AK & BOD Present: RE:UP @ Beacon Denver 1.15.25 Sometimes you just need a fix. We've all been there - halfway through a long week, counting the hours until the weekend hits. And just like dope boys trappin' on the corner, two names stand out when you're trying to cop some dank beats to stimulate your mind - Cali XO & Kyle . Although they've been pushing dope beats to the masses for years, they're plotting a hostile takeover for 2025. But, before they start pushing weight and making moves they gotta rendezvous at the spot so they can R:EUP . These two selectas stay on the grind, peddling bass all along the I-25 corridor, so you definitely don't want to miss an opportunity to catch them in the mix. Without a doubt, both men got that pure product, perfect for moving the crowd. Cali XO's sets are like carefully measured doses of pure underground sound. Never rushing his process, he lets the tension build, making every drop feel like that first hit, leaving heads addicted and begging for more. Every track he cuts loose is lined up neatly, just to get you hooked on that mind numbing bass. Equally as lethal is Kyle . Known for breaking boundaries with his unexpected drops and genre-blurring mixes. Every batch he cooks up is more potent than the last, leaving the fiends itching for that needle drop. And through that chaos, he pushes crowds into euphoria before bringing them back down with a smooth and steady groove. Together, Cali XO & Kyle patrol the Colorado drum & bass scene like cartel bosses. On any given weekend, you can find them harvesting raw and uncut beats, bagging that shit up, and flooding the streets with bass. With this in mind, you better not sleep on AK & BOD Presents: The RE:UP . Head on over to Beacon and catch them live so you can get your fix now while supplies last.

Imagine drifting through time in a bass-fueled starship light years away from the monotony of everyday life. Then, suddenly the beat kicks in, drawing you back to the golden era of breaks. With the torment and gravity of the resonance of deep bass, you jettison back to a time when the vinyl crackled like the distant hum of a dying star. Surely, it’s a place somewhat foreign but eerily familiar. Dropping January 10, 2025 , on Gigabeat Records ‘ Waiting For The Replay ’ by BeatsMe , unveils some murky yet atmospheric breaks that guarantee to teleport you into another dimension. As the organic melodies beneath the track’s magnetic synths glisten like a comet in the far reaches of the expanse, they give way to a whimsical sample that fills the void with a romantic warmth and light. You can almost hear the trickle of stardust along this sonic landscape—a perfect blend of vintage and futuristic sounds. Like a portal materializing amid the fabric of space, ‘Waiting For The Replay’ gives you a glimpse into a parallel universe where the dance floor never sleeps. In true breakbeat fashion, this track isn’t afraid to let the beat bang. Consequently, it wobbles and rotates with the energetic throb of an asteroid, dark and erratic, barreling across galaxies as it beams into your headphones. Nevertheless, BeatsMe exerts care and mindfulness, molding and invigorating his creations through intelligent design. From this, he mollifies the frenetic blasts of the kick & snare, slowing the rhythm down just enough for you to catch a breath. Before you know it, you’re off again, floating through nothingness, entangled in the nostalgia and hypnotic frequencies of the beat. With all this in mind, be sure to set your time dial to January 10th, marking the release of ‘Waiting For The Replay.’ Indeed, this fresh BeatsMe r elease delivers a galactic experience, leaving you dancing at the edge of existence. Whether you’re looking to reminisce or discover something brand new, this pulsating breakbeat anthem ensures an otherworldly experience. Above all, it’s a reflection of where we’ve been while charting a course to where we're going—far beyond our galaxy, among new planets of sound and emotion. Set your pre-orders now and get ready to blast off.

They say the freaks come out at night. And if that's true, they'll definitely be out on Halloween . Obviously, with Denver being a major hub for underground dance music in the region, we always have plenty of action for bass fiends to exercise their demons with. In particular, this year, the legendary Krafty Kuts ' choice of Denver as one of his only two US dates for the occasion gives our creatures of the night something sapid to gorge on. With this in mind, we owe a debt of gratitude to Sounds of Bass and AK Productions for conjuring up a spine-tingling lineup, crawling with the monsters of Denver bass music, for a haunting of Antero Hall . "Renowned and respected worldwide for his highly technical turntablism, meticulously crafted DJ sets and party-punching productions, Krafty Kuts is in a league of his own.
One of the key pioneers in the UK breakbeat and bass movement, Krafty Kuts has multiple awards to his name and has released music with the likes of Ministry Of Sound, OWSLA, Southern Fried, DMC, Fabric and many more." While most of the other nightlife scenes are cooling off, preparing to shut it down until spring, venues in the bass capital are littered with the carcasses of the underground undead, rank from the torridity. Therefore, despite the heightening of energy and increased opportunity that normally accompanies Denver's cold-weather raving season, this definitely is not the gathering to be slept on... ...If not for any other reason than to witness Krafty's deadly turntable mastery. Admittedly, he does always kill it whenever he's summoned to the booth and this booking should be no exception. Accordingly, the dance floor zombies will be out in full effect, sporting their finest in ' All Hallows Eve' livery. Although, as you can see above, it's clear he's looking forward to these performances. Not to mention he's emerging from the lab with his newest tracks, filthiest edits, and grimiest mashups, mixed-in to perfection, like a bubbling cauldron full of some dark witch's demented brew. We should expect nothing less than a breakbeat massacre on the dance floor. Krafty Kuts is no Stranger to the Denver Underground With AK and SOB joining forces for a Halloween rager, it's pretty much a forgone conclusion that breakbeats are going to thoroughly permeate the lineup. Both crews are doing their part to keep the low end frequencies thumping hard from the warehouse basements to the rafters of the major arenas, in a prolific way. In this case, three stages of booming bass brought to you by some of Denver's most dedicated purveyors of beats should do the trick. In particular, SOB Productions has been on the job , piecing together these underground assemblies, unified by a love of broken beats. It's something they've done for almost 20 years now. Naturally, these shots (above) from the various Krafty Kuts performances that they've sponsored over the years are proof of their dedication to the music. To that point, parallels supporting that notion, among others, are interwoven throughout the artist bio on his website . "Continuously immersed in beat culture since forming his own b-boy break dancing crew in the late 80s, Krafty Kuts has had his own record store chain, run labels, promoted critical scene events, formed his own band, Wicked City, and performed to crowds of 40,000 alongside the biggest names in music from the Rolling Stones to The Prodigy. Living, breathing and sleeping the funk without compromise." Similarly, AK Productions continues to emphasize their intentions for carrying the baton so that our tradition of bass music convocation is in no danger of slowing down anytime soon. More importantly, it's an overt continuation of our community practice of cultivating the culture of the underground. After all, the love of the beats is what brings us all together and binds us. But, make no mistake, in Denver, we love our breakbeats- and Krafty Kuts is largely responsible for that. So, if that's something you didn't already know, then it's about time you let him show you exactly why. Be sure to bump Krafty's Halloween mixes and grab a copy of his new track ' The Sauce.' Also, s tay up-to-date on news about AK/SOB events at the links below. Tickets for Krafty Kuts @ Antero Hall are still available here . Follow Krafty Kuts: All links | Facebook | Upcoming Events | New Track: 'The Sauce' Follow SOB Productions: Facebook | Twitter Follow AK Productions: Facebook | Instagram

Having to accept reality is the hardest thing a bout growing up. From the moment we're born, as kids, we just do whatever makes us happy. Unfortunately, as we get older, we quickly realize we can't just live a life with a "fuck it" attitude. With that in mind, fantasies of becoming an astronaut or a football player quickly become memories buried beneath a stack of "TPS" reports. However, for a select few, such as Denver's newest underground beat-slayer, Meraki , those aspirations never fade. Accordingly, with the success of his thriving DJ career, he's become the perfect example of how dreams really do come true . Cameron Jones, aka Meraki never wanted to be anything other than a DJ. While most of us are concerned with locking in the high score on Street Fighter, he was working on his finishing moves behind the decks. Seemingly, even as a 12 year old kid, he manages to discover the cheat code to unlocking unlimited lives so he could live the dream. Certainly, he appears to have leveled up to the point to where he's got the game in a chokehold and every time he comes out to play, his sets end in a fatality- Surely, anyone who has caught one of his recent performances can attest to that as they bust moves over the breaks like Eddy from Tekken. It feels like he's found a secret chest full of flashing stars- the man is invincible. Passion Turned Meraki's Dreams into a Reality As you can see, he's become the epitome of what it means for kids to follow their dreams. After all, where would the bass music scene be if there weren't some among us brave enough to do so. The fact that his parents bought into that when they bought him his first decks is a beautiful thing. Fast forward to today, and Meraki is now looking back over a long career in which he's accomplished more than he could have imagined. Even though he's living his best life, he believes he must be dreaming... "If you could go back in time and tell 12 year old me I would be touring the country, playing direct support for some of the biggest names in Dance Music, I'd probably pass out." With that in mind, Meraki continues to build bridges everywhere he goes so bassheads can cross over into the land of the underground. He's like the Johnny Appleseed of bass music. In his most recent foray into the Denver music scene he's already doing his part to help cultivate the culture. Linking up with area crews like Altitude Sickness, AK Productions, and 303 Family, he continues to spread his love for bass music. Outwardly, it seems like that is what drives his success - his passion for the music. Obviously, this is why SOB productions wanted to bring him on for their upcoming Halloween event featuring Krafty Kuts. Thus, it's nice to get the opportunity to check in with Cameron to get a bit of insight on his secret sauce for turning dreams into a reality. Bass'D Out DNVR : You’ve been a busy man this year seemingly going non-stop between Colorado, California and points in between. Have you enjoyed getting back into performing live this year? MERAKI : It's been incredible to be back! As the weeks turned to months when Covid began, I was questioning if things would ever return to 100%. So to say I'm grateful to be back on the road is an understatement. BOD : Have you noticed anything different about the industry since we’ve been back? M : The industry has definitely changed. A lot of clubs and promotions have gone under. Many that seemed to be untouchable are now barely hanging on. It's an extremely fragile situation we have to build out of now. BOD : The industry definitely came roaring back and a lot of us are already looking forward to 2022. Do you feel like you made the most of this year so far? What has been your most memorable performance of 2021 and why? M : This year far exceeded my expectations. My most memorable performance was the relaunch of my home club night in San Francisco. I was super nervous about how the night was going to go, the attendance, the vibe, the energy. It ended up being completely off the rails. I actually stayed till they turned the lights on because I knew it was such a special moment. BOD : You recently moved out to Denver from the Bay Area. What made you decide to move here? Although you’ve performed out here multiple times in the past, has it been difficult re-establishing yourself as an artist in a new scene? What crews have shown you love thus far? M : I've been fortunate to live in many different states. Denver was an easy choice, mainly because it's unlike any place I've ever lived before. I love different and new places. - I'm extremely thankful I got put on quickly by the local scene. Promoters I've traveled here for in the past and friends i made here in between booked me out months solid weeks before i made my move. Altitude Sickness , 303 Family , and AK Productions have kept me busy from the get go. BOD : Do you notice any differences between the SF/OAK scene and the Denver scene? M : A big difference here in Denver, is the amount of Drum & Bass nights. Denver has at least three times more than San Francisco. BOD : You definitely hit the ground running when you got here, consistently picking up bookings throughout the year, including an upcoming gig for SOB Productions alongside Krafty Kuts. Are you a fan of Krafty’s music? M : I love Krafty's tunes, ' The Wasp ' & ' Flow ' are a couple of my favorites. BOD : Who are some other artists you’d like to see come out to Denver? M : I would love to see Eatbrain Tour make it out this way with Jade and a couple of his label's alumni. Halogenix or Enei would be a pretty great fit here as well. BOD : I notice that you’ve still got solid relationships with some Bay Area crews such as Outlet, PLUR Events , and Kandi Love . Can you talk a bit about those relationships and how they came about? How have they helped your DJ career? M : Outlet (Rip) was a tremendous help on my music journey. I spent about 6 years living in Nashville TN, running my own production company and playing regionally in the surrounding states. When I returned to California I didn't really have any direction as to how to get things going musically for myself. I was playing odd job events, all different genres, making mixes regularly. Outlet picked me up after seeing me perform at an event opening for Gridlok , after having won a mix contest for the slot. They asked me for a demo the next week. They were putting me on prime time slots regularly shortly after. Outlet's dedication to keeping things fresh and looking for new talent was definitely something that kept them on top in the Bay Area for so many years. Many of the crew's alumni have gone on to do huge things in the music. The crew's events remain legendary on the west coast to this day. PLUR Events / Kandi Love are some of the most forward thinking event promoters in the country and have contributed essential knowledge to myself as well as many other young figures in the San Francisco scene. They walk an incredibly fine line hosting events in clubs (vs the underground) and in my opinion, are one of a handful promoters in the country that have really captured the high energy European vibe at their events. Their monthly So Stoked regularly sells out and features extremely unique and exotic acts from across the pond in all genres (with an emphasis on fast and heavy music). I was brought on to help them establish Drum & Bass at their events, first by performing, then by becoming their talent buyer. BOD : Do you plan on continuing to perform in the Bay Area? M: I plan to continue performing in the Bay Area as long as the opportunities to do so provide. BOD : How passionate you are about doing what you love for a living is something that stands out about you; Particularly, with how immersed you are in the culture. How surreal is it to be doing exactly what you’ve always wanted to be doing after all these years? M : Most kids grow up wanting to play sports, be an astronaut, or rock stars. I just wanted to be a local opening DJ. I was exposed to this music before I hit my teens and fell in love with it immediately. While many of my peers were into sports & video games, I was into my turntables (thanks mom & dad!). I got my first set of decks for Christmas when I was 12 years old, and I'm not even exaggerating when I say I practiced for at least an hour a day for the next 6 years. All i wanted to do was open local nights, which seemed like a completely reasonable goal. If you could go back in time and tell 12 year old me I would be touring the country, playing direct support for some of the biggest names in Dance Music, I'd probably pass out. BOD : Looking back on your career, what are the things you’re most proud of? M : As far as things I'm most proud of- I've been directly in the middle of bringing many European artists into America for the first time. I've established dance music communities that persist to this day in many different states. I've helped make drum & bass popular with the next generation of youth in San Francisco. People never know when they're going to have "the best night of their life". I'll never be able to say how many of those I've been a part of for sure, but I'm positive I've been a part of a few, and that genuinely brings me an incredible amount of joy. BOD : Well, it seems pretty obvious that we’re glad to have you as part of the Denver underground scene now. Do you have any other upcoming projects or gigs and what can fans expect from you in the near future? M : SOB & AK Productions: Krafty Kuts locally, Puerto Rico soon & my regular treks back to San Francisco and surrounding areas regionally. BOD : Any shout-outs, comments, or gripes? "That local guy Ryan Vail needs to find a new haircut cuz he's totally cramping my style." Shout out to Meraki for checking in with BOD for the love of bass music! If you don't know by now this cat is a force to be reckoned with so don't miss you chance to get familiar with his sounds! Be sure to grab your tickets to Krafty Kuts here , check out his fire guest mix, then follow him at the links below. Follow Meraki: Facebook | SoundCloud | FB DJ Page | Plur Alliance FB | Plur Alliance Website | Outlet FB

Living in a region with a dynamic landscape of drum & bass music is a blessing. In particular, the Denver underground's appetite for a vast assortment of contrasting genres (and subgenres) illuminates that perspective. Critically, though, not having to put in the work of nurturing the scene makes those blessings all the more glorious. Like spoiled children, some have even become, "bass music snobs." And why not? We've been ensconced in the beats, for years. Certainly, the upcoming RECON XVIII event featuring Li ondub , Anna Morgan , and Mister Shifter will likely carry on that tradition. In other words, Recon, with their copious agents of bass, continues to obsessively accumulate future bassline intel so you don't have to. Simply make your way to the dancefloor and wait for the drop. Thus, as we approach the commemoration of their 18 years of dnb reconnaissance, it's obvious that they're still the top operatives for unwavering delivery of the assets. LIONDUB (NYC) Kool London | Liondub International | Jungle Cakes | Playaz - Known for his unique blend of American hip hop, UK jungle, and Jamaican reggae dancehall, Liondub is renowned for his exclusive dubplate driven sets. Since being the first international DJ to get a weekly show on Kool London , the longest running jungle dnb radio station in the world, he's been awarded the Best Jungle Radio Show at the We Love Jungle Awards . ANNA MORGAN (NYC/LA) Worst Behavior Recs | Footwork Jungle | Defrostatica - From producing, DJing and radio hosting; to running her label Worst Behavior Recs and writing for The Footwork Jungle blog; to curating and promoting events, Anna has been pushing hybrid bass music in all facets. Known for her eclectic high energy sets, genre fluid productions and dedication to breaking in new sounds, she is a true connoisseur of sound system music. MISTER SHIFTER (Ohio) Dispatch | Artikal Music UK | Flexout Audio | Foxy Jangle - As one half of the original Random Movement duo, to emerging as a solo artist, Jack has been a tastemaker of jungle and dnb for nearly two decades. Since focusing on his production as Mister Shifter, he’s had an assortment of releases on esteemed labels Lightless Recordings, Artikal Music, Foxy Jangle, Dispatch Recordings and more RECON XVIII - Exploring Beyond the Area Occupied What stands out about Recon is their willingness to step outside of the mainstream to expose the community to new artists. Seemingly, these anniversary parties are opportunities to take that energy to the next level - that's what makes XVIII one not to miss! Throughout the years, Recon has helped cultivate the Denver dnb scene ensuring that the music remains as abundant in Denver as quartz is plentiful on earth. In kind, this 18th anniversary, or what's known as the, "quartz anniversary" is symbolically suitable for the occasion. By the same token, their support of the Denver underground is always steadfast. As a result, they've amassed a formidable roster of artists who should never be slept on. The resident crew of: Contrast, Darkstar, Despise, Dis_1, GHoST, Goreteks, Grym, John Glist, Shoebox, Sinistarr, and Solid will be out in full effect too. As you can see, Recon provides a platform for artists and fans of drum & bass to come together. Intrinsically, they play a huge role in keeping the scene alive. So on this, their 18th anniversary, we should all come together once again. to remind them how much they are appreciated- For the love of bass . Be sure to follow Recon at the links below and grab your tickets to RECON XVIII now. Follow Recon: Facebook | Twitter | Website | RECON XVIII tickets/info | DNBRadio Merch Listen to DNB Radio Live HERE !!

There must be something in the Denver air that lifts those festival vibes a mile high. It's something the Revelers of the Colorado festival scene can't really describe, thus you have to experience it to truly understand. In other words, you can't get a contact high off of these palpitations - you have to inhale and hold it in! With that in mind, if you're looking to score some of that dank energy, you're in luck. The High Ground Music Festival is making its inaugural run this weekend at Levitt Pavilion and Levitate Events is ready to dab you into another dimension. Obviously, the underlying theme that initially materializes is that this is just another gimmick to finesse party people out of their snack food savings. To the contrary, High Ground Music Festival is a hybrid plant infused with emotion and cultured for mass distribution. A quote from Noah Levinson , CEO of Levitate and mastermind of the event, describes the moment he lit up those intentions and put them in rotation... "High Ground began as a 'high-dea' when we passed a joint around while discussing the importance of live music. As a seasoned festival-goer and event producer, I explained my desire to create an experience that pushed against the grain of electronic events by offering a chill and vibey solace that embraced a more laid-back, lower-pressure environment. A festival for stoners..." Beyond this, It pays homage to the sanctity of Colorado's sprawling environment and the spirits of its native inhabitants. As the smoke clears, you'll find deep and meaningful motivations nurturing these seeds of thought into fully crystalized buds. And if that isn't enough to stimulate your mind, check out the official teaser trailer below. Prepare to Experience the High Ground Dimension High Ground Music Festival promises a new kind of festival experience that in the words of Levinson, "...embraces all things chill and vibey." Clearly, this is in no way just some stoner pow-wow and acutely more like a finely-tuned sensory adventure. Do not plan on simply getting blazed and slow-bopping to some chill sounds- Rather, it's time to activate the true Reveler within. Furthermore, be sure that all preparations are in order because Colorado's spirit animals: the black bear, elk, and grey wolf, await you in the High Ground Dimension . "These spirits offer messages that form the pillars of our High Ground community. At High Ground, we love each other and focus on the progression of ourselves as individuals and as a community." While seeking out what surprises lie in wait for you at HGMF, you'll quickly realize this is its consistent and highly developed motif. Upon announcing the event, Levitate and company make their intentions clear: This event is going to be a whole-ass vibe! Indeed, this quote from their official press release sets the tone for this narrative. "We do not step onto another field or venue. We step into an entirely different world. Ultimately, our live experiences are about connection: connection with the music, connection with the artists, and, most importantly, connection with each other. We strive for a cohesive atmosphere to inspire connections and profoundly impact our revelers." From this, it becomes evident that the depth of their efforts at transforming the venue go above and beyond with the primary goal of delivering a distinctive experience. Of course, how successful they'll be at achieving this endeavor remains to be seen. For now, you can obtain further enlightenment on these sentiments and others, by heading over to the HGMF website . In detail, you will find elaborations about all of the amenities, culture, impact, contacts, ways to get involved, an FAQ section , and much more. The Portal to the Spirit World Besides gaining some insight into your journey into dimensions beyond, you can discover what to expect once you arrive at Levitt Pavilion. Considering they are touting High Ground Music Fest as the first sanctioned EDM festival of its kind at the grounds, the details on the site should pique your interest. Surely, the expectations include next level art installations and cutting edge production interwoven with unique elements tied to Colorado and cannabis culture. Despite these lofty aspirations, a heavy emphasis on the music remains. After all, this is a festival and the former Insomniac Events promoter didn't hesitate to exploit his industry connections to bring his dream to fruition. Similarly, he delves deep into the Denver underground, resurfacing with a bounty of homegrown Colorado talent. Your curators of chill are as follows: The High Ground Stage High Ground Stage curators (from top left to bottom right): Snakehips, KASBO, Louis Futon, Haywyre, Chet Porter, Pluko, Bass Physics, JACKLNDN, Lucy Daydream, Shae District, & Who's Calling The Levitation Stage Levitation Stage Curators (from top left to bottom right): WAXCAT, LASZEWO, LYFTD, Mux Mool, Shyghy, Musa, Kid Astronaut, Leondoza, W/OUT, Costello x Coco Malone, & Erin Stereo As you can see, the lineup is fully stacked with some of the most highly coveted caretakers of chill beats. Although, what stands out here is the emphasis on live performances. As a result many of the artists will be incorporating instrumentation and vocals into their sets. Be on the lookout for a wide array of special guests slated to make appearances on stage. Overall, the production team is promising a one-of-a-kind experience you don't want miss. In their own words: "Our festival offers a story fused deeply into the experience, beckoning you, our Revelers, to dive deeper and experience more. We could not be more excited to join the rebirth of live music experiences and look forward to celebrating the beginning of something new, something magical, something powerful this coming fall." If those chill vibes are what you're after, High Ground Music Festival is definitely the move for the weekend. Above and beyond that, it will be interesting to see the outcome of this event and how it will affect the possibility of future dance music events being held at Levitt Pavilion. Be sure to grab your tickets here and follow the links below for the latest news and announcements. HGMF: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook - Levitate Events: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Just like an addiction, when drum & bass takes hold of you, it never lets go. There's something about those dynamic syncopations that leave you fraught with intoxication like no other type of music. It can be hard yet liquid; grimy but also rinsed out; uplifting at first then quickly dark and aggressive. It's like the drums are laced with something that fades you quick. Thus, in a moment of clarity, when examining the amalgamation of A7TM3D and Borrowed Drums into a singular force in dnb- the name Medicated Drums , makes perfect sense. Seemingly, the complex sensations the genre creates are rooted in the contradictory nature of the music. It's the designer drug of dance music - a perfect blend of soulful breaks (Amen) with the perfect dose of rhythm, and just enough harmony to take the edge off. Dnb is the tincture of dance music; from techno to hip hop, you can cut it with just about anything without sacrificing any of its potency. Likewise, the synthesis of sounds from Medicated Drums creates the perfect hybrid blend for all those seeking sonic inebriation. The Cultivation of Medicated Drums Like so many of us in the scene, Jason and Jeff cut their teeth in the underground bass scene and are respected as solo artists within the establishment. However, their collaboration is what's fueling their swift rise among the rank and file of the Denver dnb community. Markedly so, their appearance on lineups is increasing rapidly. This is somewhat of a surprise to heads in the scene but if you ask Medicated Drums it's pretty much a forgone conclusion. After rocking the decks together a few times, they new they had some dank shit and haven't looked back since. With their Upfront Range platform they're ready to spread bass to the masses whether bassheads are ready, or not. Clearly, Medicated Drums has the formula for success. Indeed, crews like Recon and Altitude Sickness are taking notice, wasting no time adding them to their artist rosters and lineups as well. Their upcoming performances alongside the likes of Quadrant & Iris , and Krafty Kuts illustrates this to perfection . Therefore, if you need drum & bass in your life, you better be down with Borrowed Drums & A7TM3D! They don't appear to be losing any momentum. With this in mind, you better jump on the bandwagon now. Because pretty soon, if you want to feed your bass addiction, you're gonna have to go through them. BASS’D OUT DNVR : First off, thanks for taking the time to chat with me about bass! Glad to have you guys. knowing both of you perform on a consistent basis, most would say that you're pretty well established as solo artists. Considering this, this project seems like it came out of nowhere. What made you decide to form this duo? A7TM3D : After we started spinning together, we realized we have a very similar sound. Our taste in music, tracks, and vibes are ultimately what makes us form the duo. BORROWED DRUMS : Jason was considering moving up to Denver from Colorado Springs, in part, to push Upfront Range more in the Denver area. We hung out at a few shows and one night he asked, “Do you want a roommate?” Once we started living together it was a no-brainer. We have a few mutual crews too, so we'd constantly be pushing a lot of the same sounds. The Medicated Drums thing just developed organically from there. BOD : Wow, I didn't realize you were so close before forming the group. It's fascinating how fast you managed to develop such a chemistry. What do you appreciate most about each other's sound? BD : For me, it’s that our styles mesh so well. We figured it out right from jump too, after playing just a couple afterparties together. A7T : I like that regardless of what subgenre Jeff's playing, it's always vibes- dance floor focused vibes. I dig that about his sound. BOD : I’ve seen you both perform solo but not yet as Medicated Drums. What would you say is the biggest difference between your solo and duo sets? A7T : I have a penchant for going a bit dark or hard sometimes. That’s probably the biggest difference. In my solo sets, I feel like my darker side comes out more than it does during a Medicated set. BD : I would say, as a duo we prep more and push ourselves harder to execute at the highest level. That’s not to say that either of us wants to hold the other person back in any way - quite the opposite actually - we elevate each other. Not to mention, we get better time slots as Medicated Drums. As a result, we get to play some of the harder and darker flavors we both enjoy. BOD : That's interesting. So, it sounds like you’re saying that’s a wrap for any prospects of solo endeavors for the time being. BD : The Medicated Drums project has been our primary focus for nearly two years now. We do still have individual projects or bookings from time-to-time though. We’ll probably do more of that in the future. Medicated is our main focus, but in the end, pushing the sound we love is what really defines us and we're open to whatever format that might be. BOD : That’s what’s up! You have a good thing going so keep doing what you do. On the subject of duos though, you must feel some type of way about Quadrant & Iris coming to Denver. BD : I’ve been a fan for a long time. They always throw down, so I’m stoked for the opportunity to open for them. Living in a U.S. dnb hub has been quite a blessing. Nearly every touring dnb headliner stops in our city. A7T : I'm extremely stoked for Quadrant & Iris! They’re an amazing duo – they’re great solo artist too – but, yeah, when you put them together, the energy is amazing. I can't wait to rock out on the dance floor to their set. BOD : I’m sure most heads in the area would agree with those sentiments, for sure. So then how pumped are y'all to have another golden opportunity to rock the decks at the Black Box ? BD : We are forever grateful for the Black Box and any opportunity to play there. It’s nice having a venue dedicated specifically to bass music, although I always feel like there could be more dnb. The Black Box came at a time when a bass music specific venue was sorely needed in Denver. The timing was perfect. BOD : I feel you on that. Sub.mission definitely swooped in nicely to fill that void. Crews were doing their thing back then, but the bass-centric sector of the scene probably wouldn’t be as vibrant without that movement, right? A7T : The Box has been a bastion for bass music in the bass capital. They are definitely the premier spot in Denver. Personally, I think Nicole [Cacciavillano] does so much for the scene- for bass music in general. She just pushes the sound a lot . Big ups to the Box and to Nicole. BOD : No doubt, mad props to their whole team for providing our artists with a platform that continues to help cultivate underground bass music. That's what Bass'D Out DNVR is all about. On that note, what can fans expect from Medicated Drums & Upfront Range in the near future? A7T : Lately, we're both getting more into production, so they can expect some new tunes from us here soon. BD : We have a new track due out which we recently wrapped up and we’re planning on teaming up for more. A7T : Definitely. Watch out for those! BOD : That’s what I like to hear. What’s up with the gigs? BD : We have a couple gigs coming up quick. We're booked for the Recon event with Quadrant & Iris on Saturday, September 11th [their anniversary show on October 9th with Liondub will be big too by the way]. Then, Sounds of Bass & AK Productions put us on their October 29th Krafty Kuts lineup ; our first set for SOB as Medicated Drums. Then, SOB has Deekline coming out on November 13th . Honestly, there are way too many good upcoming shows to even try to mention them all- that's why I love it here! BOD : Say less, bro. Just take my money! Glad to hear you’re staying busy though fellas. Is there anything else you’d like the people to know? “I just want to shout-out Ryan Vail, the bossman of Altitude Sickness; and the Recon and Upfront Range resident, Craig DeBolt. Those two were the first to give me a shot in Denver. I’m forever grateful. Big ups gents!” -Borrowed Drums Mad love to A7TM3D & Borrowed Drums aka Medicated Drums for checking in with BOD and dropping a fire guest mix for the BOD Podcast! These two are definitely holding it down for the Denver underground. But, don’t take our word for it. Go check them out at their upcoming gigs and see for yourself. Or, between gigs, catch their weekly live streams every Friday from 4-6 pm MST on Twitch, Mixcloud, YouTube, and Facebook. Big things are coming from these dudes so please follow the links below and smash those subscribe buttons so you never miss a beat. Facebook | Upfront Range FB | Upfront Range Twitch | YouTube | Upfront Range Mixcloud

