Highlights of this year’s lineup include the likes of Subtronics, who is returning for the first time since 2019. Zeds Dead is making their WAKAAN Festival debut this year for a solo set as well as the first-ever Zeds Dead b2b Liquid Stranger set. Freddy Todd and Of The Trees will be performing as their collaborative BLAAP project. An official 1985 Music takeover will feature label head Alix Perez, along with Torcha, Hyroglifics, and Monty. Barclay Crenshaw is returning after electrifying performances the last two years that helped cement his resurgence as a bass music icon. The duo of jordnmoody and Ujuu will be on stage together as FLORA. As founder of WAKAAN, Liquid Stranger himself is also performing three exclusive sets, including a throwback set with a list of not-yet-announced friends.

There is more to WAKAAN than just the music. The festival features a diverse array of workshops, ranging from such topics as health and wellness to music production. The grounds of Mulberry Mountain are scattered with art installations, merch vendors, games, and more. In particular, this year features the return of Soul Spin Art Gallery, where fans can create their very own custom vinyl records that will be kept on the mountain for years to come.

In the past years that I’ve attended WAKAAN, the crowd energy has been unreal. There is a real, concerted effort on the part of these festival-goers to make friends and inspire each other. I’ve told my life story to a stranger on the way to a Port-a-Potty. I’ve always left with more trinkets than I arrived with. I’ve been handed hors d’oeuvres from people passing by mid-headliner. I’ve played Super Smash Brothers and watched Adventure Time on a screen in the middle of the forest. The sense of community that this festival has is something to behold, and I hope everyone gets to at least once.

If you’d like to purchase a ticket to the festival, you can do so on WAKAAN’s website. Be sure to follow them on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook for more information. In the meantime, you can peep the full festival lineup below!

The post WAKAAN Festival Reveals Highly Anticipated 2024 Lineup appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

Amidst the announcement of festival returns and multiple lineups revealed, ‘The Drill’ is at the forefront of reinstating festival bangers. It pins together a reminiscent feel of old school Liquid Stranger tracks such as ‘Meltdown‘ while fusing together with sounds of the future. The industrial noise of construction shreds through the bass waves in an attempt to fabricate something larger than life. A hypnotic emergence of a continuous build carries the background as the perceived drill begins to take form. The initial drop blasts off with highly intense energy as it carries on with assembling what feels like something that can either produce or dismantle what we know as life. While we break into the barriers of the second half, ‘The Drill’ seems to find a recharged battery with even more power that is set to wreak havoc on any system it is played out on. The near five-minute track boasts as much energy and efficiency as solar power and can be heard in full below.

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Hailing from Deutschland, Krischvn has shown time and time again that he has a knack for crafting some of the most brutal creations in the modern music ecosystem. Utilizing an already tell-tale signature sound that seemingly becomes even more aggressive with each subsequent release, it’s no wonder that he was tapped to contribute to the Psychonaut Remix EP. Still riding the high from his ‘Baked‘ saga of last year, and his massive collaboration with Stuca ‘Gears‘, he’s shown he is truly incapable of mercy when it comes to eviscerating all who listen to his prolific pieces. I can assure you his remix of ‘Psychonaut’ is entirely no different.

Taking an even more malevolent approach than the original, Krischvn’s remix takes us even further into insanity, normalcy a state for a much more tame moment. Featuring his exceptionally clean, but proficiently punishing end product that toes the line between trap and dubstep, he effortless glides to the forefront of favorites from the collection as a whole. The first drop has an elongated fake-out that leaves you inhaling a deep gut-full of air before the first authentic bass line viciously backhands all the breath out of your being. The latter drop is even meatier, going straight for the dome with trappy switch-ups and full frontal brutality. The word “large” is thrown around quite regularly lately to describe tracks, but we firmly believe this one lands squarely in the “honker” territory. Borderline evil at its lightest, and one of the deadliest creations on the planet at its heaviest, Krischvn has concocted a track that will leave even the most seasoned of veterans floored in awe, left with no choice but to hit “repeat” to their heart’s content. But don’t take our word for it, check out Krischvn’s audible debauchery for yourself below, and make sure to give proper attention to the rest of the Psychonaut Remix EP in its entirety as well.

