times where we will separately make a tune and bring it to the MZG round table and expound on that idea until it’s finished. However, Charles handles all of the visual 3D artwork for MZG and Zach handles the mixing and mastering side of things but nothing’s exported until we both sign off on the ideas.

What are the biggest pros and cons of working with your sibling?

Pros: very familiar territory, no guessing, great communication, and overall love for each other. Cons: We look like each other and it gets confusing sometimes. lol

What are your favorite hobbies outside of producing and playing music?

Video games and to be honest, surfing, although living in Denver has stymied our efforts to surf due to the whole no ocean thing but we miss it dearly and still consider ourselves surfers by heart. We grew up competing in contests and look forward to our next surf trip!

Do you have any specific goals for the next five years?

Create a label to help incubate and curate new artist pathways, headline tours, debut an album, and design a unique stage setup for a live performance!

Your SoundCloud likes and reposts are a goldmine for crate-digging. Are there any artists you’d like to shine a spotlight on for our readers?

Ethan Plus, Bagg, and Wntr to name a few!

Anything else you’d like to say to fans out there?

We are one, it all matters. Everything that’s happened is a part of this. Take it slow and don’t let dark memories of yourself ruin your progress. Everyone in your life has its place and if it doesn’t matter now, it will later. Help your fellow people, no one is better than one another. We move as one, share, and give people what they need. We are all teachers, we remind each other who we need to be, you never know who needs help, be swell always… always. <3

be swell always… always

Tracklist

1. MZG – ID
2. MZG – Bownce
3. MZG x SPADES – ID
4. MZG – Hold Awnn
5. MZG – GOOZE
6. MZG – Stilettos
7. MZG – SEQUENCE!
8. Manic Focus x MZG – Armadillo
9. MZG – Take It Awff
10. Ethanplus – B.T.B.
11. MZG – MOEV IT MOEV IT
12. MZG – WAYO
13. MZG – BLOWN UP
14. MZG – BANGA
15. MZG – ID

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

From stellar original pieces to remixing artists such as Kenya Grace, Veronica Eileen, GRIMES, and more, he’s on a complete roll with these releases. Conquering the underground and blessing listeners all around. He’s even a member of the infamous group, Cyberwave Collective. We highly recommend keeping a close eye on the artist and where he goes next. And it’s our great honor and pleasure to showcase his talents and persona with a wonderful interview and guest mix. A journey filled to the brim with shining miraculous gems.

First off, thank you so much for taking the time for this interview! How’re you doing?

Doing Well

What can listeners expect when diving into this experience? 

You can expect atmospheric wave-influenced phonk. Something you can put on for a late-night drive or road trip.

What’s the story behind the SAGE project? How did it become and how long have you been creating this vision? 

This project was purely created as a place where I can just put my musical ideas out there and hope that it can help someone out there who might listen. I started the SAGE project in early 2021 and things have certainly snowballed from where it started as an outlet of my random ideas I create.

Have you always been a creative throughout your life or was this a new field you wanted to immerse yourself in? 

I haven’t necessarily been a creative my whole life other than when I first discovered music production, so this was a new field I wanted to immerse myself in.

it is more about creating an atmosphere or vibe that can emotionally connect with the listener.

What about the wave environment really drew you into wanting to incorporate your own touch? 

I think the main driving force of me getting into wave music is the contrast of most popular electronic music in that you don’t have to make the hardest or loudest tracks but it is more about creating an atmosphere or vibe that can emotionally connect with the listener.

Who are your biggest inspirations from the beginning that continue to inspire you today? 

My biggest inspirations are Skeler, Sibewest, yerbby, and heimanu.

Do you have any hobbies outside the music realm that help you escape the pressures of life?

 I will play some video games like Elden Ring or Dark Souls.

Any thoughts on an EP or album in the future?

I have a y2k trance EP dropping very soon.

Who are some of your personal favorite underrated artists that deserve to be known more? 

Personal favorites would include : Mrjay, Haydys, Jack Instinct, Miraj, Shrxpnel, Koi sum, Rxflxct, Baeldorf, and yerbby.

I see myself branching into a lot more than just wave-adjacent music. Having full creative freedom in this project for the future is my goal

Where do you see your project a few years down the line? 

I see myself branching into a lot more than just wave-adjacent music. Having full creative freedom in this project for the future is my goal.

Are there any big plans for the rest of this year in terms of releases or performances?

No big shows or performances coming up. But I have an EP titled Dreamcast that will be dropping very soon.

Don’t be afraid to enjoy a certain type of music because it isn’t cool or perceived well by others. Just enjoy what you like and take pride in that.

Are there any final words you’d like to share for the readers and listeners out there? 

Don’t be afraid to enjoy a certain type of music because it isn’t cool or perceived well by others. Just enjoy what you like and take pride in that.

Tracklist

SAGE x arael – LAY THE LAW
SAGE x arael – ID
SAGE x Emurse – ID
haydys x cinqrow – the south.
Planet V – no holds barred (Future edit)
onte x shxrpnel – river
SAGE – Delirious
Nessly – Can’t Answer (MIRAJ Remix)
SAGE x Michaya Mirai – Prediction
MIRAJ – What you See
MRjay – Gunma
SAGE – ID
SAGE – The Finer Things
neoprincess – walk
MIRAJ – Reflex
Grimes – Oblivion (SAGE x haydys Remix)

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