Now, before anyone floods the BOD inbox with hatred, house music is by no means going stale. In fact, alongside techno, the genre is as flavorful as it's ever been. Nevertheless, with an underground music palate as diverse as Denver's, its always a melting pot of what's currently hot. With this in mind, the ascension of DJ duo WLD N FRSH to the forefront of the genre couldn't come at a better time. Furthermore, the growth of their Denver House Music platform continues to play a huge role in the amelioration of the ever ripe house and techno scene. Artists in Colorado's underground dance music scene always hold the proverbial recipes for a delectable Smorgasbord of beats. Thus, it makes sense that Y'vonne Wild and Le Fr3sh are stepping up to carry the torch. In other words, it's definitely their time to spice things up with their unique flair for cooking up dank concoctions on the dance floor. Certainly, they've come out of the gates running, after a long layoff in 2020, with several tasty mixes and live performances. So, if you're still sleeping on that WLD N FRSH piquancy, it's definitely about time for you to get with the sauce. The Long Road to the Top for WLD N FRSH While most of the industry continues to feel the slump of the COVID-19 sophomore season, artists like WLD N FRSH continue to bubble up. Perhaps, it's possible that a lack of festival overload is behind the rise of the local artist. In their current state of skittishness, venues and promoters are relying on the voraciousness of local artists to line their newly emancipated dance floors. However, upon closer inspection, the success of acts similar to this duo likely owe their accomplishments to their fervent passion for the music. Surely, Y'vonne and Douglas are a perfect example of this as the strength of their holy matrimony is only matched by their shared love of musicality. Although, if you've spent any time following the Denver house scene, you're probably already well aware of that. What you may not know is that the journey of WLD N FRSH to the forefront of the Denver house scene didn't start in Colorado. Their journey into sound actually kicks off in the vibrant Dallas breakbeat scene before being a house DJ duo was even a thought. Long before Y'vonne even touches a turntable. Beyond this, both are heavily entangled in different aspects of the industry. Douglas, slowly working his way to the apex of the Dallas DJ scene while Y'vonne channels energy into her vocal articulations within the locus of live music. Despite the unique origins of the duo, they still manage to find their way to each other, like so many of us, within underground dance music's sphere of influence. Of course, the one thing that unites us ubiquitously is our profound love for the scene. As a result, BOD definitely had to be sure to check-in with WLD N FRSH- for the love of house music. Bass'D Out DNVR : You two have definitely been busy since the dance floors have opened back up. How has it felt getting back in front of the crowd after the lockdowns? WLDNFRSH : It has felt amazing! There is so much energy on the dance floor, more than there ever has been. The scene is re-energized and we have a whole new appreciation for the community and all our friends after only being able to connect via livestream. BOD : Did you expect things to turn-up as quickly as they have? WNF : We really didn’t know what to expect but what we did know was that Denver was going to bounce back strong and as soon as the night clubs opened back up people were going to flood in with a newfound appreciation for them! BOD : No doubt! Denver definitely bounced back in a major way. Did the layoff change you in any way as artists or your approach to performing? WNF : Yes, absolutely, it changed us both. It strengthened our bond and taught us to work together. Before it all we were more of a b2b act but the layoff gave us time together to develop into an actual duo. BOD : Have you noticed anything different about the vibes at shows so far or is everything picking up right where it left off? WNF : The vibe is quite different, there is more love and energy on the dance floor, passion has been re-ignited and people look like they are enjoying the moment in a whole new way. BOD : I feel you on that. The few shows I've been out to this year have had crazy amounts of energy at them. Speaking of layoffs though, you both came up in the Texas nightlife scene but found yourselves in Colorado after taking extended breaks from music. What brought you out here? WNF : We needed a change of pace, the mountains and Manitou Springs called to us. After living in Manitou for a while we started to get into house music and made a trip out to Beta Nightclub for the first time. That night was magical, and it inspired us both to move to Denver and to get back into music. BOD : What is it about the Denver scene that made you both want to get back into music? WNF : We discovered a love for house music during a time that we needed it most. It re-ignited a passion that we had left behind in Dallas and brought back the feels. BOD : I agree, passion is definitely what drives the scene. With that in mind, what led you into playing house music after playing other genres for so long? WNF: House music has soul - they say house music is a spiritual thing and it truly is. It pulled us out of some of our darkest times and it inspired Y’vonne to learn to DJ. BOD : Before leaving Texas, you two linked up on a breakbeat track called, ‘Feel the Music.’ Would you say the seed that grew into WLD N FRSH was planted back then? WNF : Yes, but our vision of working together musically was much different back then. It wasn’t until we found house music and Y’vonne decided to transition from a vocalist to a DJ that it all started to come together. BOD : Well that makes sense, since you def seem like a very polished duo. Will we ever get to see a WLD N FRSH breaks set? WNF : Breakbeats hold a special place in our hearts, it brought us together. Douglas had been a breaks DJ in the Dallas scene and we both met on a breakbeat night at one of the clubs that Y’vonne bartended at back in the day. We do like to incorporate a breakbeat or two in our sets whenever we get the chance but yes, at some point there will be an all breaks set! BOD : So Y'vonne, crossing over from vocalist to DJ seems like a drastic change. Was that a smooth process for you? Y'VONNE : Yes, the transition has been fairly smooth. I think my experience with live performance as a vocalist has made me more comfortable on stage as a DJ. I have always been into music, I play the piano and used to write music so DJing felt like a natural progression. BOD : Do you still have a passion for singing? Y'VONNE : I love singing, it is one of my greatest passions! I am learning to produce my own music now so I can incorporate my vocals into tracks and eventually add vocal samples into our live sets. BOD : Douglas , you put in so much work earning your stripes in the Dallas scene. Was it hard starting over at the bottom in Denver or did you enjoy the challenge? DOUGLAS : Starting over at the bottom in Denver was a bit of a challenge in the beginning. Going from playing main stage gigs in Dallas to hole in the wall venues and private parties was humbling to say the least. Re-branding as a house DJ and re-defining my mixing style was probably the most challenging aspect but with the help of some amazing people in our scene, I was given a chance and have been fortunate enough to play some amazing venues and gigs. BOD : That's what's up! You've definitely earned quite a bit of respect in Colorado for sure. Do you miss the Dallas scene at all? DOUGLAS : Yes, I miss the Dallas scene, there is nothing quite like playing in your hometown. I came up as a club kid raver in Dallas and got into DJing on a pair of technics. It is not an easy scene to break into. There is some major talent in Dallas, so I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of it all. BOD : Between the two of you, who is the better crate digger and finds all those hidden gems for your sets? WNF : I think we are equal when it comes to finding those hidden gems. We both have a similar taste in music and ultimately balance each other out. At times Y’vonne is on it finding those tracks with the deep and dirty basslines and at other times Douglas is feeling it and finds those breakbeat gems that add dynamics to our set. We really work well as a team and that carries over to all aspects of what we do. BOD : When you’re at home, who hogs the decks more? WNF : It really depends on what we have in the works as to who hogs the decks more. Depending on if one of us has a solo gig or if we have something coming up together kind of determines who the deck hog is for the week. BOD : Who is the bigger techno-snob? Y'VONNE : Douglas is the bigger techno-snob, he loves the moodiness of it. BOD : If you weren’t a husband-and-wife DJ Duo, what job would you be doing as a husband-and-wife duo? DOUGLAS : If we weren’t DJing as a duo we would probably be in theatre together performing on stage. We both enjoy acting, coming up with skits together and Y’vonne is a working actress on the side. BOD : It's always interesting to see how couples who DJ adapt to one another's infatuation for the music. I’ve noticed in your sets that your tracks tend to play off of each other and you both set each other up to drop bangers rather than just play banger after banger... This definitely makes your sets sound less like a b2b and more like a cohesive performance. Is this intentional and do you use a similar approach for all your sets? WNF : It really depends on the night and if we are trying to curate an experience. We love to tell a story and take people for a journey from start to finish. We put a lot of time and hard work into most of our sets and intentionally work together in a cohesive way. Our approach to each set varies depending on where we are playing and who we are playing for. BOD : Denver House Music is definitely holding it down for house music in CO. How important is the DHM project to you and what do you hope to achieve through the platform? WNF : The Denver House Music project is very important to both of us but especially important to Douglas. It is a community that is meant to support and grow the house music movement in Denver. Douglas is one of the admins that helps run it all and has been a part of it since the beginning. The DHM platform is meant to be a support system to various DJs and producers around Denver and at the end of the day we just want share and grow the love for house music. BOD : I love that! Helping cultivate the scene is what Bass'd Out DNVR is all about. Are there any house music artists you feel don’t get the bookings/recognition they deserve? WNF : There are a lot of DJs and producers that have been in this scene for a long time, putting in work, that don’t get booked to play the big festivals or shows. But honestly, our scene is pretty awesome and usually there is something to get involved with if you have the drive to make it happen. BOD : What can fans expect from WNF in 2021 and beyond? WNF : WNF is just getting started. We will continue to evolve and get better and add more layers to our performance. Not sure what the future has in store for us but we have a vision that we are working towards and with the love and support of our friends and the community we will continue to grow. BOD : Any comments, shout-outs, gripes? "Shout to Quite Right Records & DHM for supporting us and helping us grow over the past year. A huge shout out to our soul tribe, all the friends that have supported us along the way, we love you all and appreciate each and every one of you!" Mad love to WLD N FRSH for showing love to Bass'D Out DNVR. Please be sure to follow them at the links below and be sure to check out their fire live set from A Moment In Time, below. Follow WLD N FRSH: WNF Linktree | WNF Facebook | WNF IG | WNF SC | Yvonne Wild FB | Le Fr3sh FB | DHM FB | DHM Website

The epoch of anticipation comes to an end as the moment has finally arrived - With immense pride, we welcome you to, Till The Break of Dawn: A Moment In Time . Thank you so much for joining us in this celebration of underground dance music. Get ready for breathtaking views and stunning production from one of the scene's most talented group of creatives. We promise you this will definitely be a memorable experience that you'll cherish for years to come. Our 'Til The Break of Dawn event series, in its massive iteration, started with the 'Under The Stars ' event in 2020, receiving a massive outpouring of support within the community. This year, we're approaching AMIT with an inspired level of focus on growth and evolution. Emphatically, with the additions of a second full stage, bookings of DJ Dara and R.A.W. as headliners, along with meticulous attention to ambiance & detail, we're taking this production to a whole new level. Indeed, this will be our most impressive event and wouldn't be possible without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers and core team : AK Productions , Quite Low Records , Quite Right Records, Revival Concepts , and Bass'D Out DNVR . Most importantly, however, we have been humbled by the enormous showing of love and support from our friends, family, and community. Many of you are going above and beyond just to be in attendance this year and there are no words to describe how much we appreciate every one of you. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for spending this moment in time with us! None of this is possible without you. We are tremendously honored to have you as our guests and want to make it clear that everyone is welcome. Moreover, we are dedicated to ensuring that everyone has an amazing experience. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any member of our staff should any difficulties arise. Above all, this is a time for celebration. We're thrilled so many of you are able to join us this year because you are the reason why we do this. With that in mind, let's seize the moment- Together, we can make this a truly unforgettable weekend. Thanks again for supporting the music, the artists, and our collective movement. We love you! See you on the dance floor. For more info, please visit the TTBOD event site .

Do you remember where you were the last time you shook your ass so hard that you lost track of time? If not, that's definitely okay because you likely got lost in the moment. That's what underground dance music is all about, right? Obviously, we wouldn't love those late nights in bars or dusty warehouses if it wasn't. Moreover, it sometimes slips the mind that there's a person masterminding that infectious effervescence which entrances us on the dancefloor. Thus, as we return to dancefloors, it's hard not thinking about those high energy sets from artists like Emyli Dahlia- The ones that get us lost in the moment. Furthermore, let's be thankful that we're getting those vibes back very soon. You might find her somewhere, deep inside her home studio, ensconced in various purple fabrics and LEDs, behind her DJ rig adorned with plushy bunnies. Or, you can two-step your way down to the Tin Cup for her mellifluous curations on Techno Taco Tuesdays & Sound Saturdays . Wherever you find Emily Dahlia, in all her glorious vivacity, you're sure to find euphonious rhythms. This, above almost anything else. is what we adore about her. When she's on the 1's and 2's, you can't not feel the beat. Something About Emyli Dahlia is So Contagious So, how the fuck does she do that?! You could lose your shoes, wallet, phone and keys all in one night yet still remember the moment the beat caught you. It's almost like we gyrate free from our sense of awareness of everything except the music. So much so, we tend to even forget about the artist behind the decks pumping us full of that posterior wobbling verve. However, with Emyli, she exudes such infectious energy that it becomes impossible to exclude her from our sensory escapades. From this, we develop an inordinate sense of wanting more. In other words- That's that shit we like! As we all get to the business of emptying our bank accounts for festival tickets and party favors, we face difficult decisions. Certainly, the sudden influx of events lining the calendars of various venues is gonna leave us in diverse states of perplexity and bewilderment. With that in mind, it's best to choose wisely and go with the guaranteed option. As a result, you should definitely toss some greenbacks at a chance to see Emyli Dahlia do her thing. Her vibe is so contagious and you're guaranteed to feel it during her set! Luckily for us, Quite Right! Records has her on deck for her next live appearance. Surely, there couldn't be a more aptly named or felicitous place to see her than at her next event - A Moment In Time. So, strap on your party helmet and let's get lost on the dancefloor. Bass'D Out DNVR: What have you been up to since the pandemic hit and DJ bookings, events, and nightlife in general took a nosedive? Emyli Dahlia: I’ve spent a lot of time DJing alone in my house. I upped my home LED lighting game A LOT. I started a YouTube channel and have done a bunch of live streams, including Acid Night Online , the streaming version of my quarterly party I used to throw at Tennyson’s Tap . BOD : It's dope how different everyone's response is to that question and it def sounds like you put that time to good use. What stands out to you the most about that experience?
EmD : I enjoyed the time away from the scene because it helped me hone in my own specific sound a little more, since I wasn’t really being influenced as much by whoever I was opening for at the clubs. I also really enjoyed watching what other artists did online with their time in quarantine and felt very inspired by many of the streams I saw from some of my favorite artists. BOD : I definitely co-sign on that! It was a nice break from the monotony of the scene for sure. That's an interesting point too considering you're actually from Boston. For a lot of people out here, this is the only scene they know. So, the obvious question here is what's the scene like out there? EmD : I have been to a few shows there and I think the people dance less but have just as much love for the music as we do in Denver. BOD : Right on. I would say the artists we have here are a big part of that. Have you worked with any of the artists from out there? EmD: I did a live stream with the Boston techno crew, Infra , at one point last year. It was a lot of fun working with them and they’re super talented. BOD : It's always good to hear the love for the music is everywhere. But, it begs the question; what brought you to Colorado?
EmD: I made the move to Colorado in 2005, for snowboarding and to work in the ski industry.
BOD: Ha, I never would've guessed it had anything to do with the mountains. It s eems like you've made friends pretty quick out here too, considering your affiliations with Strange People and Beyond Collective . How have these partnerships helped you in your development as an artist? EmD : Both my crews are super encouraging. They remind me to keep working on production and make me feel supported as an artist. BOD: That's tight, and it sounds like they can see you have something special brewing. From what I can tell, you have a very colorful personality which I'm excited to witness at ‘Til the Break of Dawn next month. Should we be prepared for a high energy performance? EmD : Yeah, my sets are super high energy. I like to make people dance & party and keep it playful. BOD : So, the next one up for you is a camping festival. Are you big on those and how excited are you to be playing live again? EmD : I absolutely can’t wait to play for people and on a big sound system- I live for it! I love camping festivals. Catch me on my converted purple short-bus. BOD: LOL! I like your attitude! What should we expect from you next...? "Expect some hammerhead sharks swimming your way soon." It's hard to know exactly what that means, but it sounds cool as fuck! Of course, that makes total sense because, well... Emyli Dahlia is cool as fuck. Don't even consider missing this opportunity to catch her doing her thing live, for the people. Hopefully, the guest mix she dropped for us can hold you over until then. Check it out below and be sure to follow her socials to stay up to date on her journeys into sound. Follow Emyli Dahlia: Facebook | SoundCloud | YouTube | Instagram | Mixcloud | Twitch

The best thing coming from this nightlife sabbatical, is most assuredly what awaits us when we return to the dancefloor. Certainly, artists are chomping at the bit to get back in the booth- at least the die-hards are. As a result, they're swiftly ditching their live-stream placations for the familiar roar of a raucous and effervescent crowd. From this mass uncoupling of couch and ass, we can surmise one thing - producers and DJs alike, got fresh beats on deck, for days - no cap! Ever the lab-rat, Einida Eleven is certainly no exception here. Just like many of his peers , he's ready to show us that the best is yet to come. Surely, everyone in the production game consistently logs crazy hours over the wheels and in the studio. Nevertheless, when it comes to evolution of sound, not all beatmakers are created equal. In particular, this is true for a sonic vessel like Elijah Garcia . Even he looks back at his early Einida Eleven productions and is aghast at his proclivity for progress. Indeed, if you're intimate with his development since his 2017 debut, you might share that sentiment. Thus, it's clear that he was built for an inadvertent and sudden expansion of free-time. Or, maybe he's just soaking his stems in HGH and steroids . Einida Eleven's Got More Soul than a Sock wit' a Hole... Truly it feels like he's found the secret sauce. Some concoction he infuses with a dash of Miracle Grow for the soul and squirt of Rogaine for beats. If only it were that simple. As one would expect, it simply comes down to good ol' studio grinding, focus & discipline, and spiritual inspiration. Actually, that should be obvious even to the casual dancefloor enthusiast. While your favorite DJ was panic buying toilet paper and hand-sanitizer, Einida Eleven was tarrying in his bunker, avoiding the hysteria. Otherwise, he was likely subdued within the serenity of nature, replenishing his spiritual stockpile. Literally stocking up on ammunition for his secret weapon- That thing that allows him to unleash a limitless and ever evolving stream of creative consciousness. In his own words: "...the spiritual and emotional growth that comes from tapping into the vibrations of sound." Undoubtedly, the dude's got soul. With that in mind, it's easy to see how he continues to develop his talent so quickly. Moreover, it's clear why he's getting so much love in the scene, from the Denver underground and beyond. As we inch ever closer to the return to the dancefloors, we can only hope every artist put their time to good use. Thankfully, Quite Right! Records is bringing his energy to 'Til the Break of Dawn: A Moment In Time . Therefore, we won't have to wait long to see for ourselves. And what better setting than lakeside, up in the mountains, to bear witness to how far Einida Eleven has come. Bass'D Out DNVR : I’ve noticed that you’ve been a busy man in the lab lately with a string of new releases on SoundCloud along with some fresh contributions to a few compilation albums. Would you say we’re starting to see the fruits of your labor during the pandemic? E11 : I've been grinding hard on music for the last few years. I would say I have seen the fruits of my labor all along the way. I've been welcomed with open arms by quite a few people and labels around the world. Those, I would say were the first fruits of my labor. BOD : Nice. It sounds like we should expect some big things from you this year. How else have you spent that extra time that normally would have been absorbed by gigs? E11 : I've always been a nature person but since the pandemic I have definitely been called to spend more time with Mamma Gaia. BOD : That's good to hear man, glad you're managing to stay busy. So, I didn’t realize until now that you barely dropped your first original track back in 2017 yet you’ve been noticeably prolific while getting lots of love in the scene. Would you agree that you’ve improved quickly? E11 : Yes! I've definitely been catapulted forward with my music production. I put an insane amount of time and energy into it. That, along with my enrollment in Vesela Nota Music Production School, gives me the necessary tools I need to move along as quickly as I have. BOD : How has your sound evolved over the years? E11 : I would say the feel of my music is consistent but my production quality continues to grow insanely. BOD : No, doubt bro, you've definitely bubbled-up quickly and it shows in the beats. Beyond the music, the content you put out on social platforms makes you come across as a real soulful dude. One of your most played tracks on SoundCloud, ‘Con Los Mismo Entencíon’ which you categorized under the “Storytelling” genre, seems to exemplify this. Is that your motivation for "Playing house, trance and down tempo medicine for the soul...” ? E11 : My motivation for making this style of music is the spiritual & emotional impact and growth that the audience and I can experience when we tap into the vibrations of the sounds! My music is very intentional and is often channeled through me from source along with the higher vibrations at play. BOD : Right on, so basically, you pull in energy from all directions - I definitely feel you on that! How do you channel your spirituality into the music? E11 : I set up crystal grids, smudge regularly, and stay in a meditative state on a regular basis. All of these things allow me to receive whatever messages are out there, especially the ones I may need to hear- LOVE! BOD : Quite Right! is definitely known for their deep, euphoric, and uplifting releases, so dropping beats through their label seems like a natural fit for you. How did that relationship come about? E11 : I've known the Quite Right crew for several years now. Started out as a DJing relationship but quickly grew into so much more. Brandon [Loyche] has supported me since day one and I am forever grateful for that. That support is what helped me grow so quickly. Even when my music wasn’t so great, Brandon always found something nice to say about it and gave me really helpful pointers as well. BOD : My man Brandon's been doing his thing with Quite Right! def giving Colorado artists a dope platform. Speaking of dope platforms, you've also recently done collabs with Kosa and Unfinished Monkey. How have they affected your career and creativity? E11 : Kosa records crew has been in my corner since day one as well! Endless support has been the biggest factor in my growing success. I actually have a track on Kosa Records' very first release. It's a compilation album full of artists I’ve admired for a long time. This really made me step my game up and is doing a lot for my music career. Unfinished Monkey Records is a new relationship of mine, but I’ve got mad love for those guys already. With that in mind, I can't forget to mention Plurpura and Garasadah Records . They've released some of my music and i have a great relationship with them too. After working with these guys for years, they continue to show me support and help me grow. BOD : Of course! It always pays to surround yourself with positive and like-minded beat junkies. Speaking of which, I’m going to go out on a limb here and say you’re definitely going to feel right at home with an open-air set at ‘Til the Break of Dawn – A Moment in Time. On a scale of one to Davy Crockett , how psyched are you to blast some beats out in the wilderness and what vibe are you planning on bringing? E11 : You already know I am Davy Crockett excited lol! I'll be laying out some fresh originals along with some jungle bangers! BOD : That's what we like to hear! Definitely looking forward to your set. For now, what can fans expect from you in the near future? Any shout-outs? "Hugest shout out to my music teacher, Stanisha Krstic and Vesela Nota Music Production School ! I've got a bunch of releases in the works - about 20 tracks dropping this year at least ! Stay tuned! Love!" You'll regret it if you miss your next chance to see Einida Eleven live, so be sure to cop those A Moment In Time tickets here now. Until then, catch a vibe to the Einida Eleven BOD Featured Artist Playlist below. It's got some of his old and new releases mixed in with his most popular tracks currently available on SC. It definitely gives you a taste of where he started and where he's headed. If you didn't know about him before, now you know... Follow Einida Eleven: Facebook | BandCamp | SoundCloud | Beatport | Instagram | Mixcloud