The post PREMIERE: Krischvn Takes No Prisoners With His Remix of Liquid Stranger’s ‘Psychonaut’ appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

Opening with the exquisite title track of this magnificent body of work, ‘Alchemy’ is the tip of your big toe as you lower yourself closer to the stillness of a body of water. As soon as you make contact, that pool is affected with a rippling domino effect, moved by the energy that you exhumed until it has drifted back to nothingness. Just as the pool is affected by you, you are affected by the pool, a true reflection of each other, bouncing electricity back-and-forth like invisible coiled snakes. This is the same thing that occurs at an atomic level on your being, as you’re directly impacted by the soothing frequencies that Alchemy imbues into your spirit, and thus you positively interact with the world around you. Whether it’s as extensive as solving some great inner turmoil, or making you feel calm and happy enough to smile at a stranger, it’s a cyclical ripple effect that keeps on giving.

Between the airy, caressing melody and the overall soothing ambiance of the piece, you’ll feel nothing but positivity and contentedness, two things in short supply in recent memory. The last half of ‘Alchemy’ is an ambient soundscape, coddling you like a parent does a wee child before they drift away into slumber. Safe, cheerful, and light; these are the words that will be bursting forth from your existence after listening.

Continuing the captivating trend of sonic healing that is assuredly prevalent throughout all of Alchemy, ‘Vapour’ is your next course on this delicious spread of audible delicacies. As light as angel food cake, this track doesn’t smack or slap like many others, but rather, it offers a warm, serene embrace. Much like watching the final tendrils of sunlight disappear on the horizon as your gaze settles out over an expanse of open water, you come to understand in that time and place just how small and insignificant you are in the grand scheme of things. This isn’t something to feel bad about, rather it is something to revel in, as understanding of this topic breeds conscious freedom and the truth that we are all we need. Showcasing magnificent melodies and an entrancing energy, this piece is as moving as it is thought-provoking.

Myst is defined as “weather characterized by water droplets suspended in the air.” Just as those water droplets are encapsulated and caught-up in a brief moment of time, so will you when you listen to ‘Myst.’ Calmly coaxing out the inner workings of your mind, this is the sonic embodiment of simpler times, exemplified through the sensational degree of production and the supremely relaxed pacing. Taking the time to fully flesh-out each and every sound, you’ll be left hanging onto every note, the outside world a problem for another time.

The final track I’m going to cover from Alchemy is ‘Neptuna,’ quite the apt name for a piece that makes you feel like you’re floating through the vast nothingness of space. Reminiscent of lying on your back in the ocean, you’ll have your entire being cuddled ever-so-firmly, as your anxiety and fears melt away to nonexistence. A true intergalactic experience, this could very well be what aliens listen to after a hard day’s work. If everything happens for a reason, then this was created to provide a sense of healing and comfort in a world that is too-often filled with the exact opposite. A stark reminder that there can be beauty in even the ugliest of times, ‘Neptuna’ is a gift to all that are graced with its presence.

If there’s anything to be gleamed from Alchemy as a whole, it’s that Au5 is a true master of his craft, able to elicit even the most complex of emotions in his listeners. With the world teetering ever-closer to tyranny and strife, this is a prime example of a body of work that can instill hope in the populous, calm remembrance of simpler times at the forefront of people’s minds. A grand slam hit for the unveiling of the newly minted Sskwan, everyone should be waiting with bated breath for what’s coming next both from this immensely talented artist, and this burgeoning label. Check out Alchemy in full for yourself below!

The post Au5 Debuts Liquid Stranger’s Sskwan Imprint With Ethereal ‘Alchemy’ LP appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

A psychonaut is defined as “a person who spends time exploring the universe right inside their own head. Usually with drugs,yoga, or meditation. This person is on a quest to discover the self, and usually can be considered a realist.” Liquid Stranger’s ‘Psychonaut’ is the perfect introduction into Ascension, setting the tone for the sonic voyage your consciousness is about to undergo. The beat builds into into a zipper-like monstrosity of a sound, almost like the unraveling of the mind that a certified psychonaut would experience at the beginning of a psychedelic experience, before reaching the brink of insanity that is the first drop. The opening notes are reminiscent of what one might expect to burst forth from an organ in the holy church of grime, both startlingly and exquisite at the same time. The tell-tale immaculate cleanliness that is Liquid’s production is readily apparent, and is even more-so highlighted later in the song when the initial fiercely intense energy cools and is replaced with a much swampier aesthetic, with more emphasis on each individual sound. The song ends with a speech that sounds straight out of a sci-fi movie stating “As the space time continuum shatters, the laws of physics no longer apply. While the body can be protected by a suit, the mind is left open and vulnerable. Only certain specially gifted individuals are able to complete the journey with their sanity unscathed. We call them, the Psychonauts.” Strap in, this is only the first of 6 tracks.

‘Ascend’ continues your journey upwards, a step towards the euphoria and elation phase of self discovery. The opening melody is goosebumps-inducing, creating a beautiful, warm electricity around the perimeter of your body. You’re greeted by immensely soothing, calming vocals, before continuing back on your bass-filled adventure. The energy takes a sharp turn, and Staaf’s signature wonky creativity is once again thrusted to the forefront. The string instrumental section that drifts you away to the end of the piece is exceptionally beautiful, creating an introspective aura that makes time slip by just a tad bit slower. The melodies of ‘Ascend’ are lush, rich, and perfect accents for the entire rest of the song. Prepare yourself for a true bass music symphony experience.

For as long as Liquid Stranger and Luzcid have been flying together under the Wakaan flag, it’s almost shocking to realize that they didn’t have a collaboration up to this point. Meet ‘Hammer,’ the answer to all that have been asking for it. The vocals “crank up the power” lead you up to the first drop, your excitement reaching peak levels. Staying true to its name, ‘Hammer’ hits borderline-unhealthily hard. A veritable sonic weapon, the low-end rumbles the earth between your feet. This piece strikes with such ferocity it could easily be mistaken for Thor’s trademark accessory, a mighty tool only to be wielded by the absolutely worthy. If the first drop wasn’t enough, the 2nd is even more primal in nature, featuring tight switches and a beat that touches down on the trappier side of dubstep, a definite blast to get buck-wild to.

For years, Australia’s Hydraulix has been a consistent player in the underground and a sure force to be reckoned with, and his collaboration on Ascension ‘Laser Burn’ continues this trend of successful frequency manipulation. Wasting no time getting into the thick of things, the hip-gyrating beat is hand-delivered almost from the opening seconds of the song. The sound calls to mind a much cleaner and amplified version of coins you left in your pants’ pocket hitting the inside of a dryer, and if you weren’t already aware, it slaps. An instant banger, the first drop is full of sound-wave sass, bursting with so much character it practically hops out of your headphones. The laser samples sound like something straight out of Star Wars, leaving you half expecting a Chewbacca, R2D2, or baby Yoda to be neatly tucked in along the way. This track is a joy to bust a move to, and will bring out only the happiest of expressions.

Sami Diament, formerly known as the lord of all things twonk, Brillz, continues one of the most successful artist rebrands that has occurred in the community with his rebirth in the form of LSDREAM, now pooling his enlightening efforts with Liquid to gift us ‘Sunken Technology.’ The combination of these two artists’ styles is a true treat on the ears, bursting with vibrations that mentally stimulate the listener to sheer delight. It almost seems as if the ‘Sunken Technology’ that’s mysteriously muttered about is a machine that promotes healthy mindsets in humans, unconsciously erecting a pleasant grin on every willing participant. The bass lines push the “experimental” in experimental bass to the forefront, somehow bringing about unity from what would separately be chaos. The 2nd half of the song feels like an underwater journey in a submarine, taking in all the odd shapes that roam the depths of our world. Just as the sub navigates the bottoms of the sea, this piece floats freely among the other inhabitants of the underground bass community, a bright beacon of nonconformity and an emphasis on individuality and free expression.

‘Over n Out’ caps off Ascension, a goodbye kiss placed gently on the ears, rather than the mouth of a lover. A soft parting, and a reminder that this is only a “see ya later,” you’ll be left thankful that Martin Staaf exists in the same time that you do. One can easily get mesmerized by the atmosphere created, lost in space and time as your mind drifts free of your bodily restraints, held down no longer by the weight of the world and the anxiety that can accompany daily life.

Liquid Stranger is a champion of the people, and a man looked up to by many of the brightest young minds in the industry. This is all without mentioning how absolutely incredible of a musician he is on his own, crafting only what truly resonates with him down to his core. He is a prime example of where hard work can get you, and a shining beacon of defiance against the norm. Ascension is masterfully put together, weaving a complex tale of growth and maturity, something that anyone can relate to. The emphasis on consciousness expansion and working towards your goals proves that he’s truly using his platform for good, only aiming to bring out the absolute best in his rabid fans. The love in the air is thick whenever any of these tracks are rinsed, as that was the original intention when Staaf was pulling them from his own mind. With as much growth as he’s had in the past few years, along with his first ever Wakaan Festival being a smash-hit, this man can steer his intergalactic spaceship in any direction he sees fit, just know that the final destination will be extra extra groovy. Check out the full Ascension EP for yourself below, and grab your free download here!