We're setting our sights on a triumphant return to live music in the Denver Underground after a long layoff. With many of the roadblocks already being lifted for an uninhibited return to the dance floor, DJs are beginning to refuel their bass cannons. Certainly, that is music to the ears of bassheads in the scene and promoters in the region are responding, in droves, with a flurry of new event announcements. AK Productions , Quite Low Records and Quite Right Records are no exception as they gear up for the return of 'Til The Break of Dawn . In response to their call to arms, El Conquistador is ready to conquer the underground, hitting the ground running, following a long hiatus. Francisco Pizarro , known affectionately in the underground as El Conquistador, is wasting no time in getting back into action. For him and many others, the pandemic will go down as a time for reflection and revitalization. With his return to the Colorado wilderness for A Moment in Time , he's calling for us all to witness his growth as an artist and an ardent supporter of all things bass music! Specifically, his trigger finger is itching to bombard us with his payload of incendiary beats. Undoubtedly, Cisco cannot wait to remind us exactly why his El Conquistador moniker is truly fitting. Moreover, he wants to show us all that he's ready to conquer the game. Certainly, with backing from so many of the infamous bass music crews around Denver, his credentials are fully verified. Therefore, the logical next move is for him to show us exactly why they're adding him to their cavalries - on the dance floor. Indeed, jumping on a lineup full of Denver's bass infantry is the perfect opportunity to get back into midseason form. After dropping the opening set for TTBOD in 2020, it makes perfect sense to highlight him as part of the festival's return. As a result, BOD couldn't resist the chance to check in with El Conquistador as he gets set to grace the decks for AK, QL, and QR once again. Certainly, the Miami transplant has plenty to say about why he brings his talents to the bass capital. Above all, he has plenty to say about why he's ready to conquer the Denver underground. Bass'D Out DNVR : You were set to do big things in 2020 before the pandemic took a never-ending shit on the nightlife industry. How’d you manage to stay in top form music-wise last year? What are some positive things that came out of that experience for you musically? El Conquistador : 2020 - What a shit show! I'm glad it's over. 2020 was going to be a great year for dnb in Denver. I was able to stay in top form by getting to do a lot of live streams. Those are just fun! There really isn't any pressure. I try new things and see how not only it mixes but also how its received by the people tuned into these streams - the chat room can be revealing. 2020 was nice to just be in my DJ room and play around with dnb and other genres like breaks, glitch-hop and funky house (man do I love it)! BOD : So, I know you’re originally from Florida, the land of booty bass and nasty breakbeats, but be honest, who's bass music scene goes harder - Denver or Miami? Is it hard being an up-and-coming DJ in a such a huge market, known for major events like Ultra and WMC ? ELC : I'm from the 305 bro! Growing up in Miami is crazy and you get exposed to so much more then Bass Music. Miami was home to all genres of House when I was growing up. Bass music was always very underground and one of the reasons I was drawn to it back in boarding school, in the mid '90s. If you look at something like the WMC, there weren't many dnb parties. I remember the good old days, if you will, of the RAM vs. VIRUS party for example. I'll let you just imagine that one in yo' head! Denver is called the Bass Capital for a reason! I feel moving out of Miami to the Mile High City was a great move. The people and DJ friends I've made here are raising my skills as a DJ and I'm finding people that I can build things with. There's a barrage of drum and bass crews here with some of the best talent that I've seen, period. Over the years, I've seen some shit (good and bad...so very bad)! DJing in Miami is different. You have the big major clubs with the biggest names in dance music you can think of, but there's also a gritty underground scene if you look hard enough. You can find any type of EDM on any given night. So, if you want to go to one of the meccas of dance music, you best bring your 'A game' or go home, son!
BOD : We have to address the alias now. Is it an homage to the 18th century explorer/conquerors, a tribute to the song by Thirty Seconds To Mars (shout-out to Jared Leto ), or because you really loved that WWF tag team from the ‘80s? How’d you come up with it and what is the significance of it to you? ELC : Ha! Let's see who knows their history...the name my momma gave me is Francisco Pizarro . Someone, somewhere, at some point said, "...dude you are named after one of the most vicious conquistadors and your sound matches. You should be El Conquistador (They did a grand gesture when they said it)!" I thought about it long and hard for many years because I didn't want to offend anyone...but I figured since my name is Francisco Pizarro and I drop bombs I could get away with it! BOD : You’re known for your affiliations with Drum & Bass Proper , Altitude Sickness , Upfront Range and The Distinguished , so your Denver underground cred is fully verified. How did these relationships come about? How has working with these crews helped you as an artist? ELC : Yup! The Denver Collective! So it took work. Denver is a very tight nit place and rightfully so due to the talent that is here. I started going to shows once I found them! Slowly they kept seeing my face at shows and we just started talking shop. Then CCP asked me for a mix for Drum and Bass Proper mini mix series. I was always behind the scenes, that is where I can do the most good and that is mainly what I do now...but all these guys saw it a different way. I started getting invited places, was getting asked for more mixes and more opportunities came...from playing the Black Box and the system they have in the big room to Till the break of dawn parties. Once they found out I was business savvy the offers came in not only to be crew but also make an impact on the scene in Denver by being a boss of these crews, I was floored! I really was taken aback THEY, these massively talented DJs and crews wanted ME and my vision for music in this city. The Distinguished is special, about 70 strong, we not only have the dirtiest dnb DJs...but ALL GENRES! We have house with Queen Beats and more DJs then I can name, techno DJs, Dubstep DJs, hip hop and turntablists. The Distinguished provides the DJs for Denver. It's where veterans meet the new generation. You see that D go to that party! Altitude Sickness is the, "I just a 'wanna have a great time crew!" We are looking to help break up and comers. So their shows are going to feature DJs that are hopefully going to break. This crew is great for checking out the next big names. AS has a monthly at the black box so swing by and check these bad boys out. Drum and Bass Proper! This one is a bit different, it started strictly with online mixes with everyone's favorite MiniMix Mondays . This started local then grew to the east coast then out to the west. We also got some homies out in UK, Netherlands and beyond that have done a set special for DNBP . This crew's reach is far and respected. Big things are coming in 2021 for this crew like making the move not only online but Live Shows and Proper Headliners! UKG Proper launched, that's specific to to that grimy UK garage and we will keep this "Proper" train moving forward and bringing you the talent from around the globe! Upfront Range is not just another stream crew. This is where ideas come to life, just like with the AK, Quite Right and Quite Low crews. The thinkers and doers. Music wise, being a part of the Denver scene has elevated my DJing. I was still in my living room spinning vinyl for just me. These amazing people pushed me out, showed me the digital game. I've gotten experience playing on pretty much anything and everything because of these crews. Without the push and dedication of these crews and their trust in me to lead and help create something special in Bass City is a dream. We have power in numbers, and we will conquer. BOD : Aside from DJing, I recently found out that you also write for BestDrumAndBass.com . How long have you been writing? Has it been hard for you to stay motivated as a writer during the recent decline of the music/events industry? ELC : I did write for Best Drum and Bass. I have not since late 2019. Dorian ( Bad Syntax ) is great people. He has something awesome there with best drum and bass. I did a little writing back in Miami years ago so it was very new to me. Just before " THE Decline ," I stopped writing for BDNB for two reasons; One, I was having some family trouble that turned into a long inward search for what I really wanted in life, and second; I felt bringing the focus on the local talent and building said talent as well as the Denver crews was important to me. Drum and Bass Proper is launching a site this year and we too are going to do interviews, tune reviews and news for the scene so more writing from El Conquistador is coming! BOD : So, you’re back at ‘ Til the Break of Dawn' this year after rocking a dusk set for the debut event in 2020. What are your fondest memories from the event last year? Is there anything you plan on doing differently this year? What should we expect from your set? ELC : Dude, so this one is special to me. This party is going to go on for years! Just the growth from year one to year two is massive. This is going to be the camping festival of CO and the Midwest no later then year five. I was the first DJ to play. I opened the festival! I played something I've never played out in public before - glitch hop. I dropped this funky set that people were grooving too while setting up their camp sites and finishing up the production. So, El Conquistador has a stamp on this festival as the very first DJ to play it! That's super cool to me! Depending when I play is what type of bombs I'm going to drop. Daytime might bring that funky Latin inspired liquid set - dusk might bring a dark dnb set. I really would like a night slot so I can drop the nuclear bombs that are my neurofunk sounds with the kickass light and stage show. BOD : Any shout-outs, comments, gripes? What can fans expect from you in the near future? ELC : First off, big Shout-out to my girl Vanessa , she has been a huge help in everything. Shout-out to all the crews in Denver. Shout out to my boy The Engineer out of MIA. Shout out to the Recon crew, 40hz of Sound and Tony Knight , Dorian and Best Drum and Bass, Amy Octane , to the Viceroy Lounge for loving our sounds and for letting us play there, to the Black Box for that damn sound system, and everyone stepping up for US drum and bass and beyond. The only thing I would say…the US has an opportunity to grow dnb, but we ALL [not just in Denver but every city in the US] need to work together! We have power in numbers in this business and building a proper network to work with artists big and small is the only way to grow dnb in the US. Building a coast to coast network will help us with bookings and more because we can offer more. Until we do this, it won't grow and it will stay status quo. You can expect more mixes from me blasted out on Drum and Bass Proper, Altitude Sickness, Upfront Range, and The Distinguished online content. The biggest thing Denver is going to see from me is to move these power house crews forward. The Distinguished will start looking like a local booking agency for local talent and venues. Altitude Sickness is going to be pushing loads of up-and-comers and Drum 'N' Bass Proper is going to grow the "Proper" name into other genres while bringing Denver and beyond the BEST DJs - big, small, and local flavor - from around the globe! "Cheers and see you at the break of dawn, June 4th to the 6th!" Mad love to El Conquistador for checking in with Bass'D Out DNVR before his set at 'Til the Break of Dawn: A Moment in Time . We can't wait to see what he has in store for us this year. Be sure to check out his exclusive promo mix for the event and follow him at the links below. Follow El Conquistador: SoundCloud | Facebook

December is finally here after what one can only describe as a grueling 2020. Especially, for those of us in the music industry. Indeed, it feels like this year is never going to end, as local bars and clubs are enduring yet another temporary closure . Nevertheless, the final month of the year always brings good tidings and an annual reminder of the importance of community. With this in mind, AK Productions and Quite Low Records are definitely unwrapping some presents early as they add two new residents to their roster. Certainly, Cynapze , and Design will be stuffing our stockings with bass, just in time for the holidays. Surely, there's no doubt AK & QL already boast a pretty stellar lineup. That's undoubtedly obvious with names like DJ Contrast , Evasive , GHoST , Ryan Vail and Shua . It's easy to see why they're seeing so much success with their Till The Break Of Dawn series, as a result. It continues attracting bassheads back to the underground which is great for the community. Furthermore, their resident hosts RELYT and Slim_r_i are in the driver seat right now when it comes to bass emcees in Colorado. Cynapze and Design should fit in quite nicely with this group of turntable giants. Clearly, AK & QL are gearing up to pick up where they left off by adding these two talent-laden artists to their roster. Cynapze & Design... If You Don't Know, Now You Know Although they're at different places in their careers, both of these artists have much to offer the Denver bass community. Foremost, they both have formidable skills behind the decks. Beyond this, they both have a deep love for bass music and all the trappings that go along with DJing in the bass capital. However, after a long hiatus of live music, it makes sense to refamiliarize yourself with who's making moves in the scene. Evan Bower , a.k.a. Cynapze, has been doing his thing for a hot minute in the Denver underground. Most notably. He's been associated with such bass music firebrands as The Distinguished , Recon DNB , and Altitude Sickness . Additionally, his ear bursting Turbosound speaker array continues to deliver that skull ratting bass we've all come to expect at underground events. If you made it out to Lake George for Till The Break Of Dawn: Under The Stars , you got a proper dose of that. Thus, it's a guarantee that he knows how to rock the decks. Who wouldn't if they got to practice on that sound system on the reg's? Besides that, he continues to pop up on lineups all over the place - from warehouses to night clubs, with no signs of slowing down. With numerous appearances on AKQL lineups already, it should be a forgone conclusion that they'd lock him down sooner or later. Evan Montes-O'Gorman , may not be as well known in the scene but he's by no means a newcomer. He's been slicing up beats for about a decade now under his Design moniker. One quick perusal of his SoundCloud reveals a bevy of original tracks and fire remixes. He's already got major creds to his name with releases on Section 8 , SW Records , and Trio Recordings . Furthermore, be on the lookout for some brand new heavies due out on Drama Records . Consequently, he's quickly making a name for himself as a producer/audio engineer extraordinaire. Earlier this year, he finds his way onto the TTBOD:UTS lineup where he unleashes a mind bending bass heavy set. Certainly, that's just the tip of the iceberg of what this kid can do behind the decks. That's why it should come as no surprise that AK & QL are making the wise choice of adding him to their residency. Expect to see big things from Design in 2021 and beyond! With the end of the pandemic in sight, there's a lot of hope for a return to some semblance of normalcy in the music industry. For now, we'll have to wait and see what the next few years holds for a return to live music events. Indeed, you can expect AK & QL to be at the front of the line, delivering bass to the underground. Especially, if their roster continues to see upgrades like this one. Follow Cynapze Facebook Soundcloud Mixcloud Follow Design Facebook SoundCloud

First of all, this is not meant to be a gripe session about this so-called year that has been nothing less than a constant dick punch around the sun. Because, well... We've all been constantly complaining about how the dawn of the '20s is just one long itchy taint- all year long. In fact, the constant complaining - from everyone - is just another attribute of what is already guaranteed to be the worst year of the decade. No Festivals. No clubs. Even the people who got herpes at Coachella last year, shrug and say, "At least 2019 had festivals." Considering that argument, we do still have streams of music, and mixes galore. For example, Lady Sage's Moonlight Sessions are the perfect anodyne for this yearlong pain-in-the-ass and its making 2020 way less shitty. It would be all too easy to merely posit that Lady Sage is dope so we guess everything actually doesn't suck and call it good. Our last conversation with her substantiates that and it hasn't changed. What's of note here is that she continues funneling mesmerizing beats to the heads in the underground. Particularly, in a year that is anything but lucrative, she continues to do what she loves, for the love of bass. That, in and of itself, is something to cling to during this 365-day long, lube-free colonic of 2020. For an hour at a time, Moonlight Sessions nudges us headfirst into bliss at 128 BPM. Don't Sleep On Lady Sage Or Her Moonlight Sessions Specifically though, her most recent episode is straight grimy. Just a ridiculously filthy set back to front. Conversely, it's sort of hard to listen to. This is in no way a reflection of the beats or turntable prowess she puts on display in the mix. Rather it takes several hours to get through the mix because you'll find yourself rewinding it over and over. That pretty much comes with the territory when Lady Sage gets behind the decks. She certainly brings it on this mix. With its thunderous bass house cuts interwoven with heart palpitating electro bangers. The set is a whole-ass vibe, and takes you back to the golden era of electro. We all know that feeling when you hear a nasty beat for the first time. That's that good shit that takes your mind to a higher plane and we can't get enough of it. So, if you're feenin' for some beats, Lady Sage and her Moonlight Sessions is what you need. Especially, in a year that feels like one long, sketchy-ass come-down right before you have to go to work, right after you just found out that Cookie Monsta died , then found out David Guetta got rated the #1 DJ in the world. Wack... Luckily for us, the Sound Level Music beatstress is on the job - and she's helping make 2020 way less shitty - One mixtape at a time. Lady Sage - Moonlight Sessions 06

It's been a long year for the Denver underground scene. Especially, with such a huge decline in the available amount of fresh content. Certainly, many bassheads in the community are feeling the effects of a short supply of new vibes to get down to. Not to mention, a limited selection of live events to feed their bass fixes with, as well. More than anything, the disastrous beginning to the decade is absolutely affecting the artists in the scene. Therefore, it's so refreshing to see our creators continuing to do their thing, bringing us fresh beats and finding ways to keep their own respective livelihoods afloat. In particular, Xeela is showing us the blueprint for staying viable during these unforgiving times and she gives us a fire new dnb mix to go along with it. If you pay any attention to the Denver underground bass music scene, you already know Xeela continues to make a name for herself. Since last checking in with her , we see that it's clear she has no intention of slowing down. Surely, she's making that poignantly clear with the launch of her OnlyFans page - The Barefoot Basoonist . She's dead serious about her musical career! With a tagline like this: " Wanna see me squak on my bassoon? I know you're at least a little bit curious..." you know you want to tune in. That's great news for heads in the bass capital. Xeela undoubtedly delivers some of the freshest mixes that our deep drum & bass scene has to offer. With this most recent offering, she exposes the true depth of the energy she brings to her music. Peep the full stream via her YouTube page below. Xeela Takes Us On A Journey Into Bass Without question, she takes us on musical journey, dancing all over the genre with an eclectic selection of bass heavy bangers and burners. First of all, she starts out the mix with her more signature style as she opens up the mix with some liquid dubs to set the vibe. It wouldn't be a Xeela mix if it didn't have that jungle feel to it. Moreover, it wouldn't be Xeela set without an injection of her bubbly and vivacious personality. Since she decided to drop the mix via livestream, we definitely get a proper dose of her lively energy and infectious smile throughout the set. Beyond this, her track selection is on point from start to finish and takes us on a certifiable journey into bass. In illustration of her depth, she sprinkles in some of the softer, more uplifting vocal-jungle energy along with some brand new heavies, perfect for making those speakers thump. All over the mix, she drops in some lofty beats, with heavy, whirring synths. More often then not, each track is rinsed-out, over some dark samples and vocals. Seemingly, this is a nod to the season. As we quickly approach Halloween, everyone wants to hear those vocals and basslines with the ghastly undertones that haunt us on the dancefloor. On the other hand, Xeela takes time to sneak in some of those tracks that are heavy on instrumentation, giving us that classical and jazz feel one might expect from a musician with a background in classical training. Overall, this new mix is around 60 minutes of straight heat that we've all come to love and expect from underground giants like Xeela. Of course, this is one of the major reasons why she's become a fixture in the Denver bass music scene, and a common name on fliers for various events throughout the bass capital. If you haven't yet, make sure you hop on the bandwagon and tune your ears to the sounds that Xeela delivers. Above all, please show your support for her as she embarks on her newest endeavors. If you love what she does and support her artistry, it's vitally important. After a year like 2020, we can't afford to lose out on any more outlets for beautiful music. Indeed, beautiful music, is exactly what Xeela is all about. Follow Xeela Facebook Soundcloud Mixcloud YouTube OnlyFans

Drum and bass is alive and well, but that's old news to bassheads in the Denver underground scene. However, most have no clue exactly how much work goes into making sure the music never dies. It's easy to just show up at the venue, sporting all black, and go ham on the dance floor. Preservation requires much more than a few dedicated ragers to keep a scene active and constantly pushing forward. That's why people like Michael Beard aka Critical Control Point , are so important to the community. With his Drum And Bass Proper movement, he's definitely doing his part to carry the torch for generations to come. Although he's fairly new to the DJ circuit, Critical Control Point is no slouch behind the decks. His deep inventory of mixes easily makes this evident. Not to mention, he's quickly beginning to rack up spots on various lineups around town. Beyond this, he's got the expansion of Drum And Bass Proper basically on autopilot. Its roster of resident DJ's already has OG's like Ryan Vail, Contrast, and GHoST on lock, and continues to grow. Moreover, the DNBP flagship mix series #PROPERMONDAYS seems to elicit spins from bass fiends at a blistering pace. Drum and Bass is in Good Hands Looking to the future of the music industry, clearly its survival is dependent on the unwavering support amongst those in the community. Creatives have to put the scene on their backs and will their way beyond these dark times. Thus, it's so refreshing to see heads in the local scene stepping up to hold it down. Truly , CCP and his Drum And Bass Proper army of beat soldiers embody this sentiment perfectly. The industry will eventually emerge from the effects of the pandemic. When it does, they'll be among the few left standing, ready to help guide us all into the future. Assuredly, with DNBP at the helm, the Denver underground scene will be in good hands. This became undeniably clear after we got the chance to speak with him about his passion for the music. With this in mind, the future of dnb and bass music overall looks brighter than ever before. Bass'D Out DNVR : Tell us what it was like when you first fell in love with bass music. Does that vibe still hit you to this day? Critical Control Point : I was in my twenties the rave scene was, in my opinion at it’s most fun, and there were these dark, really overheated rooms at the Raves. In those rooms is where I found my love for Drum and Bass. It was just more of a community of people than the main dance floor scene for me. The BASS hit harder and there was just something special about the dirty, dark, grimey bass lines that filled the air when DnB was being played. It’s been twenty years and I have never looked back so yes that VIBE is probably better than it ever has been. BOD : What motivated you to start DNBP? What do you feel DNBP contributes to the bass music scene? CCP : My motivation was that I wanted into the scene in Denver honestly. I didn’t know anyone when I moved here and I just wanted a way to contribute to this MASSIVE scene and culture of electronic music that Denver had to offer. Drum And Bass Proper contributes a weekly mix series every Monday at noon MST. This mix series showcases our eight residents and “Featured Selecta’s” on a rotating basis. We recently switched up the format from #MINIMIXMONDAY to #PROPERMONDAYS . This allows the DJ’s to do whatever kind of mix they feel is “PROPER” and not be limited to twenty to twenty five minutes. We also post on Facebook with interesting articles/ links and really anything related to DnB. BOD : You recently started performing live as Critical Control Point. Can you describe the vibe you get when you perform live? CCP : Well honestly i'm so new still at this point that i'm just hoping that the equipment works right and I don't mess up super bad LOL, but seriously I love getting up in front of the crowd and sharing what my vision of the sound should be for that half hour or hour set. It’s just amazing when you finally have a moment to look up and you see everyone dancing or showing the “BASS FACE” or whatever their interpretation of a good time is. It’s just amazing to know what you love is being taken in and given back in the way of a good fun time. BOD : As an artist, how do you know when you’ve recorded a fie set that’s going to murder the dance floor? CCP : Well when you get literal goosebumps while putting a set together, recording and or playing it’s just an obvious feeling that it’s about to go down. I find it fun to figure a way to put all the different sub genres into a small amount of time. I feel this is a major contribution to how a set or mix is going to go. Also when it just flows and nothing feels forced you simply can’t go wrong. BOD : What’s the most frustrating thing to you about host/sharing mixes with the world? CCP : When my mixes get the least played LOL LOL LOL im just kidding. Honestly it’s not that frustrating to share them because anyone with an honest opinion is welcome in my eyes (just don’t be a dick lol)... Finding time to get together a mix of what you are feeling can turn into days and nights that you didn’t expect but in the end it’s all worth it. BOD : What inspires you to keep spreading filthy bass music across the globe? CCP : That's easy….The fact that it is so well taken and loved by the DnB community and that there are so many talented DJ’s and Producers. It almost sells itself. BOD : Is it hard out here for a pimp? CCP : Well if I wasn't busy getting this set around for this weekend I might have time to try Pimpn’ LOL, but I have heard even if it isn’t easy it sure is fun!!!!!!!!!!! BOD : Any shout-outs? Final comments? CCP : First I want to thank my girlfriend Taylor Smith for putting up with and supporting all the behind the scene madness that it takes to DJ and run this thing called Drum And Bass Proper. My Crew: JEFF, CCP, TOKEM, GHoST,CONTRAST, VAIL, EL CONQUISTADOR , SEMKO, S2PS as well as ALLLLLLL the guest DJ’s and MC’s we have had the pleasure of working with over the past few years. "BIG SHOUT OUT to everyone that tunes in weekly to help this mix series be shared and
enjoyed. Without all of you we would just be a bunch of DJ’s listening to loud bass music
together LOL." Be sure to bang Critical Control Point's fire Pregame mix for Till The Break of Dawn: Under The Stars, and follow him at the links below. BOD Podcast 023 - Critical Control Point: Before The Dawn (TTBOD Pregame Mix) Follow Critical Control Point Facebook SoundCloud Follow Drum And Bass Proper Twitter SoundCloud Facebook

Where are my Till The Break of Dawn OG's at? While the road has been long and arduous, it is paved with hard work, love and lots of bass. Even though 2020 is without question, " the year of the cancel," it hasn't diminished our love for the Denver underground. In fact, that infatuation with the scene in the bass capital is probably more intense than it's ever been. As they say, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." That's why we're anxiously waiting to share our love for all things bass with you as soon as things regain some semblance of normality. Who is we, you ask? Well, TTBOD is by no means a small operation. These events are a collaborative labor of love between AK Productions , Quite Low Records , Revival Concepts and Bass'D Out DNVR . We are the collective. We are underground bass music. The Till The Break Of Dawn Team Of the members in the TTBOD collective, AK Productions is certainly the elder member. In October 2016, the underground event production company was founded by Owner Kris Denton . Shorty after, the first AK event THC: Turntable Heavyweight Champions , opens its doors to heads in the bass capital. Since then, it has quickly begun to make a name for itself in the Denver underground, during its brief immersion into this bass experiment. Fast-forward to 2019 and AK is comfortably settling into its own little niche, becoming a leader in late night bass offerings. Certainly, if you haven't been to an AK party yet, you're missing out on the vibes of a serious movement. Back when AK productions is still in its infancy, there are few that truly believe in the message and the mission. On the other hand, there are others that fully buy-in, and never let the dream fade. Suffice to say, Josh Wolf aka Shua never fails to let his intentions be known when it comes to bringing the bass to your ears. Without question, he was a major impetus behind the rise of AK and a flash-point for the spark which ignites the development of the TTBOD collective. Equally important, he is the boss behind the label which is responsible for some of 2019's heaviest releases from artists like Fonzie , s altee , ERG , and Beats.Me - Quite Low Records. The most underappreciated and never overrated member of the collective is Ariana Cvencek . You're probably more familiar with her brand, Revival Concepts . If you've ever seen any AK, QL or BOD merch, at all- It's because of her. Additionally, RC has done consignment work for popular Denver underground artists KSUHDILLA and Queen Beats . Unsurprisingly, some of the dopest organizations in the bass capital look to her to help take their brand awareness to the next level. After a chance meeting and eventual romance with Josh at THC, her induction to the collective was all but solidified. Since then, she's been the primary force behind the AK/QL merchandise and brand awareness expansion. Bringing the consortium full circle is Bass'D Out DNVR. Initially, the underground media outlet's primary function is as a marketing arm for AK Productions. Subsequently, following a motivational spark from Shua (of course) owner/operator Aaron Melton decides to ramp up his offerings to the bass music community with a comprehensive cultivation of the Denver underground music scene and beyond. The BOD archives now contain copious amounts of bass music history and the additions continue to stack up. No doubt, if it concerns the bass capital, BOD is on top of it. As you can see, the Till The Break Of Dawn event series definitely didn't happen overnight. But that's OK because we're not in it for the glamour. We do this because we love our scene! Furthermore, we do this for YOU, the bass music community. We wouldn't be here without you, and we love and appreciate all of your support! With that in mind, please like, follow and share our brands, so we can continue to spread these vibes. Don't do it for us - Do it for the love of bass. Follow AK Productions: Facebook | Instagram Follow Quite Low Records: Facebook | Instagram | Beatport | Twitter | Web Follow Revival Concepts: Facebook | Web | Instagram

As we inch ever closer to the weekend, it's impossible not to get excited for several days filled with delicious beats. The stress and divisiveness of a 2020 gone sour almost seems unending, but with TTBOD: UTS inching ever closer, there's some relief in sight. AK & QL is definitely making sure we'll all have plenty of bass heavy entrées to gorge on with a night full of delectable dnb. Considering this, it's a blessing that so many artists from the Drum And Bass Proper roster will be in the kitchen, cheffing up beats. Accordingly, their catalog of fire mixes from artists on the lineup make the perfect appetizer. Let our Beats Before the Dawn series feed your hunger with some beat-catering courtesy of Fuse . His DNBP Featured Selecta mix certainly delivers a smorgasbord of mouthwatering bass. Bon Appétit! A lot can be said about how ferociously Brian Schell aka Fuse comes with it on this mix. Indeed, it's 55 minutes of straight filth, from top to bottom. With 20 years in the game, it's hard not to say we didn't expect this and the enormity of his experience undeniably shines through. Of note, his mixing skills are on point and can be heard throughout the mix as he blends track after complex track. You get a seamless tempo across each transition which plays well in your ear. Although, he doesn't furiously jump from track to track, opting instead to let the songs play out while he manipulates the mixer to perfection. Beyond this, Brian's track selection is tremendous and a true testament to his years of assiduous crate digging. For instance, at about 14 minutes in, he drops in ' Notion - Hooked (Bou Remix).' You can't help but move your feet to its whirring and winding synths, and emotional vocals. Surely, this sets the vibe for the entire mix. The whole set seems to follow this theme, with its generous helping of nasty, rinsed-out jungle dubs. Using an immersive, yet puritanical application of reverb, Fuse seemingly creates a soliloquy of drums; a dnb lullaby, if you will. This is the type of shit that makes us fall in love with drum & bass! Later, at about 52 minutes in, he graces the mix with K Motionz 's banger ' Hack It. feat. Duskee' Surely, the hollowed out beat, reminiscent of a boom-bap kick, laced with a hip-hop sample, is a nod to all the dnb emcees out there. Alas, Fuse's DNBP Feature will get you hyped-up for Till The Break of Dawn. Consequently, you're not going to want to miss his set. As we'll all soon find out - nothing is better than dnb under the stars. Especially, when the DJ brings it like this. Drum And Bass Proper Featured Selecta Mix - Fuse Follow Fuse Mixcloud Facebook

Like us, you're probably making those final preparations for TTBOD: Under The Stars by rallying the troops and loading up on supplies. Speaking of supplies, you need not worry about amassing a fresh supply of bass for the voyage. AK and Quite Low have that situation on lock, but not without help from some friends in the underground . Denver crews will be heavily represented in the spot all weekend long. In particular, Drum And Bass Proper holds it down for Denver dnb and is sending a plethora of its bass ambassadors to help guide the mission. So, it only makes sense that we revisit their catalog of fire mixes from artists on the lineup to help us get hyped for the party. To kick off this series, let's pump the volume up to the sound selections of DNBP resident, Contrast . When Mike Silvestri a.k.a Contrast is on deck to man the wheels, he never fails to bring the heat. Back in December 2019, he certainly answers the call when DNBP dials him up for its Monday Mini-Mix Series . It's no surprise that they make it a priority to lock him down as one of their resident selectas. Right out of the gate, he unloads a crate full of fire that incinerates the sound system. The 17 track banger is overflowing with driving dnb basslines interwoven with gritty synths and grimy, rasta vocal dubs. Early on, about 7 minutes in, he ignites the mix, by dropping in ' It's Goin Down' by KC setting the dance floor ablaze. The vibes don't let up again until about the halfway mark when he laces the decks with some filth. The bass bottoms out ever so slightly so that AC13 's burner, ' Fu Gee La (Bootleg)' can roll out of the mixer with clarity. It sets the tone perfectly for the rest of the mix that bangs your eardrums with bass all the way to the end of the set. The only downside to this DNBP throwback is that it's only half an hour long. Seemingly, Mike's just warming up as he begins fading out the beat leaving you begging for more. Fortunately, we don't have to wait much longer to see him do what he does best. With this in mind, this mix is exactly what you need to hear, so you can turn-up before the party. Crank up the bass and snap off the knob for this one! Then, be sure to catch Contrast's set live - Under The Stars. MINIMIXMONDAY #073 - Contrast Follow Contrast Facebook YouTube SoundCloud Twitter

Usually, when you hear the term "four-on-the-floor," you think of 4-beat sounds like house, techno, electro, etc. Although, heads in the Denver underground scene, might perceive this connotation in a different manner. Sure, bassheads in the region definitely share a deep fondness for the 4x4, sub-genres notwithstanding. Particularly, if you belong to the fellowship of the old skool , where our scene cut it's teeth. Nevertheless, a new definition of the acronym FOTF is firmly taking hold. In 2018, this movement takes its first full-lunged breaths initially as a party of three - Soleil, Audio Chemist, Phteven - and have since added a fourth - Jorge Bongo. They are - Friends of the Floor ! Certainly, we all remember the old adage of PLUR , and this group certainly embodies that message. They are four, Peacefully , United as one, with intense Love and Respect , for the underground. Their effervescent house and tech house sounds are as reverent to the music's purists as they are a cohesive unit. However, that doesn't takeaway from the ferociousness that this four-headed monster can deliver in the form of dance floor destruction. With this in mind, whether you're from the old skool or the new , you'd be doing your ears a massive favor by keeping their mixes in your playlist rotation. Consequently, it's no surprise that Friends of the Floor consistently occupy time behind the decks, in the bass capital. Notably, their resilient consortium with Denver bass trafficker, Whomp Truck, results in recurring appearances at the Black Box . Or, you might even find yourself embarking on one of their fantastical music journeys by way of the MoTHeRShiP . No matter where you encounter these emissaries of turntable manipulation, you're sure to catch a vibe, and blast off into the 4-beat cosmos. Untz-untz-untz-untz ... Of late, and like nearly every artist in the industry, Friends of the Floor haven't been able to flex their tech-pecs live, and in-person. Yet another casualty of COVID-19 , which continues to ravage the music and nightlife industry. Despite this, the group maintains its offering of beats to heads in the underground with their Friday night Twitch live streams. Unsurprisingly, you can still feel the energy in their sets pump viciously through your fabricated broadband internet link. Thus, you definitely need to be on the lookout for the next one, coming to a laptop near you. For now, you can check out their most recent broadcast here . Or, better yet, catch them at Till The Break of Dawn: Under The Stars , hosted by AK Productions and Quite Low Records . They'll be bringing it to you live in stery-erio! If you haven't already, we highly recommend that you get familiar with the vibe this team can provide. Tickle your fancy for the four-on-the-floor , while they tickle your eardrums with some nasty, underground beats. Follow Friends of the Floor Facebook Soundcloud Twitch

The countless fires ravaging the Colorado mountains continue to lick the ether, basking the skyline in their amber glow. However, that isn't the only thing leaving us shuffling aimlessly through the mist of a scarlet fog. Specifically, a nationwide movement calling for a show of solidarity is the most recent culprit behind that cerise hue surrounding the city. Moreover, a symbolic gesture raising awareness for all who suffer from the nightlife industry, now on red alert . As someone you may not always see but almost certainly hear, DJ and audio purveyor Tony Knight exemplifies this. According to #WeMakeEvents North America , " 77% of people in the live events industry have lost 100% of their income, including 97% of 1099 workers." These are the people who shouldn't be forgotten, in remembrance of an industry killed by the spread COVID-19. Now, rather than offering up a moment of silence, we should make our voices heard. We should stand with organizations like Help Musicians UK , MusiCares , PRS Foundation , Unison Benevolent Fund , and PLUS1 , for the love of bass. Check out this NPR article detailing loads of other organizations doing similar work. Or, you can go here to keep the pressure on our government officials. With all this in mind, it's important for us all to take a moment to recognize all of the unseen warehouse warriors. Those soldiers of the underground whose contributions we always see, feel, and hear, yet oft fail to acknowledge. Without these agents of bass, Tony among them, those events we sorely miss would undoubtedly be mere shells of themselves. Tony Knight is Rarely Seen but Always Heard With an industry in dire straits, Tony Knight tirelessly continues pushing the sounds of the underground. Most notably from beyond the speaker stacks, as an audio engineer. Certainly, if you spend any time on the hunt for beats, you'll encounter his auditory footprint. In detail, his resume speaks for itself. First off, he never stops serving bass to the fiends through his 40HZ of Sound outfit. His Turbosound speaker stacks always impress and never cease to invoke dance floor gyrations. Additionally, it's no secret that his partner in crime, MS TØXIIC, is definitely doing her thing in the scene too. Together, they're a true force in the Denver underground, united by a deep love for bass music. Beyond this, Tony Knight flexes his sonic wizardry all over the state from Subterranean , Sodo and the Underground in Colorado Springs, to Knew Conscious and Mile High Spirits in the bass capital. More recently, his association with the vibrations coming from the Subverted Entertainment crew has his stock sharply on the rise. Check out their site , or this recent story to find out why they're currently getting big props in the bass community. Moreover, it's important to note that many like him are struggling to overcome the effects of near total-loss of income from live events. However, he continues to do what he loves, for the love of the music. With these kind of accolades to his name, it's a forgone conclusion that you should get familiar with Tony's sound. Therefore, if that video above has you furiously nodding your head, you definitely need to check his skills behind the decks, A.S.A.P. Of Course, this doesn't mean a live set from Tony Knight is too hard to come by. Especially, if you catch him at a random underground gig or during his resident DJ sets at Blondie's Ultra Lounge. Nevertheless, demand for his sound production skills regularly keeps him posted-up in the shadows. It's possible he's flying under your radar , as a result. Luckily, you'll get the perfect opportunity so see what he can do very soon at Till The Break Of Dawn: Under The Stars . You don't want to miss out on what he's been itching to drop, during his hiatus from live events. Above all, this is our chance to show some love to one of the many people in the scene, who help uplift the vibes of our scene, from behind the scenes. We all have to do what we can to support the underground. Truly, it needs us now, more than ever before. Follow Tony Knight Facebook Mixcloud SoundCloud

Even though it's a down year for bass music, and the music industry in general, that doesn't mean artists can't keep up their hustle! More than anything, creatives should be making the most of this time to refocus their energy on what matters most - the music. For example, Tokyo Mandy ,doing her thing in Grand Junction, CO, probably isn't what you'd call a household name. Nevertheless, she is steadily putting in work in the scene and setting herself up for a massive sophomore season in the Denver underground. Certainly, everyone in the industry is already looking forward to 2021. As a result, there's a strong feeling that artists are going to be hitting the ground running next year with a fresh supply of bass. Heads in the bass capital are no exception to the rule, so it's refreshing to see our artists making the most of their limited opportunities in preparation for a breakout '21 campaign. Despite her first live gig coming only last August, Amandalin Hunter aka Tokyo Mandy continues to find ways to make a name for herself. She already has several live performances under her belt now including sets at the Mesa Theater , Your Mom's House , and a recent stream set for Denver's EDM stalwart Party Guru Productions . Surely, it doesn't hurt that she possesses a very thorough musical background too. She was raised in a musical family and went on to study music in college afterward. From this, there's no surprise that she develops an affinity for all types of music from classical to hip hop. However, it remains a point of fascination that it isn't until 2018 that her fondness for bass music comes to life. On the other hand, we all know too well how infectious the energy and vibes are when it comes to the culture of bass music. If You Don't Know Tokyo Mandy, Now You Know... Regardless of the fairly new direction that her music career is taking her, it quickly becomes clear that she is in no short supply of talent. Especially, after banging your head to some of her latest bass heavy mixes. Indeed, the dope hand skills of Tokyo Mandy are forcing everyone to take notice. Clearly, her recent interview (above) with The Bomb Skwad and WVET Radio is evidence of that. In it, she takes some time to discuss what got her into the industry as well as what her plans are for the future. If you haven't heard of Tokyo Mandy before now, you'll definitely want to peep the video. Additionally, be sure to bump her live sets streaming on The Bomb Skwad Radio every night from 12-1 am eastern time. She's one of the featured artists all month long. Beyond this, there's no better way to get familiar with an artist than by watching them drop beats live, behind the decks. Therefore, you don't want to miss your next opportunity when she slides into the booth at the next AK/QL event: Till The Break of Dawn: Under The Stars . It's going down in just a few weeks so mark your calendars now! If she isn't on your radar yet, consider this your final warning. Don't be the last one in the scene to find out how Tokyo Mandy gets down. Follow Tokyo Mandy Facebook Twitter SoundCloud Instagram

Unfortunately, the last live event many of us remember attending is months ago and there doesn't seem to be any reprieve in sight. Sure, there have been a few drive-in events along with a bonanza of fire live streams . Meanwhile, local venues are restructuring themselves to align with the various state-level executive orders. Not to mention, collectives like AK Productions and Quite Low Records are gearing up to do their best to save salvage some semblance of those summer festival vibes. Nevertheless, that vacuum that the loss of nightlife creates, continues to grow. However, when we look outward, the purveyors are definitely feeling the pain of a devastating year in bass . Certainly, the venues, promoters, DJs, producers, and various supporting staff quickly come to mind when thinking of those suffering the most. Beyond this, we must observe a moment of silence for the few among us who dedicate their time to verbally uplifting our collective energy- drum & bass emcees . Although the appreciation we dispense upon our beloved mic controllers might be in short supply, their contribution to the game shouldn't be taken lightly. Certainly, this doesn't apply to their counterparts within the realm of the monolith of hip hop. Notwithstanding the fact that that's where many bass music emcees draw their inspiration from, "rappers" are in a different category. In fact, some might say the continual rise of the dnb emcee follows the path of the purist master of ceremonies- Not quite prototypical, full-breathed lyricists nor mere antiquated, guttural hype-men, but somewhere in between. The History of Emceeing Through the Eyes of the Emcee The history of the bass emcee is as long as it is underappreciated. Specifically, in reference to those who hawk verbal phlegm over drum 'n' bass or breakbeat tracks. In particular, the UK grime scene offers a wealth of cultural evolution dating back to the birth of underground bass music. Peering back in time, we gain a clear picture of where rave or "party rocka" emcees started which helps us understand where we are today. In his 2018, in-depth look at the drum 'n' bass emcee for Red Bull, Dave Jenkins digs significantly deep with a thorough analysis of the marriage between bass music and emcees. In his article, Here Comes The Mic Man , he speaks with legendary mic rulers like Dynamite , Inja , DRS , SP:MC , and Harry Shotta. They reveal the subterranean facts that provide a crystal clear window into the world of drum & bass emceeing. First of all, Inja gifts him with a thoughtful yet contrite perspective when he describes the unique relationship between emcee and DJ. "The MC is the conductor. They’re right next to the crowd, they’re right next to the DJ, they bring it all together." It's hard to say it any better than that. As spectators of bass, this is exactly what we see and feel at an event on any given evening, in the Denver underground scene. Unsurprisingly, the lessons don't stop there. Dropping even deeper knowledge, Dynamite loads more facts into the lyrical bonfire when he posits on the birth of bass music emceeing. “We came from the original hip-hop combination,” adds Dynamite. “ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince , Eric B & Rakim . Historically drum’n’bass has had that same formula with a lot of duos. Brockie and Det , myself and Roni Size , GQ and Micky Finn , Conrad and Bukem . It’s like a double act.” Surely, emceeing , in general, is a huge part of the diverse musical culture of today. You can't even get on the bus or navigate a dance floor without someone trying to bend your ear with their "slept on" mic skills. With that in mind, a DRS quote seems extremely apt. "Jungle became so popular that all the kids in the ends aspired to be jungle MCs. You know the cliché – 20 MCs around the mic, all bada bada bada bada..." Finally, a quote from the legendary Harry Shotta appropriately brings our journey through the annals of dnb emceeing full-circle. “I think what’s changed now is that MCs are giving the crowd much better lyrical content and something they can relate to. We’re talking about relevant things and not just hyping up ourselves or the DJ or what’s going on in the party. From this, we can easily see where the lyrical facilitation of bass energy gets its foundation. Naturally, though, this leads us to one question: What are today's underground orators doing with the blueprints that these legends are leaving behind for them? Undoubtedly, the bass capital has the answer and is ready to grab the torch like a mic stand . Emcees in the Bass Capital are Holding it Down Now, if you're still skeptical about the reach and longevity of drum & bass music, you're definitely in the minority. Evidence of this doesn't even require a deep scan of the bass music archives. For instance, Iowa's Grinnell College has a somewhat robust piece about dnb's historical imprint. Thus, if kids in the "corn belt" of Iowa are getting down to some rinsed out vibes then you know heads in the bass capital are already with the sauce. Therefore, it's no surprise that our devotion to bass music culture cultivates a healthy crop of dnb emcees. Even if you require spitters to meet a certain quality threshold before cosigning on their legitimacy, the Denver underground has you covered. With this in mind, the denizens of Denver bass music can provide uniquely valuable perspectives into the current state of bass. Specifically, there are a couple of fire mic controllers preparing to unload bars over beats set to echo through the valleys of the Colorado Rockies. So, in anticipation of their emcee duties at AK & Quite Low Present Till the Break of Dawn: Under the Stars - let's check-in with two standard-bearers of microphone mathematics who patrol the Denver underground - Slim_r_i and Relyt . Bass’D Out DNVR : Do you remember when you first fell in love with bass music? What do you love the most about it? What are your favorite genres to emcee for? Slim_r_i : I think I've always been a bass fan. Even at an early age. By the mid-’80s to the ’90s, I would say I was completely gravitating to bass sounds. I liked some metal, but this is also around the time that I fell in love with hip hop and early electronic music. Then breaks really took hold. But by the end of 90's I was a full-fledged junglist. I bleed camo. Drum ‘n’ bass will be my mistress ‘til I'm 10 toes up. I’ve been working with a lot of breaks and hard dance as well. It's tough, I get different vibes from these three different styles that are so closely related. Dnb makes everything ok no matter where life is and allows me to release aggression. Breaks always have this classic old school feel. The breakers and tracksuits take me back and always keep me rooted. The hard dance is literally my safe place. The way the ravers and artists treat each other is indescribable. Ugh, I wish my camo junglists would remember those roots more often and not take shit so seriously. Can't beat the vibe the candy kids give off, though. Relyt : The thing I love most is the vibes! Also, the way a well-produced tune can bring an entire room of strangers together, to experience the same feelings at the same time! Obviously, I’m a junglist to the grave, but I do enjoy emceeing over breaks, trap, and occasionally dubstep! BOD: When did you first realize you wanted to be an emcee? Who are some of your most influential artists? Relyt : I realized around 2000 or 2001. I was heavy into hip hop. It was all about Bone Thugs ‘N’ Harmony which helped shape my ability to rap fast. Then, I went to my first rave and saw MC Dino and DJ Fury going off and I instantly fell in love! Dino has been a huge influence on my emceeing ever since. Slim : That's kind of tricky to answer. I started on open mic rap nights in Pennsylvania in the late '90s . It was literally about flexing and acting up back then. Then, in the early 2000s , I was working on DJing dnb in South Carolina. I shelved it all to run a business and have kids. Around 2011, I found myself in the bass capital, Denver. I went through some huge life changes that led me back to the clubs for bass therapy. For the third time, dnb saved my life. I became heavily entrenched in Denver's dnb scene and made so many great friends. I was thirsty! I wanted to play music, but it was such an oversaturated market. So, after some convos with dnb heads I respected, and getting the blessing of the main guy hosting everything, I made my rounds to the crews and got put on. Lulz , I guess I never realized until I was already in it. I take inspiration from everywhere. Legends like Stevie Hyper , Skibadee , and General Levy , to name a few. Some of my favorites like Inja, Evil B , Traumatik , Flipside , and Harry Shotta inspire me too. I can’t forget about the state-side champs like Armanni Reign , MC Dino, and Messinian . Along with that, there are others like Tone Piper , Wizzkid . Local guys that I see on the regular are important to my growth as well- big up Reylt! But I have to say I learn a lot from what I don’t like by listening to other emcees and hosts. BOD : What was it like for you the first time you picked up a mic and went onstage in front of a crowd? Was it hard to break into the industry? Slim : Well the very first time was like '98 or ’99. It was open mic with my boys with about 100 people in the crowd. I really didn't understand then. I just would just wilded out and left. I didn’t take in the experience. When I started here in Denver, it was pretty scary. My first show was a heavy head-banging dubstep show that was sold out. I think the crowd was as confused as I was as to what I was doing on stage. But in the end, I knew a lot of people there and I got decent feedback. It's been on ever since. It wasn't that bad for me. I think the timing and my established relationships with people in the scene helped a lot. I love this shit, and I feel like it shows. Promoters and DJs tend to back me for that reason. Relyt : It was like what I assume your first hit of crack would feel like- I was addicted… I still am. I still get nervous before shows, but that quickly goes away when I get into the venue.  BOD : As an emcee, what do you feel is the biggest thing you can contribute to a set? What qualities do you feel any solid emcee should possess? Slim : Energy and direction. Sometimes people forget they are there to have fun and appreciate the moment. Professionalism, situational awareness, and timing is huge! Knowing when to shut up, paying attention, and being flexible is huge too. I tend to work as a host more than emceeing so knowing your fellow artists is a must. I never host for someone new without some background digging. Affiliations and label knowledge are important parts of a proper introduction. I consider myself a facilitator. It's not really about me but who I am there to highlight. A DJ should never feel like they have to pick up a mic to get the crowd to engage. Especially, if there’s an emcee on the lineup. You have to walk this fine line of ego and confidence but don't shadowing. You can't be scared to be front and center or even act silly to engage everyone. Shit happens, the sound goes off, changeovers take too long, and people are late or don't show. That's where a good host or emcee will shine. It's important to remember DJ's tend to feed off of you as well. I always try to chat with headliners or people I've never met before their sets. Haha , equipment knowledge is also key! Knowing how to tune yourself and how to hold a mic is 101 . That can be taught, but the feels I've described cannot. 99% of the time you will have no idea what the DJ will do or play. But the feel of handling those situations is something you have, or don't. Knowing how music is made is very important to that feel... Oh, and for the love of bass! Don't be that guy that's just a waste case on the mic. I've never had to leave a set because I need to puke. It's so disrespectful. BOD : How does the energy of the crowd affect your performance? What would you say is the emcee’s responsibility during a set? Relyt: Crowd energy and participation is huge! I pride myself on being able to create and control a vibe in a club, and I would say the emcee's responsibility is just that! BOD : How do you keep your mic skills in top form? Slim : Honestly, I feel like I don't. I know I'm capable of much better work. I'm only settling into this role. I'm close to 40 and feel dumb as rocks most the time. I've only been back on for a few years. I still have so much to learn- So much to express that I don't even know where to begin. But I read, write, and listen to other emcees on sets all the time. I also do my best to keep up with new tunes as they are released. I have a never-ending playlist. With that, I bar over new tunes in the car that I've never heard before. It's about as close as you can get to the feel of doing a set with a DJ. Here's the thing- the past 10 years have been a rollercoaster and now I've finally redeveloped stability in my life. I’m confident that it'll start showing more in my performance . I guess; to sum it up, that is my weakness. I'll be the first to admit I'm a shit emcee but a damn good host. When I get that down its game over. Relyt: I emcee in my head all day every day!! BOD : What do you like most about performing live? What do you like the least? Do you think emcees get the love that they deserve? Slim : I've been blessed in my short run so far. I've had the pleasure of working with legendary DJs and producers. Guys like Roni Size , Stanton Warriors , Krafty Kuts , Kutski , Crissy Criss , Al Storm , Scott Brown , Martix n Futurebound , R.A.W ., The Freestylers , Mob Tactics , Rel 1 , Rob Gee , Reid Speed , DJ Venom , Dieselboy , AK1200 ; the list goes on- I guess moments that stick out are my first time with Stanton Warriors and Roni Size (wish I could get a redo on that one). I was scared shitless and star-struck . He was really cool and told me he wanted more from me. Helping Reylt fill in for Messinian when his flight was canceled last year for POTD’s 20-year tour was special too. But my favorite thing is the relationships I've developed with so many UK headliners- I don’t know - the Brits tend to like me. I don't really have a stand out shitty experience. Some shows I'd like to do again and use what I've learned. There are some moments that I really wasn't into so I could have done better. Sometimes, dealing with random people that hound you for the mic is a pain in the ass. Haha , my Ex called the police to the venue one time over an old warrant that she found. She was told that she could not come to the show by the head of security because of her attempts to start drama, so she had the law show up and they did a walk through while security hid me out. I didn't get to perform as a result. It wasn't that bad to deal with just more of a  WTF ? We definitely don't get the props we deserve as emcees. It's definitely not the most loved aspect here in the states. But that's never my motivation. The reality is I'll never be everyone’s cup of tea, no matter how good I am. This is why I try to have a different style than most emcees. But, when a random person I've never met compliments me, those are the moments I hold onto. Relyt : The thing I love most is being able to emcee with some of the people whose music I’ve spent the past decade geeking-out to. People like Dillinja , Metric & Mampi , and Swift just to name a few! The thing I like least is a hard question- maybe fuckin’ my shoes up?! Honestly, that’s a complex question. There are emcees out there that spit straight fire and don’t get booked because of politics and bullshit! On the other hand, there are emcees out there who have no business touching mics that are getting booked like crazy. I believe if you’re actually a talented emcee and a good person then yes, the people, DJs, and promoters have lots of love! BOD : Any comments or shoutouts you want to give? Relyt : Shouts to Urban Aboriginee, Quite Low Records, Reload Productions , and The Distinguished!! FUCK COVID!! Support your local music venues!! Slim : First off, I appreciate this interview!  Big ups to Hartshorn, Evasive, Ryan Vail, Fury, Ghost, Deceptive, Sevamatic, Kris, Shua, D.O.H., and Denver's Dom . Thanks for having my back gents and pushing me forward!  S/O to my crews 303 Family, Dnb:03, Altitude Sickness, The Distinguished, Quite Low Records, Sounds of Bass, and AK Productions.  Much love to Reload Productions, Free Bass, Amplitude Presents, and all Denver drum ‘n’ bass for the opportunities. Rest assured, the Denver dnb scene is definitely in good hands as long as these two are holding the mic and have something to say about it. More importantly, their continued growth and success is proof that bass music is alive and well in the bass capital. No need to take it from us though. Be sure to follow both emcees at the links below. Then, catch them live in-action when they grace the stage alongside some of Denver's best DJs at 'TillThe Break of Dawn: Under The Stars, next month. Follow Slim_r_i Follow Relyt Till The Break of Dawn: Under The Stars // 9.18-9.20 // On-Sale Now!!