The post Liquid Stranger’s ‘Ascension’ EP Is a Sonic Highway To A Higher State Of Being appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

Speaking of breaks, if you had been going hard for several hours straight (an easy task with how ludicrously spicy the lineup was) you could setup a home base in the middle or rear of the crowd complete with inflatable couches and chairs (an option many people took full advantage of), creating the culture’s first hybrid couchfam/crowdfam immaculate monstrosity. 

For a first-year fest, the scheduling logistics and the thoughtful arrangement of daily lineup schedules were knocked clear out of this galaxy, allowing for both a natural progression of energy throughout each day as well as the minimization of potential set conflicts, which contributed to an impeccable flow, intention, and keen attention to detail that was cultivated throughout Mulberry Mountain.

Several artists consented to multiple appearances throughout the weekend, opting to reveal multiple perspectives of themselves and their musical craft, such as Kursa’s late-night Lofi set or Yheti’s multiple sunrise appearances both solo and alongside fellow constituents of The Trifinity, which presented an exceptional sensation of authenticity and musical diversity to the weekend that seldom exists elsewhere. 

But what good is an extensive lineup and tactfully organized daily schedule without the proper backing and amplification of a state of the art system? Fear not, for Wakaan Music Festival featured the full strength and capacity of PK Sound at both the Aura and Chakra stages, with the dexterity and range of Hennessey Sound Design for the Halo stage and the limitless freedom for renegade courtesy of the Jaenga Bus to ensure both audible clarity and sheer voluminous force for each and every performance. The low ends were pounding and noticeably shook the ground, while the mid’s and high’s came through with the perfect amount of punch and discernibility that carried crisply throughout the festival grounds. 

Liquid Stranger started the weekend off proper with an OG dubstep set to close out Wednesday night, which ended up extending nearly a full hour beyond his designated cutoff time and allowed the early arrivers on Thursday morning a serenade of throwback wobbles, a magnificent treat for longterm fans of his productions. From that night on, love and togetherness seemed to be emanating from the ground, as Mulberry Mountain was encapsulated in a magical bubble for four October days and nights. With not a single moshpit in sight, at Wakaan you were quite likely to be greeted with a high five from a random passerby, or gifted a small token of appreciation like a sticker or pin (an occurrence that happened more times than I can count on both hands).

Even during Liquid’s final set on Sunday a titanic group hug in the crowd was performed, a true testament to the feeling that the weekend wasn’t an individual having a group experience, but rather a group having an experience through the perspective of an individual. 

While the conclusion of most festivals leaves patrons enthusiastic for a home-cooked meal and the ability to bathe on demand, the final hours of Wakaan Music Festival’  s debut year were pervaded with nostalgia and an already brimming anticipation for the next gathering of the Wakaan Family. 

Words by Alex Bell & Sam Lewis

Photos Courtesy of Derek Munthe and whatif.photgraphy

The post Liquid Stranger’s Inaugural Wakaan Festival Emphatically Exceeds Earthly Expectations appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

‘Jungle Juice’ ropes you into a false sense of security with a very tranquil, mellow opening. The vibe shifts almost immediately when the vocals state “deep in the jungle,” bringing in drums with an echo effect that adds an air of mystery. “Jungle” is looped as the song builds creating unearthly amounts of tension before devolving into what I can only describe as what would happen if crunches and wubs got drunk at a bar one night and then woke up next to each other. The bass lines are sensationally rich and have a rounded texture to them, creating this all-encompassing feeling that makes the music even more impactful.

This is a song that will most assuredly be fantastic on a large system. If Indiana Jones wanted to add dubstep into its movie score, this would be a perfect fit as the tribal chant vocals mixed with the melody and flute elements make you feel like you’re raiding an ancient temple deep in the Amazon rainforest, looking for an abundance of treasure. Although you may not have found the physical reward you were searching for, the real treasure is this incredible soundscape that you get to put on repeat for the next several weeks.

Check out ‘Jungle Juice’ in all its glory below!

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Who is Lucii?

Lucii is my on stage persona. I want to share my music to all and hope that it can be an escape and create amazing experiences for all those who listen and watch.

How did growing up in Orlando influence you to where you are now?