There's no doubt that there's a strong connection between the FL breaks scene and the breakbeats heads of the Denver bass music scene. Certainly, that's why icons of the Florida breaks scene often make it a point to register multiple stops at DIA on their yearly touring schedule. Of course, Denver's SOB Productions is acutely aware of this and is doing their part to help keep the sounds of breaks flowing endlessly throughout the halls of the Denver underground. As a result, it should be no surprise that none other than Keith Mackenzi e will be making his return to Denver tonight for a special Valentine's Day performance. Expect Keith to leave those broken hearts full of broken beats tonight on the dance floor of underground bass music hub, the Black Box . Keith Mackenzie's been a mainstay in the breaks scene for years now so lovers of all things breaks are definitely in for a treat tonight. Indeed, that's a forgone conclusion for a man who's responsible for booty breaks hits like ' Got That Booty ' and ' Big Booty Girls .' However, if some of his new stuff is what you're after, you can stay up to date via his Illeven Eleven Recordings imprint. Nevertheless, make sure to get to the Black Box early and secure your spot on the dance floor. Truly, Sounds Of Bass , continues to deliver those much sought after broken beats to Denver's thick community of bassheads with much enthusiasm. It's no wonder they're single-handedly keeping the love of breaks alive and well in the Denver bass music community. Consequently, that enthusiasm can be felt all the way out to the beaches of the sunshine state. in response, you can bet he'll be loading up his crate with a fresh supply of fat booty breaks for that ass! As you can see below, Keith is definitely feeling that enthusiasm shortly after SOB announces the event. Peep his Facebook post about the gig. The vibes are about to too real with Keith Mackenzie's return to Denver! On top of that, some of Denver's nastiest broken beat purveyors will be locking down warm up duties. SOB is charging Benny Young , ILL.ME.NGHTY and Breakbeat Mafia with lifting the vibes up before Keith takes over the decks. Let us not forget the master emcee Slim_R_I will be holding down the mic all evening long to keep the crowd fully motivated. Furthermore, John Mundt aka DJ Hero will be in the spot to welcome him in. Anyone who knows anything about the Denver breaks scene is definitely familiar with DJ Hero and his grimy sounds. He's been heavy in the Denver underground bass scene since its infancy. If you somehow haven't heard of him, be sure to hit up his Mixcloud and get in the know. His latest Solitude Studios Podcast is straight fire! Better yet, go and grab your tickets for the show here right now and don't miss his set. As a matter of fact, don't miss any of these sets. You will not be disappointed. Come get down with SOB tonight and see just how hard they throw it down- for the love of bass and breakbeats.

In its short time in existence, Prysm Talent Agency is carving a covetous path throughout the bass music underworld. In other words, they have a burning desire to take over the game and they're doing the most to etch those desires into the history books. Certainly, with names like Dirtysnatcha , Point Blank , and LEVIT∆TE. on their roster, it's clear they're set up perfectly to do major damage in 2020. To enumerate their intentions, they're dispatching two of their fastest rising stars, Bainbridge and High Zombie, to show heads in Denver how they truly get down. Undoubtedly, both will be dropping major bombs on behalf of the Prysm squad when they grace the decks this weekend at Temple Nightclub. Temple and its unique Funktion 1 setup will provide the perfect backdrop for these sentries of the bass music underground to deliver fresh bass supplies to the denizens of Denver's basshead community. Behind the scenes, Reverb Productions and FamBAM Productions are teaming up to coordinate the onslaught of mind-numbing head-bang fuel for the evening's festivities. Moreover, they're enlisting support from Denver's local bass battalion. The troops receiving calls to action on this mission include: Xcape , Halfrican , Pitta Patta , and BOD featured artists Spazim & Concentrates . If you haven't heard of Matthew Jung Hood aka High Zombie by now, you're definitely sleeping hard on the underground. Although he doesn't have as much lab time under his belt as some, he's definitely stacking up "W's" on the regular. For example his most recent track ' Glass Jaw ' is consistently collecting spins on the Buygore imprint as we speak. Beyond this, he's already getting mad love from the likes of Graves, Spag Heddy, and Excision . With support like that, there's no question that dude is about to blow any minute now. With this in mind, you definitely do not want to miss out on this chance to catch him at his hungriest! He's definitely going to bring his nastiest stuff to that Funktion 1 array. Co-headlining the bill is label-mate and fellow up-and-comer Reggie Moe , better known as Bainbridge. Although he hails from St. Paul , Minnesota , Bainbridge is no stranger to the Colorado bass underground. Early in his career, he actually spends some time here while living with his mother in Loveland. Recently, he spoke with Turntable Talks about the timeline of events that lead him to his current place in the industry. In the interview, he takes a moment to express how much the Minnesota scene means to him and his career. "The Minneapolis scene has provided me with the opportunities to get my music out there, with an awesome platform to play shows and express my creativity. The fans I have in Minneapolis are die-hard supporters and I will forever be grateful for that." Indeed, Bainbridge is taking full advantage of the many opportunities his hometown scene has to offer. Thus, he's ready to take his career to the next level. Luckily, those of us in the Denver bass community will be afforded a front-row seat to witness his inevitable rise to the apex of bass music. Don't miss out on the High Zombie and Bainbridge show going down this Sunday , February 16th at Temple Nightclub. Grab your tickets here now! Then, make sure to follow Prysm Talent Agency to stay up to date on the latest from their fire roster of burgeoning artists.

It feels like Sound Level Music has its hands in everything lately. Besides consistently delivering power-packed sound to crowded warehouses, co-owners Kevin Loudon and Savannah Driggers are likely curating delicious beats for the residents of Denver's house music metropolis. In particular, Lady Sage continues to raise the bar with her persistent productivity and unshakable affection for the Denver underground. At the same time, she's establishing dominance as the proprietor of the land of the 4-beat. After dropping ' Let's Play House ' yesterday, she's sending a clear message that this is her house, and we're all just the tenants. It's been a hot-minute since Lady Sage hasn't dropped some new beats. Her previous track, ' Everybody ' is still raking in spins and the dust doesn't appear to be settling anytime soon. Indeed, finding musical inspiration is in no way a chore for her. On the other hand, 'Let's Play House,' is like an immaculate palace nestled deep within the Denver house nation. Its crisp bassline pulls you into the foyer of a spotless alcazar as the polished sample echoes along its brilliant pillars. From this, it's clear Lady Sage swabbed every nook and cranny of the track ensuring its complete sterilization of any squalor or imperfections. Indeed, the song's title couldn't be more decorous, but don't let the name fool you. When it comes to her house, Lady Sage isn't playing around. Lady Sage - Let's Play House

Certainly, the AK Productions and Quite Low Records 2019 bass experiment can only be described as an utter success. After delivering a smattering of heavy beats throughout the year, the underground bass conglomerate is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, they're getting 2020 off to a fast start. Last month, they introduce bassheads to two of Seattle's finest, bringing in Mob Tactics for their debut, Denver underground performance. Obviously, AK, Quite Low, and their ever-expanding team of hungry creatives will want to continue building, following a monster year. Indeed, the best way to do that is to sustain their string of unforgettable underground get-downs . With this in mind, the squad will be returning this weekend, February 1st, with yet another stellar drum & bass lineup. Undoubtedly, you can expect the AK/QL team to have everything locked in perfectly for the next edition of their Till The Break of Dawn series. Surely, this is a consequence of consistently increasing the quality of their overall product as each new event comes around. For example, when they step up to host the Planet of The Drums Official Afterparty, it becomes clear how serious this team is about their love for the underground. Check out some of the footage from that event below. If you missed out on the POTD Afterparty, you definitely missed a legendary jump-off! Truly, missing a chance to see Fury , Saltee, Dieselboy, Nvrsft, and Messinian after showing up for a surprise, mega b2b-set is not the move. Thus, it's still causing many in the Denver bass community to have major cases of FOMO. Nevertheless, you'll get another shot at seeing Triple Threat, Slim_R_I, and Evasive this weekend at TTBOD. Additionally, Cynapze, A7TM3D, Relyt, and QL label boss Shua will be joining them. Plus, AK & QL are pledging a portion of their ticket proceeds to Tectonics - A Bass Benefit in support of Puerto Rico's struggle to recover from Hurricane Maria. As you can see, this weekend is shaping up to be another crazy situation and all for a great cause no less. Cop your tickets to Till The Break of Dawn here now! And as always- Come shake some ass!

The underground express rumbles on throughout Denver following the turn of the decade. With much to be thankful for, heads couldn't resist capping the era off in grimy fashion. Luckily, Freebass is always on the job. Stellar showings at their underground showcases have them set up for longterm success, so why not send 2019 out with a banger? Seemingly, this was their thinking as well which makes this a memorable evening. Moreover, the familiar halls of the Primerdome is a fitting setting for R.A.W. to coax out a collective feeling- An energy and a movement that defines a decade. It's hard not to boast about the resiliency of Denver's bass music scene. The sheer number of heads in the know seems more like a symptom than a flashpoint. Nevertheless, the weeks continue to roll by without much reprieve from the unending onslaught of underground bass music cultivation. On the other hand, this train's been riding off the rails like that throughout the entire decade. More than anything, it's just a reminder that we shouldn't expect that theme to lose luster anytime soon. The Curation Once again, Freebass reinforces its reputation for delivering an assortment of underground Denver's finest beat chefs. Complimentary cuts of filthy beats were served well into the night's waning hours, inevitably closing out the decade. This year's curators include D.O.H., KNYN, Miami, Queen Beats b2b Jason Scott, Shua b2b Ryan Vail, and TekNikol. As you can see, the entire roster possesses the skills to cater to any bass consuming occasion. As usual, Slim_R_I provided the verbal motivation, keeping the energy of the crowd at its maximum output. Certainly, the stream of bass consciousness shifted throughout the Primerdome as a result. In other words, the denizens of bass never lose step with the auditory sensations that reverberate through the venue's walls. After a year full of delicious beats, the Freebass team brings out the cavalry to close out 2019 properly. Vibes, on Vibes, on Vibes... If you've got subterranean awareness, then knowing R.A.W. was in town from out west likely piqued your interest. It's infinitely nice being surrounded by like-minded individuals in search of ill beats. Thus, the mere presence of dope hand skills always seems to enhance the energy within its proximity. Beyond this, the Primerdome is a tenured citizen of the underground establishment. Accordingly, the energy in the atmosphere easily forces the community of bassheads to congregate on the dance floor. Moon-faced and tidally locked, the crowd stares at the man behind the digital wheels. Internally, the music lifts us delicately, nudging us into the sounds of another time. Encapsulated windows of time like this one are the norm nowadays in this area. In fact, they feel like digital invitations to take part in the shared love of beats. Even with 10 years of hindsight, it's difficult to describe the vibes these events create. Additionally, it's timelessly beautiful how the community consistently rallies behind anyone who participates in keeping the movement alive. Surely, the Freebass team is going to be giving bass freely in 2020 and beyond! Already, they're plotting a return with some bounce in the spring. However, the only pathway to their invite-only-get-downs is through word-of-mouth. Granted, that may be a tough task for the unenlightened. Nevertheless, venturing deep into underground bass music is just all part of the fun. Obviously, we can't wait to see what else Frebass has in store for us in the decade to come.

Heavy, heavy bass music is what the Denver underground wants and it's certainly what AK Productions and Quite Low Records brings! As we look back over the year, they put together some dope events and they look to build on that success and momentum in 2020. With this in mind, it's great to see them continuing to drop many of their set recordings. Consequently, we can all relive the madness while getting a taste of things to come. Before we look to the future, however, we've got a new drop from one of their most hyphy gigs- The After Party. Phil Scilippa aka Saltee was in the house for this delivery of bass supplies and AK & QL are finally releasing his set as the final installment of the BOD Podcast - The After Party Sessions. This was the second time Saltee hit the decks for AK/QL in 2019. Once again he didn't disappoint bringing his high energy sounds to the dance floor, dropping an epic set which had the speakers shaking from start to finish! Certainly the place was already jumping from the heat of KSUHDILLA 's set and it segued beautifully into Phil's. It was a blessing that he was willing to take time from his busy schedule to drop some beats on the late night tip. Specifically because he's staying busy with his own booking schedule. Also, he's busy at work as the director of marketing and promotions over at the resurgent Beta Nightclub . Check out some of the footage of him behind the decks in the pics and recap video below! [Photo Credit: Bass'D Out DNVR ] Another great thing about this set is how near the end, Evasive jumps in to throw down some of his ill scratching techniques. It was a very nice addition to an already stellar mix. Those in attendance for Afterdub may remember witnessing the legendary, first-ever Ryan Vail b2b Saltee set. Likewise, this micro-b2b shows Saltee can throw down with the best of 'em. At least, this time, if you missed him live, you can bang this flashback set out your speakers. Although Saltee's AK/QL live-sets are a bit behind us now, there are some upcoming opportunities to see him live. In particular, he'll be dropping an opening set on the Planet of the Drums bill coming up in November. On top of that, AK & Quite Low are locking in slots for the official after party as we speak! That lineup is still a mystery and you never know who you might see there. Until then, crank the bass on your system and blast the BOD Podcast: The After Party Sessions: Ep. 5 - Saltee now! Get up on this fire, live-set from saltee! It's the epitome of sounds that AK Productions and Quite Low Records likes to bring! Be sure not to miss the next AK/QL gig: The Official after party for Planet of the Drums 2019 ! Follow Saltee: Facebook | Instagram | SoundCloud | Mixcloud

One of the things impacting the Denver underground scene the most is how the city attracts people from all over the world. Whether it's the relaxing of attitudes toward recreational activities or the burgeoning music industry - peeps are flockin'! Besides that, the city boasts two of the most popular venues in the world. That kind of notoriety definitely creates the kind of buzz that even makes some industry legends come back for more . In any event, the influx of out-of-towners no doubt has a huge influence on the local scene. Certainly, this isn't anything new. We have transplants galore that make their way to the bass capital and contribute considerably to the Denver bass music scene. To illustrate this, BOD checks in with the likes of Shua and Xeela on a consistent basis. Beyond that, Denver has the type of music scene which welcomes newcomers with open arms. Enter Elliot Mess and his bass-heavy juke sound. His sound and style are in his own words, " ...taking its own shape ." In other words, Elliot Mess' unique style has taken on a mind of its own. Additionally, it's evolving along with the blending of influences he's gaining through collaborations with Denver's underground artists. Artists like DJ Chap, GHoST, and Evasive are helping to guide the young beat-makers creativity. As a result, even he recognizes that he's come a long way from his early influences, rooted in 160 BPMs. On top of that, he's built on his enthusiasm for a Chicago movement and is a driving force behind what's now a growing movement in Denver- Juke. Indeed, Elliot is another name in a long line of transplant artists who have migrated to Denver. Specifically, one from Florida who is slowly making a name for himself in the bass capital. Surely, his recent gigs at popular Denver bass music hub, the Black Box can account for that. However, he's not just here to drop nasty sets and collect a check. More importantly, the nastiness coming off of his fresh album 'Gun Man' shows he isn't fucking around. He wants to leave his mark on a scene that has clearly left its mark on him. For that, and for the love of bass, we're full of excitement that he's taking the time to check-in with Bass'D Out DNVR! Bass'D Out DNVR: Describe the vibe you had when you fell in love with bass music. What are your favorite genres to spin/listen to? Elliot Mess: I first heard jungle, d&b, and breaks back in 2001, in Florida. My vibe was LIT from the start. I love to spin footwork, d&b, jungle, dubstep, and anything at160 BPMs. BOD: How long have you been part of the Denver EDM scene? When did you decide to pick up some headphones and start DJing? Do you produce? If so, what made you get into that? EM: I moved to Denver from Tallahassee Florida in November of 2013. I was in touch with my good friend DJ Chap who is from here and quickly got in with some like-minded 160 BPM homies. My first show in Denver wasn’t until Cinco de Mayo 2014 at Sub.Mission E-Tuesdays at the Cervantes Other Side DJ battle. I first started DJing in 2008. I started off DJing liquid drum & bass and used to do monthly shows in Tallahassee with the likes of Binsky, Wrexx, Pope John, and Alex M. In 2009 I met Caleb Selman and we started SUB.CULTURE, a monthly bass night with multiple genres. We ran that for a few years and that eventually turned into Denver Juke. I started producing in 2013. I really just wanted to have some fun and cut up some samples. You can see what I'm talking about in some of my tracks. Lately, I've been trying to get more serious with my production and it's kinda been taking its own shape. It’s a mess, but it's my mess. BOD: I caught one of your sets at the Emerald at a Distinguished show. How did you get involved with Evasive and his crew? Describe how it feels to perform live. EM: So this is a pretty cool story. Back in the day, I used to use a peer-to-peer server called SoulSeek to download hot tracks. GHoST hits me on the messenger praising my Calyx & Teebee folder. Five or six years go by and I'm living in Denver now, I link up with Evasive through GHoST at a Recon show at Norad. Evasive and I have been tight ever since! I love playing live. You get to really showcase your style and it's really fun going b2b with someone on your level. BOD: That night you spun a Juke set. How would you describe the Juke genre for those that don’t know? EM: Juke evolved into Footwork and it comes from Chicago. It is a street dance like breakdancing in New York. It is designed for dancers to battle. It is very underground, we like it that way. BOD: Who are some of the artists that inspire you. What artists do you feel are being slept on right now? EM: DJ Rashad RIP, Deejay Earl, DJ Paypal, Orange Julius, DJ Mastercard, Kode9, Taso, Tom & Jerry, Eprom Mark Starr. BOD: What do you do with your time while not working on music? EM: Work, hikes with dog, PlayStation, Praise Jah! BOD: In 6 words or less, describe what life is like being a DJ/Producer. EM: It Is A Fun Hobby! BOD: What tips would you give someone looking to start DJing? What tips do you have for people to get booked? EM: Learn how to match a beat, everything else will fall in place- Be Humble! BOD: What can fans expect from you in the future? Are there any artists/crews you want to work with? What events/venues would you like to play? EM: Expect Denver Juke to be out here. We have a crew of DJs and dancers and we get the party LIT! We love working with RECON and The Black Box a ton! We would love to branch out to other venues like Cervantes or Your Moms House to see about getting a monthly started up. We are open to working with all crews and would love to get some things happening. BOD: Comments? Shout-outs? EM: Bout That Life!!! "Shout Out to TEKLIFE, Banzulu, Wayzout, K.Locke, Xeela, Rob C, ROYAL, Rabbit, Despise, Shoebox, Evasive, GHoST, Domina, Solid, RECON, SUB.MISSION" Major props go out to Elliot Mess for checking in with Bass'D Out DNVR. It's all love for anyone doing their part to contribute to Denver's growing bass music industry! Be sure to check out the mix of his unreleased cuts off his forthcoming album 'Gun Man' and follow him at the links below. Follow Elliot Mess: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | JamBase | Bands In Town | Instagram

In case you hadn't heard, last month's Legends event was off the hook! Techno heads from the far reaches of Colorado's underground scene congregated in the halls of Cluster Studios to celebrate their love of the 4-beat sound. Indeed, it was a night filled with fantastic sets buoyed by one thing- the love of the music. With that in mind, Sunburst Productions smashed together a great lineup of local legends including: Sante & Tony G, LL Bishop, Chris Irvin, Evenflo, and NativeOrigin303! Additionally, they had house legend Donald Glaude on deck along with the icon Frankie Bones. Obviously, if you weren't in the house you missed out on some quality beats. But, luckily for us, Frankie recorded the action and recently released his full live set so we could reminisce about the night. Before his performance on the night, Frankie checked in with BOD to fill us in on his perspective of the underground scene. Certainly, for someone of his stature, a lot of what he has a hand in creating is changing. Nevertheless he seems to be optimistic about the future of underground dance music. "...modern day Techno is just good driving music and it's great to dance to." With this, it's great to see that someone who's been in the game as long as he has still seeing the music lasting for ages. Although EDM is as popular as ever , it's important to always examine the roots of the music to ensure it's longevity. With his Denver appearance, Frankie Bones does just that. Immediately following his fire techno set, Frankie uploads the full mix to his SoundCloud page for all to enjoy. Furthermore, he writes some thoughtful sentiments about what his return to the Mile High city means to him. "A city which loved to have me from the early 90's until SFX started dumping money into EDM and ripped the core of the underground until there wasn't anything left. On arrival it was over 5 years since I last played Denver. So this party Legends was going to be special in terms of music." As you can see, quite a bit of thought went into this set for Frankie and it definitely shines through in the music. For a set that features low key tracks like, 'I'm Losing Control of My Mind - Adam Beyer vs. DBX,' it's no surprise that heads never leave the dancefloor while Frankie is behind the decks. Also, he sneaks in a sick remix of Phil Collins' 'I Can Feel it in the Air Tonight,' by KW Griff. It is an enthralling mix start to finish with eclectic track selection and, of course, mixing at it's pinnacle. Then, further on in his synopsis, he takes a moment to recognize D-town for one of the many things that its become known for besides its love of underground dance music- THC! "I know Denver is the Mile High City. And everyone is really high. I had no idea what these THC laced candies were going to do, but damn am I lit fam." We think we speak for everyone when we say, "We stay lit, up in Denver, Frankie. You're welcome." The techno beats were definitely booming all night long and Mr. Bones' set is certainly the crown jewel of the evening. Thus, we're so glad Frankie is a gracious man and takes the time to share this bangin' set and his thoughts with the world. Above all, we're very thankful for all he's done for the music we love in the Denver underground. Be sure to bang this live Denver set out your speakers and follow Frankie Bones at the links below! Follow Frankie Bones: Web | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | SoundCloud

Cory Goldsmith - Kiss The Ground Cory Goldsmith is no stranger to the scene with releases on several labels already under his belt. It was only a matter of time before he brought his talents to Quite Right Records . Clearly, the two are a perfect match and his latest offering, ‘ Kiss The Ground’ is a perfect example of that. He’s developed his sound quite quickly as of late and that development is on full display here. ‘Kiss The Ground’ is a patchwork of sounds with the only constant being the upbeat thrum of the kick drum which resonates over the track from start to finish. Even the sample on the track, which you can almost make out uttering the song’s title, is stretched, chopped up, then woven around and through the effervescent synths which highlight the beat. As each element of the beat is slowly wound up and loaded in, it supplements the track’s vibe eloquently. This is a song whose sole purpose is clear- To force you out onto the dance floor and move your feet! Indeed, Cory wanted to demonstrate the breadth of his experimental skill on ‘KTG’ and he does so with resounding success. Surely, this will be yet another dance floor killer in the long list of Quite Right bangers . Furthermore, we hope to hear more Cory Goldsmith QR releases in the near future. -Bass’D Out DNVR
Listen to Cory Goldsmith - Kiss The Ground below and order your copy here ! [Out now on Quite Right! Records] Follow Cory Goldsmith: Booking | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Soundcloud | Twitter | Mixcloud | itunes

AK Productions and Quite Low Records pride themselves on bringing the bass to the Denver underground. Along with that, they definitely know how to support the local artists in the scene. That formula is likely why their after hours parties are such dynamic gigs. To illustrate, we've been releasing all of the sets from their GDF after party in July. Thus, the saga continues in Bass'D Out DNVR's ' BOD Podcast - The After Party Sessions. ' In the latest installment, we revisit the epic set from one of Denver's fastest rising underground stars- KSUHDILLA. The last time we checked in with Hannah Cassera aka KSUHDILLA, she reminded us of how she brings energy to her sets. "For the most part I try to get lost in my set and be as real as possible." That's definitely how it feels whenever you catch one of her performances. Clearly, this is something the crowd picks up on as well. As a result, her sets are always live as f**k! Ask any of her hordes of fans and it becomes obvious why her following grows after every venue she rocks. Her set at The After Party is no exception to the rule. As soon as the first track drops, she easily has the crowd working up a frenzy. From start to finish the mix is full of bass-heavy dubstep and trap cuts which have become synonymous with Hannah's signature sound. What's really dope about this set is how you get to hear her interact with the crowd. It truly reveals what's special about KSUHDILLA- She knows how to connect with her audience. Unfortunately, if you don't make it to the party you miss out on what's likely one of Hannah's most fire sets of the year. Then again, when does she not drop fire sets? Luckily, AK & QL always preserves the nastiness. Therefore, they're allowing us to release the sets as part of this flashback series. So, crank the bass up for this one and let KSUHDILLA take you on a bass-fueled journey. This is episode 4 of The After Party Sessions! -Bass'D Out DNVR Turn up the volume and dance to BOD Podcast: The After Party Sessions EP. 4 - KSUHDILLA now! Follow KSUHDILLA below and don't miss another AK/QL event! BLACKOUT is at the Black Box this weekend. Go here to get on their free guest list. Let's rage!!! Follow KSUHDILLA: FB | IG | Soundcloud | Booking

The summer heat is relentless this year so it’s no wonder things continue to heat up on dance floors throughout the Denve r underground. Likewise, Quite Right Records continues lighting up the decks with one heater after another to feed the unending hunger of the techno fiends of the scene. Just in time for another feeding frenzy, Saltee arrives with his new track ‘ 1M ’ adding onto the QR menu of delectable beats. Like a dinner bell, the thunderous drum beat of the bassline rings out, calling for a million denizens of techno to make their way to the dance floor. As he slowly drips in the angry synths and samples, you can almost hear the sizzling roar of their grunts echoing off the walls as they begin to fill up another dark warehouse. Certainly, this is exactly the type of track that can whip a dance floor into a frenzy. Picking up where Saltee seemingly leaves off on the original, the ‘ 1M Remix ’ by Black Wands delivers the feel of a techno dance floor crowded with a million beat-thirsty inhabitants. The dark vibes of the original give way to a more melodic feel with the canorous synth Blank Wands drizzles over the beat. Its enthusiasm energizes the beat, signifying a dance floor come-to-life. The ‘1M’ original and remix complement each other perfectly, turning this techno entrée into a full course meal. Let the beat engorgement commence... -Bass’D Out DNVR Listen to both versions below and pre-order your copies of 1M (Original Mix) & 1M (Black Wands Remix) [OUT 09.06.19]. Beatport // Traxsource Follow Saltee: Facebook | Instagram | SoundCloud | Mixcloud Follow Black Wands: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | SoundCloud Follow Quite Right! Records: SoundCloud | Facebook | Contact | Web | Youtube | Beatport | Traxsource | Instagram

Jared Lee Peters aka Beats Me has been all over the scene dropping nasty beats lately. If you haven't caught one of his sets yet, you're definitely missing out. Since the last time we checked in with him , he's been staying consistently busy putting out fire beats on several labels. For example, check out the heat he recently delivered to Breaks.SK Records . Thus, it's no surprise AK Productions & Quite Low Records had him on the bill for their dope After Party for Global Dance Festival . As you're likely already aware, some crazy dope sets came out of The After Party. To Illustrate this, we've been dropping all of the recordings as part of our BOD Podcast: The After Party Sessions series. Next up on deck is a grimy little broken-beat mix from Beats Me for episode 3. In a slight departure from his normal forté, the mix starts off slowly. Clearly, he was giving the crowd time to work its way back onto the dance floor before he dropped some bangers. Certainly, that's a tactic used by a beat-miner who's earned his stripes behind the decks. Nevertheless, the dance floor denizens slowly matriculated back up to the booth to partake in the destruction. Jared then proceeds to unleash 60 minutes of straight heat, mixing in sick tracks and dancing all over the bass with the greatest of ease. It was the perfect segue into a beautiful set that was to follow from MsToxiic. Once again Beats Me proves why his DJ career has taken off so swiftly and why he's such a sought after artist. His crafty steez and undeniable talent are next level. Furthermore, he obviously knows how to rock a party by utilizing his eclectic track selection. AK/QL were thrilled to have him out for this gig and Bass'D Out DNVR is beyond geeked to bring you his full set in case you missed it - for the love of bass! This is episode 3 of The BOD Podcast: The After Party Sessions... -Bass'D Out DNVR Be sure to bang this fresh mix from Beats Me and be sure not to miss another AK/QL party. BLACKOUT at the Black Box is coming up in a couple weeks. Go here to sign up on our free guest list now! Follow Beats Me: Facebook | SoundCloud | Beatport | Instagram | Mixcloud

The minions of the underground definitely came out in full effect for the last AK/QL gathering. After the unfortunate cancellation of Day 2 of Global Dance Festival 2019 , it was one of the many spots which stepped up to feed the appetites of the perplexed bassheads. Luckily, a solid lineup of beat curators was already in place for the event, so it was only a matter of time before the underground was alive with bass after a disappointing afternoon. Like most, the members of Breakbeat Mafia were already in town for the Global Dance Festival activities. Thus they made their way to Abraxas Studios just in time for DSQISE to hand over the decks. Although all 3 members of the crew were not able to make it out for their performance, BBM still put on an excellent show. With Sevamatic and Roman still on deck, no one was worried about any drop off in the excitement. If you don't already know, Breakbeat Mafia, and to a greater extent Sounds Of Bass, is keeping breaks alive in the Denver Underground . Therefore, every set they drop is something special. Their set for the After Party is no exception here. Maybe because the Fourth of July is so close but for some reason they came with only bangers for this set. It was the perfect complement to what DSQISE was already getting started. As usual, Breakbeat Mafia, bounced back and forth between each other, mixing in tracks and drops making it all look so effortless. After decades in the game, that should came as no surprise to anyone familiar with the Denver bass music scene- old school or new. As a result, if you missed this set, you definitely missed a thing of beauty! In other words, you slept on another chance to see why the BBM name has become synonymous with
Denver breakbeats! With that in mind, we're glad we can give you a chance to relive the nastiness with us! So, sit back, relax and get ready for some more of those fire broken beats from the S.O.B. crew! Get ready to bang Breakbeat Mafia's ill breaks set now and be sure to follow them at the links below! Don't forget, the next AK/QL event, DV8ted Bass is THIS SATURDAY 8/17/19 at DV8! Come shake some ass! Follow BBM/SOB: Facebook | Contact | Beakbeat Mafia | Soundcloud

AK Productions and Quite Low Records came together once again for an enthralling late-night affair after Global Dance Festival . ' The After Party ' went off without a hitch and had heads jumping well into the early morning hours. DSQISE set the tone for the evening and he went deep into his crate to dig out some nasty liquid bass. Bassheads weren't ready for a very special and rare dnb set from the Quite Right! Records label boss either. Brandon Loyche, better known as DSQISE , went full throttle from the moment he loaded in the first track. Furthermore, he didn't let up off the gas until he relinquished the wheels to Breakbeat Mafia. So, If you think Loyche is out of his element when it comes to dropping bass-heavy tracks you may want to think again. DSQISE easily drips liquid all over the decks with this rare yet flawlessly mixed set. Likewise, he kept the crowd flowing in through the doors and onto the dance floor setting up the AK/QL get-down perfectly for another unforgettable evening. Slide on your raincoats and let the liquid flood your eardrums as Bass'D Out DNVR brings you episode one of 'The After Party Sessions.' Get ready to bang DSQISE's fire set now and be sure to follow him at the links below! Don't forget, the next AK/QL event, DV8ted Bass is THIS SATURDAY 8/17/19 at DV8! Come shake some ass! Follow Dsqise: Contact | Soundcloud | Instagram | Facebook Follow Quite Right! Records: SoundCloud | Facebook | Contact | Web | Youtube | Beatport | Traxsource | Instagram

NativeOrigin303 just dropped a special promo mix and it's straight fire (of course)! In anticipation of Sunburst 's Legends event going down tomorrow, he recently rolled out a fresh set of house beats to get you pumped up for the show. He definitely delivers with 60 minutes of straight heat back to front. If you're slacking-off up to this point, it's time to go and grab your tickets to Legends now! If you haven't been able to catch one of his sets live lately, you've been missing out. Brandon Lee aka NativeOrigin303 doesn't hand out free mixes very often but when he does, you'd best get in line to get your copy. Before this, his last drop is a recording from his appearance at Quite Right Records' Breakfast & Beats Open Air. Before that, months pass before he publishes a new mix. So, it's definitely a special occasion and NO303 definitely doesn't disappoint. As with all of his sets, the transitions and mixing are super on point! The highlight of this mix though- track selection. For example the beat at around 20 minutes is so smooth you barely notice how it gradually increases the energy of the mix. Then, at around 33 minutes, he elevates the tempo again with a bumpin' house track that's sure to get anyone not yet gyrating on the dance floor to start moving their feet. Finally, at around 41 minutes in, he slaps another fire track into the mix. Somehow, Mr. Lee continuously upgrades the vibe of this set from beginning to end. It's a true testament to his skill behind the wheels. More importantly, it's the biggest reason why you cannot miss his upcoming gig! Check out NativeOrigin303's latest mix, follow him at the links below, and make sure to grab your ticket to Legends featuring Frankie Bones and Donald Glaude today! Follow NativeOrigin303: Mixcloud | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Youtube | Instagram | Web Follow Legends: Facebook

Virgin Records is churning out more house melodies through its golden goose Duke Dumont . For a label which is home to the Chemical Brothers and the late Avicii, that’s probably a good thing. Certainly, they’ve definitely got the other genres covered, so having Duke on their EDM roster is a godsend. His new release, ‘ The Power ‘ featuring Zak Abel is sure to keep the Virgin name fresh in the minds of EDM junkies abound. Adam George Dyment , better known as Duke Dumont has no problem delivering hits. In particular, his fairly new track ‘ Red Light Green Light ‘ defines this belief. That, likely, is a big part of why he’s being added to monster lineups such as Escape Psycho Circus . So, for him to choose to join forces on ‘The Power’ with former table tennis champ Zak Abel seems confusing. Although, since his table tennis dominance from 2008-10, he’s done some stuff as a singer-songwriter. Namely, making great music with Gorgon City, Kaytranda, and Wookie. Now, you can add Duke Dumont to that list of achievements. ‘The Power’ jumps off like most singer-songwriter-DJ collabs of the day. Zak belts out some perfect-in-key lines to get the ladies’ shoulders bobbing. Then, Duke lays on the house melodies super thick. It’s the type of stuff that is dance floor gold. Get ready to see plenty of festival-love pop off to this one. If nothing else, light up some glow sticks and pop open a fresh bottle of water. ‘The Power’ should unleash the passion for the remainder of the summer festival season. Listen to the new track below and find out for yourself. Follow Duke Dumont: Facebook | Instagram | Apple | Spotify | Youtube | Pandora ***This article was written exclusively for EDMTunes.com ***

Anyone who's active in the Denver underground is well aware of the migration from the club to the warehouse that's underway. Indeed, the warehouse renaissance is setting itself apart as one of the major factors in the future of electronic music . Nightclubs all over the globe are shutting down and the underground warehouse scene is a major beneficiary of that. Nevertheless, the nightclub scene still has the EDM mainstream firmly within its clutches. Meanwhile, the underground uprising continues to attract the icons of the industry. Back to Where it All Began George Santayana once said, " Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. " Normally, this would reference a lack of understanding of the past leading to negative outcomes. Fortunately, in this era of mainstream EDM, that sentiment can be applied in a positive way to the industry's icons returning to the warehouse. A common theme within conversations among old school members of the dance community is PLUR, or lack thereof. Thus, as George would have it, the hottest Denver events are popping up at its underground and late night venues. If you haven't heard by now, PLUR is one of the pillars of the EDM scene in the US. It's one of the few things that we all love and identify with universally in the underground. Therefore, regardless of which rave scene you cut your teeth in, it traces its roots back to one iconic DJ- Frankie Bones. He coined the phrase Peace Love Unity & Respect in the early '90s starting a counter-movement to the rampant violence of New York at the time. This movement gives rise to an underground scene which moves house and techno away from the super clubs of the era as well. Furthermore, it creates spaces for all to enjoy the music they love while looking out for and respecting one another. Icon of the Underground Frankie Bones is one of the few key figures in the industry who transcends time. Not all the kids necessarily know who he is at first glance but they definitely know what he represents. From this it's easy to understand why he's getting so much love from the likes of DJ Mag, Resident Advisor, Insomniac, and so many more! With 30 years in the industry, he's still headlining events while taking time to school the young heads about the history of the game. Additionally, his Bangin' Music imprint, launched in 2016, continues making waves in a sea of talented new techno artists. Besides that, he's using the platform to reissue his most iconic records including digital versions of his legendary Bonesbreaks mixes. Not only is his music pivotal to techno music's past, but it's still revered as iconic today. With these re-releases, Frankie's setting his sound up to be instrumental in influencing the genre in the future too. Synonymous with the rave, Frank Mitchell aka Frankie Bones is undoubtedly an industry icon. So, as local Denver crew Sunburst brainstorms on a lineup for their next event, aptly named ' Legends ,' Frankie is easily at the top of their list of artists to book. Also, the venue, "A warehouse TBA," is the perfect setting for an icon in the game to make his return to the Denver underground. He'll be headlining the party alongside fellow legend Donald Glaude no less! Certainly, this celebration of industry legends is very timely considering Denver is in the midst of a warehouse rebirth. Above all, Frankie remains as humble as he is true to his art form. After all, that's one of the things which allows his music and message to stand the test of time. Luckily, he's also very gracious, taking some time from his busy schedule to check in with Bass'D Out DNVR. We're hyped to get the opportunity to pick his brain about the old school uprising, and the state of techno. More than anything, however, it's an honor to share the words of a man who's truly an icon among legends. Bass'D Out DNVR - Lately we've seen several super clubs like NY's Output die off just as underground warehouse parties are experiencing a resurgence. Do you see any similarities between today's scene and the scene from 30 years ago when you started PLUR? BONES - The scene has evolved from 1990 when Rave Culture arrived in America. But we have had a club scene and DJ culture going back decades before that. The internet fueled the new culture along as far as that goes and it is bigger than ever. I'm glad I was able to help push it along in the 90's BOD - That movement has made you a transcendent figure in the industry. Is it something that comes up often when you meet people out on the road and backstage at shows? BONES - It is very interesting to me when I meet people because many of them know my name but have to Google me to understand and sometimes it is a big deal, others not so much. But it's the people who made me who I am and I always try to keep that in mind when I speak to people. Yes, I've done a few things but I wouldn't have been able to do it without support from the people. BOD - Fabio & Grooverider picked your record “Just As Long As I Got You” for their 30 Years of Rage Compilation. Do you see your latest music having a similar impact 30 years from now? BONES - I would sure hope people remember my music 30 years from now. I do believe they will because the internet is carefully leaving clues from everyone's back catalog, If it came this far, I am sure it will go another 30 years. I hope I live that long to see it, I will be 82 by then. BOD - You’ve been known to say young fans of the music always end up gravitating to techno. Why do you feel techno and house never die when the other genres tend to fade out? Do you enjoy the techno tracks coming today’s artists? BONES - Techno is short for Technology obviously. And it was born out of House Music as was Trance in the beginning. But modern day Techno is just good driving music and it's great to dance too. I never want to say one genre is better than another. I think Drum & Bass is such an interesting genre too. The people are core ravers and are older now. They still love the music. But I think younger kids just need the experience to hear proper techno and they are hooked. BOD - How does the era you came from influence the music you release on your label today? What can fans expect from Bangin' Music in the future? BONES - I always called it cutting edge club music - so it is really my own take on whatever is big in the scene right now. I don't play like anyone else, I may sound similar to what people call Business Techno, but my Business Techno is underground. I keep it where it came from. BOD - In your return to Denver, you'll be playing alongside fellow old school head Donald Glaude. Are you two close at all?
BONES - Donald Glaude and I have been buddies for years - never had a bad time playing out with him - he does his thing well. I may not speak to him all the time, but we always have been cool since day one and I respect the man dearly. Be sure to follow Frankie Bones at the links below and listen to his latest mix. It's definitely a banger! Don't forget to cop your tickets to Legends featuring Frankie Bones and Donald Glaude going down Sat. August 10th, all night long! See you there... ...Bones has been moving seamlessly from Intellectual to Bass Driven- This latest is meant to take you right back into the warehouse. NO. FUCKING. AROUND... Follow Frankie Bones: Web | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud

For the first time since their 2013 smash ‘ Boy Oh Boy ‘ we have a fresh Good Times Ahead (formerly GTA) and Diplo collab. Due to a lack of leaks, news of the project likely caught bass heads off guard this past Wednesday. After a 7-year wait, anticipation for new material is waning, to say the least. So, a quick turnaround from announcement to release seems like the right move. Likewise, adding their new track ‘ Milky Cabrera ‘ to your collection is the right move too. It should come as no surprise that Good Times Ahead is back with some new flavor for your ears. The energetic duo can’t seem to sit still this year. Every month lately it seems like they’re dropping something fresh. For instance, heads are still banging to their June release, ‘ FK IT .’ Then, before you can adjust the neck brace, a ‘ J Balvin x Sean Paul – No Contra La Pared ‘ remix touches down in July. ‘Milky Cabrera’ is just another chapter in that saga. Although, you may have heard those played live in a set during their Yellow Tour . Diplo’s definitely been active as well. With Global Dance Festival 2019 already under his belt, he’s on to X Games Minneapolis and Imagine Festival next. Expect him to be sporting a cowboy hat , some boots, and chaps along the way. Certainly, it feels like too long a wait for ‘Milky Cabrera’ to finally get here. We all endured the disappointment sinking in with each passing year devoid of this obnoxious trio’s productions . On the other hand, that very well may be the best part of the song. Indeed, it feels like they’re picking up right where they left off. The uptempo punch of the frenetic bassline should sound familiar to die-hard GTA fans. Moreover, its cohesion with that signature chopped-up, wonky Diplo sample gyrating all over the beat should bring back memories too. Overall, ‘Milky Cabrera’ proves the three of them haven’t lost their chemistry. Hopefully, there’s more where that comes from. Grab your copy of ‘Milky Cabrera’ here . ***This article was written exclusively for EDMTunes.com ***

Global Dance Festival 2019 was a tale of two days. Indeed, snatching up those two-day passes quickly is usually everyone’s choice. With a diverse lineup spread across five stages over two days, that’s the best way to get the full GDF experience . If not, you have a tough decision to make- day one or day two . Certainly, in hindsight, choosing to hit up the party for the day one festivities was correct. Although, anyone suffering through that heat at the time, might have 105 reasons to disagree. Regardless, night one’s offering of solid production and beats is among the best in the event’s 18-year history. Thus, the dense cloud-cover everyone sees while making their way to Broncos Stadium at Mile High is a welcome day two surprise. Of course, that was before realizing GDF’s second night would be far different from the first. Here’s how it all played out. The Day Two Timeline 3 PM In typical Colorado fashion, early day two weather fluctuates between cloudy-cool and sunny-hot. This, likely is what leads many of us to be so caught off guard by the impending storm. Even Global Dance themselves didn’t see it coming with local officials stepping in at the last second to put a damper on things. Instead of blurbs about open gates, the GDF social media update is: Meanwhile, many festival heads are still making their way down to the stadium. In its 18 years, canceling is something Global Dance Festival never has to do. The majority of those already at or on their way to the venue, probably never see the update. 5 PM Due to the temporary gate closures, many were enduring 2+ hour waits in cars at this point. If not, shelters in Gate 10 is where you anxiously await reprieve from the storms. At 5 pm, two hours into day two, that reprieve finally came. At this point, nearly everyone’s eyes are glued to the GDF social media pages, in search of answers. All at once, waves of partiers flooded the grounds after seeing this: However, quite a few people arriving in their cars could see things differently. A much-worsening storm making its way across the region proves GDF is unknowingly jumping the gun. Despite this, some attendees begin gaining access to the grounds. 6:21 PM Nearly 90 minutes after day two’s gates are supposedly open, storms pounding the area for hours still aren’t letting up. Additionally, slow-moving entrance lines suddenly grind to a halt causing confusion. In response, attendees receive an ominous update at last: As people continue to slowly gravitate toward the entrances, reports of long lines begin to surface. Consequently, shelters at gate 10 are reaching capacity. Crowding can be seen in these photos from inside: Some of those lucky enough to make it in early catch some of Mom & Dad ‘s set. Unfortunately, pending damage assessments, sets at other stages are not yet underway. Possibly, you score some headphones at the silent disco hoping to make the most of a tough situation. Valiantly, the DJ’s attempt to soothe the restless crowds with beats. As a result, headphone supplies quickly run out from the overwhelming demand. Besides that, someone apparently forgot to kill the scheduled posts on the event page. Telling people to stay hydrated as they stand in line during a rainstorm probably isn’t a good look. Without question, things are beginning to come-to-a-head. Drenched from rainstorms, anxious to get inside, and getting no information, those in line take matters into their own hands: 6:57 PM Finally, once the massive storm relents, safety officials can fully assess the situation and make the call we all anticipate: Nearly four hours into day two, GDF attendees begin slowly departing the stadium grounds. This too becomes a chapter in the saga of a party-turned-nightmare. For many, it means enduring hours of traffic, slowly loading up cars to depart the emptying lots. Others, frustratingly search for a signal as they attempt to quickly secure an Uber or Lyft . In any event, we all turn the page on GDF day two in disappointment, wondering what could’ve been. The Aftermath After spending hours at Broncos Stadium only to be turned away, tempers are obviously high. There are reports of looting concession stands and trashing the festival grounds, to illustrate. However, the majority of us took it in stride and quickly begin plotting our next move. Furthermore, Global Dance didn’t hesitate to express its dismay, immediately ensuring everyone should expect a day two refund. From this, many opted to explore alternative methods to release their pent-up day two energy. With Kyle Watson , and Omnom already on official GDF after-party duties, that isn’t a difficult task. Some artists on the bill even hung around to rock shows for fans too. For instance, Space Jesus came through with a solid lineup in the clutch: With several area crews’ after-parties already on deck as well, a shortage of back-up options is never a real risk. Above all, the most important takeaway from GDF day two is that the organizer’s priorities are straight. Certainly, postponing opening times and keeping people in long lines is a tough choice to make. Likewise, is telling those waiting hours in a sweltering arena that their struggle is all for naught. Not to mention, accepting the reality of losing revenue while disappointing fans and performers alike. Facing a harsh decision and a crowd nearing riot status, organizers made the call. Too often, we see huge festivals make bad decisions which endanger us all. So, it’s reassuring to see Global Dance Festival avoid those same mistakes. Truly, canceling day two was easily the right call to make. With parts of the huge main stage reportedly crashing down shortly afterward, that call didn’t come a moment too soon. Shout out to Global Dance for putting on a solid event on day one. You can see some of those highlights here . More importantly, we owe them thanks for keeping us all safe as best they could. This should be the highlight of day two. We can’t blame them for things beyond their control, such as the weather. We can, however, applaud them for doing what is right. Be sure to follow Global Dance here for news on their upcoming events. ***This article was written exlusively for EDMTunes.com ***

GDF rolls around but once a year in Colorado. Annually, the beloved event brings out the best in people. Whether your a performer, a behind the scenes person or just an attendee- Global Dance Festival makes us all happy . Global Dance and AEG brought a stellar lineup and exquisite production to this year's episode with day 1 falling over a very hot July 19. Besides all the memories made at Broncos Stadium at Mile High that day during the festival, Denver set a new record for heat. Nevertheless, the show went of without a hitch. Regardless of the intense temperatures bass heads flooded the festival grounds as they have in every year over the last 18 years. Denver loves it some Global, and when we come we only want to do one thing- DANCE! Preamble I knew I had two days to get as much quality footage as possible. There was so much to choose from so I decided to take some of my own advice . With that in mind I felt day 2 had all of the sets I did not want to miss most. Therefore, I chose to devote day 1 to capturing the spirit of the event. I made sure to hit all of the stages and also get some good shots of the festival grounds, art installations, and crowd. From this, I've created a photo diary to chronicle my day 1 perspective. These are my best shots mixed in with some of my more memorable experiences. - Bass'D Out DNVR Day 1: Inferno! A Photo Diary Thank you for reading! Be sure to check in with me on EDM Tunes' site next week for the harrowing Part 2 of the story! It covers day 2 of GDF and all the madness that ensues!