Growing up in Orlando was awesome because I was able to explore nature as often as I wanted. I was always canoeing and hiking and it was as if I was exploring a new world. Nature has helped me to gain perspective and inspiration to create music. Orlando has an amazing bass scene and I’ve met a ton of rad people. I’ve been fortunate to meet a ton of great promoters in the area and they’ve given me opportunities to open shows for bigger acts and have helped me build the beginning of my career.

I’ve always felt a bit different. I had a hard time expressing myself until I found music.

Where did your alien aesthetic originate?

I’ve always felt a bit different. I had a hard time expressing myself until I found music. So when I decided that I wanted to pursue a career and start DJing, it felt like a natural fit. I have obsession with aliens, space and the idea that we aren’t alone in this world.

Are there any new releases that you’ve really been into lately?

There is a ton of great music coming out weekly! I’m currently obsessed with Billie Eillish (as it seems like everyone else is too).

WAKAAN is everything I believe in and my home – it’s very dear to my heart.

When did you first become aware of the Wakaan label, and how did you first get in contact with them?

A friend of mine actually turned me on to the label a few years back, saying it would be the perfect fit. After listening through some of the current records, it became a goal for me to try and someday release there. I was already a huge fan of Liquid Stranger, and then was put into contact with Loper & Nate at Warpath Group who manage him and run WAKAAN, and then signed with them for management. Shortly after I started playing shows with Liquid Stranger and we just connected and it stemmed from there. WAKAAN is everything I believe in and my home – it’s very dear to my heart.

What has it been like opening for and touring with Liquid Stranger on his latest Infinity tour?

The INFINITY Tour was unreal! It was my first tour (much less bus tour) but everyone on the run is amazing and welcomed me with open arms. I was able to learn and develop by playing every night. Every show and situation is a chance to improve – I just wanted to be able to soak up as much as I could from artists I look up to. It’s an experience I’ll never forget….

Describe what your newest release ‘Dance’ means to you.

‘DANCE’ is a track about freedom. I wanted to try and capture the idea of being present in the moment, enjoying people, places and the situation you are currently in. Allowing all your fears and insecurities to melt away because of how great you feel listening to music, dancing and living in that moment.

No one cares what you look like or what you’re dressed in you get to be yourself. I think that part is truly beautiful.

If you had to pick, what would be your favorite part of the music community as a whole?

Probably how people from all over the world get together for a beautiful experience. No one cares what you look like or what you’re dressed in you get to be yourself. I think that part is truly beautiful.

Do you have anything big currently in the works that you’d like to tell us about?

I’m trying to release as much music as I can. I’m playing some great festivals this summer and then doing some headline dates in the fall.

What are you most excited about for the rest of 2019?

2019 has been filled with firsts for me. My first tour, bus tour, releasing on WAKAAN, being the first woman to release on the label…. I’m taking everything step by step and day by day. One of the coolest things that has happened to me this year is making new fans. I’m overwhelmed by all the love and support that has been shown to me- I’m eternally grateful that I can leave a lasting impression on someone, it means the world to me.

The post Lucii Chats With Us About Her Origins, Her Year Of Firsts + Finding a Home With Wakaan [Interview] appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

The journey is all part of the excitement, dive in head first — you won’t be disappointed!

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As the founder of freeform electronic music label Wakaan, Stääf has become notorious for pushing the boundaries of the bass music scene through unusual and experimental sounds both of his own and from his closest comrades. The latest Wakaan release from the Sweden-native titled ‘Polarity’ remains true to his unorthodox style, combining complex sound design and riveting bass patterns to create a truly one-of-a-kind exploration into the deep nooks of the bass underworld.

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An exquisite pairing of styles, ‘Creature’ with Shlump has an eerie build-up pierced with a distant ominous siren, which builds precariously launching effortlessly into alternating patterns of staticy synth risers and a sensational funky drum breakdown.

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‘Paranoid’ with Bleep Bloop comes out of the gate red hot, quickly unfolding into a mesmerizing fabric of abnormal synths and pounding bass hits all woven within a daunting dialogue which provides the precise amount of emphasis leading into the drop.

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As the continuation of a single released on Wakaan this past August, Liquid Stranger teams up with Pistol once again, handcrafting the bass-clad tune ‘Gunslinger Pt. II’ which builds beautifully upon the foundation of the former release, while adding a remarkable amount of depth and complexity giving the song a shape of its own.

Polarity provides further illustration of Liquid Strangers expertise in bending the confinements of genres, tying in an assortment of supporting sounds to compliment his own, resulting in yet another boundary-defying project. Be sure to give the full EP a listen, as well as grab it for free here!

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