E.R.G. - ATF EP Emerging from deep within his workshop, mad beat scientist E.R.G. has rounded up a cache of his darkest experiments to prepare to report for his bass delivery duties. As expected, he’s ready with the needles to deliver his latest beat injection- The ‘ ATF EP .’ Efren Gutierrez aka E.R.G.’s fathomless experimentation is abundantly evident and layered thick across all 4 tracks. Namely, title track ‘ ATF’ which ripples along a choppy bassline keeping lockstep with a writhing glitch loop that all but chokes out the hollow moan of the sample. The aptly named ‘ Bounce Experiment ’ is the true gem, however. After mongrelizing the MIDI stems and samples, he stomps all over them with a furious 808 unleashing a glitched-out, hip-hop-dub-hybrid monster of a beat!   Without question, E.R.G.’s methodic beat tinkering is yielding major breakthroughs. Truly, this new sound feels like it’s been wrested from deep within the psyche of a twisted alter ego. Nevertheless, it’s definitely the proper dosage of bass that heads in the underground need! Don’t sleep on these QL beats and order your copy of E.R.G. - ATF EP OUT NOW! -Bass’D Out DNVR Check out some of the latest from ERG below! Follow E.R.G.: Facebook | Mixcloud | SoundCloud | Contact Order ATF EP: Beatport | Traxsource

Global week is upon us! The annual Denver dance music powerhouse is fully locked-in with the final preparations under way. Likewise, all attendees should now be loading up the wagons and charting a course to rage-town. As usual, there are a plethora of opportunities to help you make those memories that you won't remember. With this in mind, how do you determine the best course of action? Well, that all depends on the nature of your desired experience. Nevertheless, if you're a 'raver noob ' or a tenured 'festival bro ,' EDMTunes has you covered! This is your guide to killing it at Global Dance Festival 2019 . Prologue In the name of simplicity the guide will be broken down into two parts. One for noobs and the other for bros. However, even if you don't fall into one of these categories, you may still benefit from the info in this guide. Now, to make the most of the tips and suggestions provided herein, it's wise to first obtain a clear indication on which of these two categories you fall into. To make this easy for all, here is some information which should kick-start you on your path to killing it. Have you recently referred to all forms of dance music as, "techno?"Are you unfamiliar with the term b2b? Do you think Kaskade invented EDM? Are you looking forward to giving the DJ a song request? Are you excited to hear DJ Jazzy Jeff play, ' Summertime ?' Is this or this the only reason you even know who Diplo is? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, you're a noob. You will want to follow the tips highlighted in green. Break out the scratch pad young buck and start taking notes. If you're still not 100% sure, here's a short video which should fist-pump your brain into certainty. If you relate to the person in this video in any way, shape, or form, you sir (or madam) are a bro. You'll want to follow the tips highlighted in orange. Dust off that bro tank soldier, it's time to get, "lit!" Pre-Event Prep The first step to killing it at Global or at any festival for that matter, is to prepare for the insanity ahead. Depending on your situation you may want to start this process several days before the event. The last thing you'll want to do is scramble around the day of the show trying to figure things out. The gates pop at 3 pm with closing sets starting at 10 pm each night. Out-of-towners beware- liquor stores close at midnight across the state with last call coming at 2 am at all bars. There's a lot to consider so it's always best to knock out the finite details ahead of time. Here are some things to think about. Lodging Downtown Denver boasts a robust system of hotels, motels, and hostels. This is great especially if you're coming from out of town. Although, if you plan on going extra hard, it's probably wise to lock in a room close to the venue so you can avoid long drives to and from the stadium, traffic, parking, and the risk of getting a DUI. Go here for an exhaustive list of accommodations in the area. There's a cluster of hotels within a mile of Broncos Stadium. That's just a 15 minute walk from the venue! This is the perfect set up for pregame activities with plenty of food options nearby. Furthermore, you'll be just minutes from downtown so getting to the after parties will be cake. Accordingly, there'll be higher than usual prices for hotels this time of year. However, this cluster of hotels is priced reasonably in the $130-$180/night range. That's chump change when split up among a group of friends. Click here to see what's available. Option one: The only way to truly bro-out like a boss is with a luxury suite. It's perfect for pre and post GDF shenanigans. Additionally, there's plenty of space to just pass out anywhere in the room Hangover style. Real bros don't need beds. You'll really be killing it by booking the Four Seasons Denver. Peep the options here . Then, grab your dad's American Express and swipe away! Option two: There's always plenty of space in your mother's basement, bro. Supplies Get ready for two long days in the hot sun, two days of pregaming, and multiple after party options. Not to mention all the things you'll burn through at the show. There's quite a few things you'll want to stock up on. For instance, every standard outdoor festival kit should come with the following: gum, chap-stick, smokes, sun screen, lighters, snacks, aspirin, eye drops, lozenges, sunglasses, ponchos, beer, liquor, chasers/soft drinks, and plenty of water. Besides that, don't forget about things such as a boom box, device chargers, and extra shoes/clothing. Likely, you or someone in your crew already has all or most of these items. If not, making a quick stop at a local retail store should be atop your pre-event planning checklist. Festakits puts together prepackaged kits perfect for any festival occasion. Noobs should go here to see what they offer! Check out this footage of festival bros in their natural environment. Every true bro-kit should include all of the items seen here. Also, grab several cases of Keystone Light, Axe Body Spray, Monster Energy Drink, and condoms (there's always hope brah!). Navigating Global Dance Festival After thoroughly gearing up for the event, the next step to killing it at GDF is to plan out your time at the party. The biggest things to consider here are food, rides, attractions, and chill time. Sections 6 and 8 should cover all of this for you. This is perfect as it falls in the center of everything. It gives you easy access from anywhere in the festival and will always be easy to find. Consider choosing a landmark somewhere in section 6 as the meeting spot for the crew. Noobs getting lost or separated should remember to head to the meeting point to find everyone. Moreover, this area will generally be less chaotic and congested. Bros only travel in packs. Whether it's a bathroom break, a puke session, or "cruising for honeys," bros never separate. Meeting points should be of little concern to you. Focus on section 7 (VIP Village) and section 8 for bars. Easily, they're the prime spots for 'killing it' with the ladies. The Sets Sections 1-5 are your stages. Global Dance and AEG locked in a stellar lineup in typical fashion! There're dozens of fire sets on deck on both days across all the stages. Section 4 (Summit) is of course the main stage. This is where you'll catch Kaskade , Diplo , BTSM , Galantis , Illenium , and Excision . The major issue, however, is that the other 4 stages each have sick lineups as well. In particular, the Monstercat stage (Section 2, day 2 only) boasts a nasty lineup, start to finish. You could park yourself there, but you'll miss Joyride , Green Velvet , Chase & Status , and Chris Lake at the other stages. That's not exactly killing it. Although organizers did their best to stagger some of the set times, only so much could be done. Thus, the best course of action is to first figure out who you must see. Then, plan the rest of the day around that. The map in conjunction with the set list should make this a breeze. Planning It All Out As a noob, you'll want to get a good mixture of big names and mid-level talent. Certainly, the quickest way to de-noob yourself is to immerse oneself in the music and the people. Remember this is a festival with some of the biggest DJ's in the game. Posting up in one spot all night only leads to redundancy. Every headlining set is going to be comprised of the same chart-topping mainstream songs. This is what's known as festival EDM. Unless you aspire to bro-dom, avoid falling into this trap. Consider using Day 1 for headliners and and Day 2 for mid-level. Or, perhaps, attack the lineup by camping out during the day and roaming at night. Truly, the options are endless. Check out all the stages and mingle with the crowds. Don't skip the silent disco either. It's loaded with Denver's best local artists! They always go super-deep into the crate to deliver unique and eclectic sets. Follow these tips noob and you'll be on the fast track to killing it. Day 1: Section 4, front-and-center. That is all. El- bro your way to the front if you have to. Be sure to establish dominance over the other bro-cliques in the area immediately. Day 2: Hydrate, rally, repeat. After Parties The only major drawback from Global Dance Festival is the early 11 pm end time. For most of us, this is when the night is just getting started. On the other hand, logistics likely went into the decisions regarding the festival hours. Denver's nightlife scene is as vibrant as ever. Combine that with sporting events and other attractions in the area and you end up with a traffic nightmare. Therefore, getting people out of the area quickly is not such a bad idea. On the bright side too, this opens up the chance for area crews to cash in on after parties. Hence, if you're serious about killing it during Global week then you won't dare let the night end for you at 11. Look here for the official after parties associated with Global Dance Festival. You've made it this far noob, don't get burned out yet! The official after parties should be awesome. Plus they feature some of the headliners from the festival. However, they could be pricey and crowded. Another thing to think about is the likely 2 am end time. You may want to consider hitting up one of the all night after parties. Prices may be much more reasonable and these events usually have a professional yet laid-back atmosphere. If you are hell-bent on killing it, the underground is the way to go. Check out the events listed here for the underground after parties going down in the area. Go Home Bro, You're Drunk If you're hunting for an after party, you probably failed to score at the festival. At this point, you should seriously consider taking off the trucker hat and calling it a night. Here's why: One of the bros is probably bordering on alcohol poisoning and needs medical attention. One of the bros got in a fight and got ejected from the festival hours ago yet no one has heard from him. The remaining bros clearly have no game and their presence would only ruin the girl/guy ratio of the after party. No one likes a sausage fest, bro. Besides, you probably need to get your mom's mini van home, right? Conclusion In short, no matter what you do during Global week, you'll want to remember one thing- don't sweat the small stuff! Whether or not you are actually killing it this weekend truly depends on your own perspective. No guide can choose what makes you happy for you. This is the case regardless if you're a noob or a bro. Nevertheless, use this tool to help take the stress out of the planning process. Above all, have fun! ***This is an editorial article written originally for EDMTunes.com ***

Tomorrowland continues to suck the air out of the room as it inches ever closer to its opening night. So much so that even details about production build-outs have dance music junkies chomping at the bit. Thus it’s easy to accept the lull in action striking the industry annually around this time. Contrarily, that early summer shortage of EDM isn’t something anyone living within 200 miles of Denver can relate to. The build-out for Global Dance Festival is underway too, and it’s luring some industry heavyweights to Colorado as a result. Granted, this may be a side effect of organizers opting to avoid the sweltering July heat in favor of hosting spring/fall engagements. While that may be true, the event’s 18-year reign and unequivocal thriving suggest there’s more to the story. As another weekend of GDF approaches, we examine the main reasons why we all keep coming back for more. Nostalgia Indeed, Global Dance Festival’s place in the annals of CO dance music history is firmly cemented. Longevity aside, their contribution to the growth of the industry in CO can’t be denied. In similar fashion to that of other EDM production companies like Insomniac, Global Dance’s roots are old school. It too was part of a robust Denver underground rave scene which many people can attribute as being the foundation of their affection for the music. Certainly, it’s remarkable how many people have been affected by the event in its 18-year reign. Likewise, there is an endless number of EDM junkies who credit Global Dance Festival with providing their first exposure to the music. Furthermore, Global Dance has stood the test of time as a purveyor of dance music, delivering consistently when other companies falter. Thus, every year when the lineup drops, we reminisce about falling in love with the music all over again. The Lineup Throughout Global Dance Festival’s 18-year reign, lineups have typically stirred up heated discussions. This year is no exception, as the flyer is missing some of the biggest acts tearing up the festival circuit right now. Again, Tomorrowland should bear any brunt of the ire about the bill. Not to mention, Red Rocks gobbles up quite a few of the biggest names of the year as well. With that in mind though, Global Dance and AEG still managed to hammer out a fantastic roster for GDF. If anything, people should be griping about having to decide who to watch and who to skip over during the course of this jam-packed weekend. Diplo , Galantis , Kaskade , BTSM , and Chris Lake alone make this a solid two-day outing. How does this tie into GDF’s 18-year reign in the region? Specifically, the bill is full of fresh names and some familiar ones who’ll be back for the first time in a while. It’s a departure from the common formula of festivals which is to bring the same heads every year. For example, the Monstercat stage is gonna be bonkers! Dirtyphonics , Riot , and Snavs will be putting on a show no doubt. However, rising stars like Notaker , Case Closed and CloudNone are hungry, and on the grind. It’ll be interesting to see if they channel that energy into a bangin’ set similar to what 1788-L did at Red Rocks last week . Also, no mumble rappers this year. AEG Newsflash ! Anschutz Entertainment Group is everywhere. Anywhere Live Nation isn’t, AEG is . Indeed, Global Dance Festival is a beneficiary of this expansion. The two conglomerates have an ongoing battle for Denver entertainment services supremacy which shows no signs of deescalating. AEG whose ticketing arm AXS currently controls all ticketing for venues owned by the city and county of Denver seems to be gaining the upper hand. Aside from controlling the big four massive area venues, ( Fiddler’s Green, Denver Coliseum, Red Rocks, 1st Bank Center ) in some capacity, it also holds down several smaller intimate venues as well. If you want EDM, or any genre of music really, you have to go through them. From this, it’s easy to see where GDF might benefit. With all of the other popular dance music venues locked up, Global Dance Festival faces no major competition. This stretches beyond Colorado borders too as AEG has major holdings in States within the region like Kansas, Texas, and Washington. Regardless of your opinion on the matter, one thing is certain- AEG intends to see Denver continue its rise to the upper echelon of entertainment hubs. The major investment they’re making through building a brand new state-of-the-art venue from scratch is surely a sign they won’t be going anywhere soon either. Therefore, it seems safe to predict that Global Dance Festival will continue far beyond its 18-year reign over the CO EDM scene too. The Vibes Above all, Global Dance Festival is Colorado’s celebration of its love for electronic music. It’s a great time of year for the music scene in general. In particular, all of the local performers or DJ’s who rock the decks night in and night out get to shine during the massive event. It’s one of the few times each year where a massive cross-section of the population comes together for the love of a commonality- EDM. Even if you don’t hit up the festival, or one of the numerous after parties, it’s just an all around dope time to be in the city. Truly, if for no other reason, the 18-year reign is a testament to the underlying vibe that is Global Dance Festival. Be sure to follow Global Dance throughout the week for event updates and festival info: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Web ***This is an editorial piece written originally for EDMTunes.com ***

Summer is heating up abnormally, quick in the Denver underground. With two days of Zeds Dead already in the rear view mirror and Global Dance Festival fast approaching, it's shaping up to be a wild month for bassheads throughout the state. Thus, over the next few months, many of us will be holding our 'Recuperation Sundays' near and dear to our hearts. Fortunately, crews in the city offer a wide variety of easygoing Sunday Funday exploits to unwind with following a weekend of bass fueled debauchery. If you made your way out to the two-night Dead Rocks VI event and subsequent after parties, a Sunday steeped in rejuvenation was most likely your foremost priority. With all the Denver scene has to offer you seemingly can't go wrong with regards to a destination of choice. That is, unless you decided on an evening engineered by the Fantastic Hosts and their July iteration of The Fantastic Rumpus In The Sky. Just as the name would Imply the Rumpus was anything but a quiet Sunday Afternoon. It definitely did, however, live up to the hype. While not much is known about the Fantastic Hosts themselves (their Facebook page alludes possible aliens origins and rough sex...?) rumblings about the rambunctiousness of the Rumpus revelries certainly speak on their behalf. Though the event progressed slowly from it's outset, it quickly escalated to a full-on Sunday night jump-off. Definitely a pleasant surprise. The beats were definitely on point like a decimal all night. Malia set the pace early with a smooth mixture of energetic bass-driven melodies. Very reminiscent of her eclectic BOD guest mix. The undulating tempo of her set kept the crowd moving for the entire 2-hours with her commanding the wheels. Follow Malia: Facebook | MixCloud | SoundCloud Mental69 checked in to the booth next just in time to see the last of the empty space vanish from the dance floor. In autonomous fashion, he immediately boosted the tempo, firing up the crowd and kicking the party into full swing. Check out his full set from the night below. Follow Mental69: Mixcloud | Facebook | SoundCloud Just before nightfall, the revelers of the Rumpus were corralled and ushered to the Underground for the final leg of the journey in sound. Dubwood delivered a delectable final course of genre bending beats feeding the bass heads who continued to meander along the dance floor throughout the night. Follow Dubwood: Mixcloud | Facebook | SoundCloud The best part of the July edition of Rumpus In The Sky (besides having no cover) was the energy on the dance floor from beginning to end. Furthermore, the laid back vibes of the mature crowd were the perfect ending to a fast-paced weekend. More than anything, it's always dope to see people come out and support local artists- for the love of bass. -Bass'D Out DNVR

Had such a blast at the Rooftop Rumpus! Cannot wait to be back at the next one! Check out the recap video I did and be sure to hit up the Bass'D Out DNVR Facebook page for more! Follow Fantastic Hosts: Contact | Facebook | SoundCloud Follow the Rumpus!: FB Event

Every year when July rolls around, most people in the US are looking forward to celebrating Independence Day. A select few may be observing the first-ever Walmart’s opening day or Sony’s introduction of the Walkman. Conversely, for the residents of one small Denver suburb, the first week of July marks a painful anniversary. Morrison, CO , home to a population of roughly 430 primarily senior citizens, is also home to the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater . Every July 2-3 (since 2014) Zeds Dead delivers Red Rocks’ first major EDM event of the summer- Dead Rocks. With six installments of the event now on the books, the yearly explosion of Morrison noise complaints seems more like a tradition. After two bass-fueled days on the rocks with 1788-L , Liquid Stanger , Noisia , Zeds Dead and more, those complaints were surely flying at Mach speed. The Venue The open-air atmosphere, amazing natural acoustics, and breathtaking views. It’s easy to see why Red Rocks is a premier destination on every DJ’s tour wish list. Hence why Dead Rocks never misses a summer festival season on the rocks. No matter the genre, the beats always sound bangin’ when they bounce off of these hallowed walls which turns every experience ,and the bass, up a notch (Just ask the residents of Morrison). At least, once you get inside that’s the case. As you can see from the photo above, the venue is literally carved into the side of a huge slab of bedrock. Furthermore, it sits at an elevation of nearly 5,800 feet. Just getting inside is an event all its own, especially if you fail to snag parking in the upper north lot. If so, strap in for a decently strenuous trudge up the side of a hill to one of the entrances. Once inside- more stairs. Or rather, nothing but stairs. Unless you camp out at the top in the vendor areas, they’re an unavoidable drawback of partying atop a foothill. Nevertheless, the music and vibes more than make up for any unwanted exercise. Pros And Cons The nature of the venue inhibits people from venturing too far from the crew. No more wandering through a sea of kids trying to meet up with lost (or wasted) friends. Nor are there hordes of people constantly pushing past you, elbowing their way to the front. Additionally, Red Rocks’ ban on totems/hula hoops is still in full effect, so no concerns about dealing with any of that nonsense either. Groups generally find a spot to call theirs and post-up throughout the night. This too is ideal when trying to go full-on into a Dead Rocks headbanging sesh. It actually makes for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. It creates better opportunities to have meaningful interactions with the other attendees, as a result. Obviously, that’s a huge part of the lore that is synonymous with the Red Rocks experience. Still, though, back-to-back 7-hour shows on the Rocks will kick anyone’s ass! Wear comfortable shoes. Besides the stairs from hell, the other major setback is the early start and end to the show. The gates pop at 5 pm which doesn’t leave much time if you’re heading to the party from work. The 20-minute drive from Denver quickly becomes an hour in peak traffic. Similarly, by showing up at say… 9 pm (the usual nightlife jump-off point), you’ll miss all the other acts. Due to area noise ordinances, the venue pulls the plug on the music promptly at 11:30 pm. Long gone are the days of partying on the rocks ’til 2 in the morning. However, the organizers are attempting to mitigate the problem by hosting after parties. One for each night featuring Zeds Dead and other artists on the bill. Enlisting, the Gothic Theater for the festivities, bassheads can keep the party going until 4 am! The Vibes Beyond the sound and the beautiful location, Red Rocks has a demonstrative aura about it that cannot be broken. That, in and of itself, is reason enough to never miss out on one of these shows. Dead Rocks VI exemplifies this vibe which manifests itself in unique yet interconnected ways. Certainly, this all starts with the fans. Many of whom spend the entire day at the venue; tailgating before the gates open and after-partying in the lots afterward. Although the venue is in our proverbial backyards, parties on the rocks are always something special. Keep in mind, this is the sixth year of Dead Rocks too. Indeed, the event owes it’s longevity to the countless memories and friendships formed over the years. The hype over the nostalgia is contagious and keeps us all coming back for more. On the other hand, the artists have a unique affinity for and perspective of their Red Rocks performances. For instance, the venue presented Zeds Dead with this commemorative cake honoring their sixth year as headliners. Powerful moments like these are rarely seen by fans that aren’t backstage. Chase that down with the feels of having 9500+ fans screaming down at you in a packed amphitheater- Undoubtedly, it’s an overwhelming experience. Particularly for Zeds Dead, whose fan base never fails to deliver the energy. The effects of that transfer of energy permeate the artists when they amp up their performance with emotional crowd engagement. Dead Rocks gives everyone involved a chance to annually renew these collective encounters which connect us all. The Sets By its third year, Dead Rocks is already a signature Colorado bass music event. Now, it’s a certified festival spanning multiple dates and venues. Fortunately, the party is becoming more comprehensive with regard to bookings and genres, as a consequence. Sprinkling seasoned veterans in with hot up-and-coming acts while broadening the genre exposure suggests one thing- growth . Specifically, in each of the last three years, the event has undergone some form of expansion. Over the course of the two-day party, you could hear future bass, trap, moombah, dubstep, drum & bass, glitch, bass house, electro, and breaks. Besides that, Dead Rocks VI brings the first ever Denver appearance of 1788-L who is killing the game right now. He brought his grimiest stuff for the occasion, delivering a dark and heavy dubstep set. Additionally, the rocks got a healthy dose of d&b from a high octane Noisia set. No stranger to the game, he put on an exhibition highlighting his expertise in mixing, track selection, and uplifting a crowd. Zeds Dead closed out each night with bangin’ two-hour sets. Filling out each set are old favorites and new material with a dash of hip-hop here and there as usual. Their tribute to the late emcee Sean Price was definitely a highlight of night one. Beyond the beats, Dead Rocks VI also stepped up its stage production. This year’s setup includes a new variation of their LED DJ booth complimented by four 30-foot LED panels in the backdrop. The visuals seamlessly flowed throughout the booth and were fully integrated with the music, pyrotechnics, laser arrays, and fireworks. Sadly, the stage production isn’t nearly as dialed in for the other artists. That could’ve been a game changer. Nevertheless, the visual experience definitely brings everything full circle and is easily the best of the event series so far. The cherry on top- minimal intermissions. Hardly a noticeable pause before Zeds Dead took the stage. In Conclusion Looking back, Dead Rocks VI was definitely one for the books. The biggest takeaway is the rate at which the event continues to grow. Seemingly, the event organizers are aware of this. The latest improvements confirm this and are pushing the event into the upper echelon of Colorado music festivals. Hopefully, Dead Rocks continues to grow. With plenty of empty space left up top, a second stage is the obvious next step. Or perhaps, a third day. Either way, Dead Rocks is sure to be back bigger and better next year and we can’t wait! See you there… Be sure to check out the recap video below! Keep it locked on EDMTunes as we continue bringing you the freshest summer festival news. ***This is an editorial piece written originally for EDMTunes.com ***

Fonzie - Flux EP The Don of Denver whomp is back with another generous serving of his delicious productions. Eugene Landini aka Fonzie has been a busy man of late. Indeed, Denver area crews are always feening for that filth that Whomp Truck delivers. Luckily for us, he put his DJ bookings on the back-burner briefly to deliver his latest work to Quite Low Records - ‘ Flux EP.’ Fonzie couldn’t have picked a better title for the 4-track effort.  The bass definitely came flowing hard out of his mind as he smothers each track with heart-pounding resonance. The star of the show is definitely ‘ Space Mountain ’ with its glitchy flow and face-melting bassline. Certainly, he had utter dance floor destruction in mind with this banger. Then, on ‘ Viscous, ’ he plays with the rhythms filtering in the midi keys and winding the tempo around his signature glitch sound. It’s clear his production skills are evolving nicely! Above all 'Flux EP' is a well-rounded addition to Fonzie’s catalog. It’s that ‘ Big fat get-your-panties-wet bass ’ that we’ve come to expect from Whomp Truck and Quite Low. Make sure you go and cop ' Fonzie – Flux EP' dropping August 3, 2019! [Available for pre-order today!] Follow Fonzie: Facebook | SoundCloud | Beatport | Twitter

Dzhef - Kassyni The explicit bliss, synonymous with the Quite Right! sound is slowly becoming an institution further solidifying itself as the conductor of a shuttle into the melodic abyss. Jafar Rajabov aka Dzhef provides the latest installment in this ariose tradition with his track, ‘Kassyni.’ Just in time to deploy the next auditory payload, Dzhef has emerged from the lab with a powerful new mosaic of sound. 'Kassyni' teases the senses with it's slow buildup leading into a colorful arpeggio resembling the sun rising over the planetary curvature within the universe’s silent void. Meanwhile the constant thump of bass propels the shuttle of the beat from our hearts on the dance floor all throughout the never-ending expanse of space-time. Dzhef continues to expand his technique with each release more intricate than the last. Indeed, his experimental nature shines through with his latest track. Listen to the beat below and grab your copy of 'Dzhef - Kassyni' HERE to hear the latest volume in his evolution of sound. Follow Dzhef: Facebook | SoundCloud | Beatport

Futurcode – The Network Ben Gold and Omnia just can’t seem to get the tracks out fast enough. In truth, since discovering their unique chemistry during a b2b set, they’ve never been more prolific. The press coverage for ‘ Trinity ‘ with Ruben de Ronde is still making its rounds yet they’re already back with some fresh beats. After launching the Futurecode project together they could not wait to share all their new sounds with the world. Now, we can add ‘ The Network ‘ to that growing list of stellar releases. Obviously, each of these two is enormously successful in their own right so it’s no surprise that they hit the ground running with Futurecode. Although, getting to debut a new project on the biggest stage trance music has to offer is no small feat. Clearly, it’s a testament to the fluidity at which their collaborations progress. ‘The Network’ not only substantiates that notion but is also a fair representation of each artists’ unique sound. In a recent interview with Rad Season , Ben had this to say about the Futurecode sound: "…WE DON’T PLAY 138 (BPM) AS BEN GOLD OR OMNIA, SO IT DIDN’T MAKE ANY SENSE TO START MAKING 138 MUSIC OR PLAYING THAT KIND OF SPEED. HOWEVER, OUR RECORDS ARE ALL ABOUT THE MELODIES AND THE SOUNDS AND THE EMOTION." There’s definitely no better way to describe the motivation behind ‘The Network.’ This track is melodic and energetic from start to finish. Their prowess at creating such powerful melodies is only surpassed by the delicacy at which they apply the bass line and percussion. Ergo the melody is highlighted so as not to take away from the emotion of the track. Ben took a moment to elaborate on that as well. "TRANCE IS A FEELING, TRANCE IS A SOUND, TRANCE ISN’T A PARTICULAR BPM OR ENERGY LEVEL OR A BASELINE. IT’S SUCH A HUGE GENRE AND I THINK WE’VE IDENTIFIED A PART OF THAT GENRE WHICH REALLY WORKS FOR US." Give the track a spin below and be sure to pick up a copy of Futurecode’s ‘The Network’ here . ***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com ***

Fatum – The Game Every time Armind rolls out another Fatum release we get hyped up due to the group’s inability to produce anything but bangers . That’s something you can all probably relate to. Of course, their tracks are easily some of the best of the year to this point . These guys are carrying the trance movement back to the forefront, yet taking time to tear up the underground along the way. Their latest track, ‘ The Game’ , easily magnifies that trail of destruction. Grammy nods notwithstanding, they’re on another level right now because of what they’re doing in the studio. Namely, the way they intertwine heavy basslines with effervescent melodies over beats with frenetic trance BPMs. Certainly, ‘The Game’ exhibits this technique to perfection while simultaneously serving up that underground retro-synth vibe that’s taking hold throughout the industry. Daniel Davis touched on this during an interview with EDMTunes : “The age gap between Bill and Chad versus Bruce and myself allows for a wide variety of musical inspiration, however, we always seem to agree that we love the 80’s synth-pop era. So, you will hear a lot of our musical influence coming from that decade. “ Besides that, Fatum laced ‘The Game’ with a clever sample which explains the title of the track. Whether or not it’s a reference to a certain scientific theory , is up for speculation. However, the common name that the group and the theory share are seemingly too close for coincidence. In any event, they leave you no choice but to dance your ass off. Pick up your copy of ‘ Fatum – The Game ‘ now, at one of these links. Fatum – The Game ***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com ***

HI-LO & Chocolate Puma – LazersX999 The latest Heldeep Records release ‘ LazersX999 ‘ is a new collaboration from Dutch duo Chocolate Puma and label boss HI-LO . The trio of producers is reuniting for the first time since coming together on ‘ Steam Train ‘ back in 2016. Once again they’ve delivered a fun track for all you house heads to bounce to this summer. HI-LO aka Oliver Heldens has been a busy man at the helm of his record label founded back in 2015. With dozens of releases from the likes of Firebeatz and Moguai he isn’t in desperate need of fresh material. However, he is staying busy in the studio, keeping his word from his interview with UKF a few years back. Thus he’s finally getting around to dropping ‘LazersX999.’ “I’m working really hard on some new music. Now with a second DJ persona I’ll have to haha. There is new stuff coming up for sure. For both Oliver Heldens and HI-LO. But what’s coming is still a secret. I’m getting really good in keeping secrets.“ Since we last checked in with Chocolate Puma they’ve been busy rocking stages on multiple dates during Miami Music Week . This summer, they’re already locking in multiple dates across Europe . Additionally, they have a huge date in the fall for their ‘ A Journey Through House ‘ event taking place October 19 , in Amsterdam . Once again, the trio have put together a bouncy house track aptly named ‘LazersX999.’ The booming bass line is smothered in what sounds like thousands of lasers plucked from an Atari video game circa 1975. Turn this track on and instantly see everyone on the dance floor transported to a laser-tag warehouse. Nevertheless, this is definitely a track to get the laser arrays firing at full tilt on every dance floor from the night club booths to the festival stages. Listen to ‘LazersX999 below now and grab your copy today! Follow HI-LO: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Beatport Follow Chocolate Puma: Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Twitter ***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com ***

House and techno fiends stand up! Factory 93 just announced that it will once again take over downtown LA as the Secret Project Festival . This is great news for dance music fans as the festival will once again celebrate the avant-garde side of the industry. Indeed, the intimate setting of the festival makes this a cannot miss event of the year for house/techno heads. Mark your calendars on October 12-13 ! Event organizers recently rolled out the announcement on its social media outlets. As a result, shouts of, “Just take my money!” quickly filled up comment threads. Just look at the lineup the event website still boasts from last year: As you can see they are still coveting this remarkable lineup from 2018. Certainly, they want to build excitement for what’s to come as Secret Project Festival returns again for 2019. Unfortunately, no new info is coming out about the lineup for this year yet. Although, if it’s anywhere near the level of last year’s bill , it will not disappoint. However, they did push out a teaser video for your viewing pleasure. Check it out for yourself. Factory 93 is already having a monster year with sets from Maceo Plex , Adam Beyer x Cirez D already under it’s belt. Plus, it’s got shows with Loco Dice and Boris Brejcha still on deck. Clearly, they know how to throw a party and never let house and techno heads down. Another great night is a lock with the Secret Project Festival’s return. Be sure to follow the event at the links below as more announcements become available. Follow Secret Project Festival: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Web ***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com ***

It’s been back-and-forth all year on if and/or when we’ll be getting some new Skrillex releases anytime soon. First, he breaks hearts earlier in the year when announcing no new album is forthcoming. Then, around Easter, he broke his silence about new material coming soon , just to clarify. Now, since teasing new production on his Reddit live-stream, should we all jump back on the ‘new album’ bandwagon? Who knows. The most important thing though is that he’s still hard at work in the studio and things are sounding great. Ironically enough, one of the new Skrillex releases is the much anticipated, ‘ Ping Pong ‘ which can be heard in the video. As much as fans are bouncing back-and-forth on when we can expect a new album, it’s fitting that this would be one of the tracks he teases us with. Indeed, it’s quite the tease as from what we can make out, the music sounds amazing. Check out the video here for yourself: It’s nice to see how jacked up the man is about his own stuff! Moreover, you know it’s real when he refers to something as, ‘next level shit!’ That’s something you can tell the fans definitely relate to in the Reddit thread too . No doubt he wants fans to be as jazzed up about his new tunes as he is about his new speakers. Additionally, just days ago on his Twitter feed, he got fans ‘pumped up’ about some new Skrillex releases on the horizon so this Reddit post must be a continuation of that. Certainly, this is all leading up to some sort of big announcement, right? Check out the twitter thread here: Consequently, we’ll just have to go with the ‘ping-pong’ flow until something definitive comes out of the Owsla camp. At least we know something is in the pipeline. Stay tuned as we continue bringing you the latest on the new Skrillex releases. ***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com ***

Above & Beyond wants you to take time away from the dance floor to focus on your mental health . In fact, for emphasis on that sentiment, they’re dropping a new album, Flow State , July 19th , just to inspire you. Additionally, in recognition of International Yoga Day , the Flow State Sampler EP is out now. An uplifting experience spurring an artistic evolution for A&B culminates with a project aspiring to eradicate your fear and stress. Although it’s a side-step from the heart pounding sounds the group’s known for, Flow State’s direction shouldn’t surprise A&B fans. Any familiarity with the group should equip you with the knowledge of their Burning Man 2014 experience . When the the Playa ‘s fortuitous energy coerces an impromptu yoga set, a blast of spirituality alters the trio’s creative path. Unsurprisingly, yoga sets are now integral pieces to many of the biggest Above & Beyond performances, as a result. Accordingly, their growing catalog of original music, which they devote to the flow state experiences, is bringing about unexpected realizations. In their press release, the group’s Paavo Siljamaki puts this realization into perspective: “AFTER THOSE AMAZING YOGA SETS, WE REALIZED THAT THERE IS A BIGGER PLACE FOR THIS MORE REFLECTIVE MUSIC WITHIN OUR LITTLE UNIVERSE… THROUGH RAISED AWARENESS, BEING MORE PRESENT, ONE CAN REACH A STATE OF FLOW: A CREATIVE AND FREE STATE OF MIND WHERE TIME, FEAR AND STRESS DISSIPATE” Additionally, yogi Elena Brower , the leader of the infamous Playa yoga session, offers a 13-minute talk on self acceptance. Regarding the project she helped inspire, she laments this: “Flow State is about the subtlest, innermost conversation, trusting ourselves, and looking inward for acceptance. ” Her talk is set to the music of Flow State which you can also experience on the new sampler EP. A new track, ‘ Believer ‘ accompanies the classics, ‘ Small Moments ‘ and ‘ Sun In Your Eyes .’ Listen to the sounds below and try not to catch the vibe of one of those classic A&B dance floor build-ups! With this EP, Above & Beyond sets clear expectations for the full 49-minute Flow State album coming soon. Above all, the entire project places a huge emphasis on the importance of mental and physical well-being. With the current state of many artists in the industry , that seems like something we should all be focusing on as well. You can pre-order it here now. Follow Above & Beyond: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | iTunes | Spotify | Soundcloud | Website | Live Dates ***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com ***

Without a doubt dance music is continuing to rise ever since the explosion of rave culture in the '80s and '90s . With the industry approaching the heights of commercialization, it has reached a crossroads and several things will affect its future . For example, the artists in the industry, who're seeing a decline in their earnings, will need to quickly adapt. Specifically, they'll need to find new ways to maintain their prosperity, set themselves apart from the rest, and lean on each other for support. One promising solution involves a return to some of the industry's roots. For instance, returning to the undergound seems to be a viable option to gather like-minded individuals to share their love for the music. This is something that's already taking place around the world. From this we may be able to tap into a pivotal part of the culture that powered its explosion in popularity- the vibes. Artists in the Colorado underground scene have definitely taken notice and are making moves to bring that energy back to the industry. DSQISE, with his various avenues of creative release in-tow, seems to be at the forefront of that revolution. Brandon Loyche aka DSQISE is no stranger to the Denver underground of the past and today. After a decade in the game, he's steadily becoming one of Denver's most prolific creators across multiple platforms. Indeed, he's got a firm understanding of what it takes to launch and maintain a successful career in various creative industries. Through Dirty Little Thieves and Monster Truck musically, and Pulse of Prophets and Abraxas Studios artistically, he's left no question about his wealth of talent and drive. Besides all of that, his label Quite Right! Records has become a constant stream of bangin' Denver underground sounds. Surely, his integrity, reputation and contribution to the scene cannot be questioned. Therefore, it's obvious why he's such a highly sought after artist. However, the most transcendent qualities which DSQISE possesses are his passion and respect for life, kindness to others, and desire to uplift those around him. No surprise there considering his affection for, The Burn . Nevertheless, it's definitely something that comes through in his music. Listen to his track, 'It Matters' , and you'll understand. Certainly, those qualities also shine through when he carefully crafts his sets which take dance floor revelers on euphoric journeys. Furthermore, he's tasked himself with reinvigorating the undergound with Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect (PLUR). It's something the scene had in its infancy; it's what captivates us and draws us in. Thus, the scene truly does need more energy like that of DSQISE, and Bass'D Out DNVR is proud to be a conduit to its proliferation. -Bass'D Out DNVR Bass'D Out DNVR : Over the years you’ve been a part of numerous projects from Dirty Little Thieves (DLT), to Monster Truck, and now on a solo mission as Dsqise. How would you describe the way you’ve evolved musically over the years? DSQISE : I have, for as long as I can remember, found myself listening to and celebrating all sorts of genre’s from IDM to hip-hop, house to dnb, and classical to classic rock- this has stuck with me. DLT was hard hitting electro house, and I have loved harder but groove oriented music since that time, and not wanting to limit myself to just one genre, I like to step into many, even if I don’t play them out as sets, I like to listen and craft a soundtrack to my day and bring that to the time of day and location of where I may play for others. This also seeps into my production, and has propelled my growth as an artist to really explore and step into those areas even more. House and Techno hold the core of who I am. I also have a lot that I dabble around with outside of that, and use that to influence my songs, and how I compose a set. BOD : What’s different about how you find inspiration now versus what motivated you earlier in your career? D : When I was younger, my motivation was to always have the crowd react and feel good and be in this moment of losing their shit with me. I of course still want the audience to get lost in the moment with me and the music, but I really focus on playing different styles for different times or playing much longer (4+ hour) sets and really take people on a voyage. That journey, ebb-and-flow, peaks and valleys type shit. Where can we go, what can we feel together? BOD : It seems like your Dsqise alias is the culmination of developing multiple personas over the years. D : The name is a testament to the multiple persona’s I may take on in listening and creating music and I think came around full circle from the time I created the idea before DLT, to what it is now. As to say that; I want to surprise you, take you places sonically. You never know what you may get, but it will always be appropriate to where we are and the vibrations we want to ride. BOD : How does this affect your creative process for producing new music and putting together sets when you perform? D : For a while I thought I had to be one thing or the other genre-wise. It felt not entirely whole, like who I really was, was so much more (not in an egotistical or self centered way, but more of what my energy was saying). So, with DSQISE I want to show diversity, love for all things music, let everything inspire me, and see where that takes me. Hopefully, others will enjoy the ride. BOD : Besides rocking the DJ booth, you’ve been very prolific over the years as a visual artist, label boss, studio owner, and running the Pulse Of Prophets (POP) lifestyle brand. How do find time to manage it all? D : I really immerse myself in the things that drive me, but I always battle the ebb-and-flow of creating time for it all. Sometimes I am on point and in a flow and other times something falls off. It’s a daily battle to balance everything, but I review what I am doing and where it’s taking me trying to revise and trim when possible. Visual art has become the main bread & butter as I build my music and the label, but I love to create. Being able to visually match the tracks I create or the one’s that we put out on the label is very freeing and fun. Pulse Of Prophets is the fuel behind the digital brand, the labels, the apparel and events. My business partner and friend Nathan Mynus and I have crafted a vision of all-sensory stimulation and creative direction because it all flows together. POP is definitely the foundation on which everything else is being built because it’s the creative agency for other artists we work with and all artists and label branding/promo. It’s something that works to grow as the music and label does, and fuel it. BOD : What are you most passionate about out of everything? D : It’s hard to pinpoint if a certain passion eclipses the other, but I do get lost in creating music & playing it for others most. However, I love having the pleasure of working with other creatives, being inspired by them, and making the most of their music lives. Driving them to create and be as successful as they want to be in music and creation is something I cannot do without. The music and the visuals are just as important as the experience- it’s all as one. BOD : 2019’s been an explosive year for you with Abraxas Studio taking off, steady growth for Quite Right! Records, and a series of events that continue drawing bigger crowds. What do you consider to be the most critical element to your continued growth and success? D : Two words I always tell myself are persistence and perseverance. There’re plenty of times where something doesn't work how you expected, do as well as you hope, or even completely falls flat. I have never wanted to shy away from an opportunity that was in-line with what I believe and want to help create. Some things will continue on and be a staple of my life while others will fall off as I navigate through it all. I'm just trying to help our artists reach their vision and give back to the people who support us or need support. We have this one life, this one shot, and if you aren’t going for the shit you truly want, you're wasting your life. That’s not just some cliche quote, it's truly what we're called to do. Share your light with the world, and take yourself beyond what you think your potential is. You are wiser, stronger, and greater than you let yourself believe much of the time. Keep going and rest when you need to. If you truly love and believe in something don’t fucking quit. BOD : Your next event, Feel Good with Nicky Genesis, is coming up quick! How excited are you for the party and what do you like most about Nicky Genesis? DSQISE : Man I am Quite Fucking Hyped, ha! Honestly, Nicky Genesis is a fresh artist on the rise and crushing stages all over! I am grateful to have her out for this event and excited to see the energy she brings. BOD : How is the collaboration between QR, Blue Records, and Couchland Collective going and what can we expect from this collective in the future? D : Collaboration with Blue and Couchland has been a journey and a lot of fun! We are all working to craft an experience in the underground that takes our efforts further and hones in on feedback from attendees on how we can improve every time. The 'Feel Good' idea comes from bringing an all inclusive, understanding, and fun environment. This stems from our days in the rave scene and the complete acceptance that is given to everyone. People may mock PLUR these days, but the concept and the love was fucking real! I want to keep that energy flowing. BOD : Any other comments or shout outs? Truly want to thank everyone who ever came to a show, bought a track, received a sticker (posted said sticker somewhere), shared a post, supports the label (and artists), or supports our artwork/apparel. I'm so grateful and would be nowhere without that support. Lastly, thank you Bass’D Out DNVR for this opportunity! -DSQISE Major props and appreciation goes out to DSQISE and his whole team! BOD truly appreciates his support and everything he does for the scene. Be sure to listen to his latest mix for Rondo and follow him at the links below! Be sure to catch DSQISE's set at Feel Good Featuring Nicky Genesis! Text 'Nicky' To 555888 for Tickets & Info Follow Dsqise: Contact | Soundcloud | Instagram | Facebook Follow Pulse Of Prophets: Facebook | Instagram | Web | Twitter | Contact Follow Quite Right!: SoundCloud | Facebook | Contact | Web | Youtube | Beatport | Traxsource | Instagram

One of the most beautiful things about dance music is the connection that everyone has within the scene. Not only with the music and artists but with each other as well. The ability of the artists to connect with the hearts and minds of the listener is the driving force behind the industry's rising popularity . Artists and performers have the ultimate fortune of seeing these connections play out in real time. Consequently, everyone within the community shares some sort of common bond built on inspirations derived from the music. In other words, the Denver underground possesses a collective consciousness of positive energy that permeates the mind and body. As a result, the creators in the industry have the important responsibility of sustaining these vibes and ensuring they never wane. One such prolific purveyor of that energy is D3LPHIE. Jessica "Flower" Conway got her feet wet in the EDM scene in 2006, falling in love with the energy radiating from the warehouse dance floor. The way she eloquently describes how house music touches her is a microcosm to the dedication and passion she exudes in her music and performances. Indeed, her ethereal ability to penetrate the spirit of those around her with her auspicious and positive mentality is what makes her such a sought after entity within the Denver underground. More importantly, combining that energy with her mastery behind the decks and in the studio makes her music truly infectious on the dance floor. Beyond that, D3LPHIE is a force to be reckoned with in the industry. She's already earned her stripes in the booth and the studio and is now providing a platform for other artists to reach the masses. Her Blue Records imprint is coming off of a killer 2018 and is progressing through 2019 much more vehemently. Nevertheless, the most striking thing about D3LPHIE is the strength of her spirit. Although she's dealt with vicious brutality, she refuses to allow herself to be a victim, sharing her story so that others may gain strength. Furthermore she hasn't let anything dissipate her passion or goals. Nor, has she let anything curtail her mission of spreading positivity. Thus, we're truly honored she's allowing us to share her story with you. -Bass'D Out DNVR Bass'D Out DNVR : It seems like your creative motivation is rooted in spreading positivity while inspiring others. D3LPHIE : I truly believe that you get what you put in, in this life and I put that notion to work when it comes to my career. What goes around comes around, and I want to show my fans that positivity and persistence work with that same force in hand. Moreover, I want my listeners to associate my music with positivity and inspiration. After my domestic violence incident last year, I believe it essential to show my followers that no matter what happens in life you can rise above and create your own path through light, love, positivity, and unparalleled persistence. BOD : How does this mantra influence your performances and approach to producing music? D : This mantra influences my performances because I put strategic effort into my song selection with optimistically impacted tracks and a beatific personality behind the decks to give my supporters a way to leave the world behind on the dance floor. As for my productions, I also use an enlightening format when it comes to picking my sounds and vocals. I want my music to be a mantra of positivity that promotes listeners to buoyancy even in their most difficult times. BOD : Is there anything from the time before you became a DJ/Producer, when you first fell in love with house music, that still affects you today? D : Before I became a DJ/Producer, I attended my first warehouse event in 2006 and was introduced to electronic music with DJ Qbert and A Track, which opened the doors to my love for house music. I fell in love with the intricacies of the sounds and how the vocals could be manipulated to create such a timeless genre, and I still find these elements affect my love for house music today. BOD : You’ve had multiple partnerships over the years including teaming up with Xander Pryce as Artifractal to now joining forces with Brandon Lee on the Blue Records Imprint. How have these collaborations altered your solo career’s trajectory and do you have any other collaborative projects planned for the future? D : I was always D3lphie, but when I decided to partner up with Xander as Artifractal we decided to put the focus on our duo because we felt we both had key elements that would create a more well-rounded sound and image. We both decided to set aside our solo gigs for that very reason. We both joined forces with Brandon to run blue, and our label hit the Beatport charts several times in the first year. Last November, Artifractal broke up because Xander attacked me and is now facing jail time. I have decided to turn Artifractal into my new Trance alias Antifractal, as my duo had immense local recognition in the Denver Trance Family and I plan to continue that trend. I am still currently in the process of changing my social media accounts and logos from Artifractal to Antifractal, so for now you can see all of my upcoming Trance gigs on the Artifractal media accounts. Both blue and Artifractal have completely transformed how I want to project my solo career as D3lphie, I have decided to keep that alias as strictly House music. Furthermore, I am focusing on my productions and touring for gigs outside of Denver, as well as throwing our own blue parties in Denver. While I will still take some local gigs here in Denver with both D3lphie and Antifractal, I plan to put most of my focus on my House productions and touring for gigs as D3lphie. BOD : Besides slaying it in the music industry, hosting events, and finding new talent for Blue Records, you also write and model. Is it difficult for you to consistently devote equal time and energy to all of your various creative outlets? What’s different about your experiences as a model and writer versus being a DJ/Performer/Producer? D : So my degree is in Communications and Social Media Marketing and I still use that to write for a few online music publications, but it is more of a hobby now. I still use my knowledge for Social Media marketing to my advantage for blue and D3lphie, but I definitely put 95% of my focus on writing music, DJing and running blue Records. As for my modeling, I feel it brings a full spectrum to my D3lphie image. I have been limiting my shoots this year and plan to use each shoot to promote a new element to D3lphie. For instance, I will use each shoot for new track artwork or to enhance a theme to my upcoming mixes. [Photo Credits: Wild Beauty Boudoir - Web | Facebook ]
BOD : It seems like Blue Records has gotten off to a great start in 2019. How did you become involved with the venture and how would you describe your experience running a label. D : Blue Records had a great year in 2018 with several of our releases charting on Beatport and Traxsource. In 2019 we have limited our releases to about 1 a month so we can focus on our events and taking the company worldwide. I became involved with Blue through Brandon Lee, he admired my skills and saw immense strengths in my hustle regarding music and my branding. Our teamwork and persistence has made Blue a great success so far and we plan to continue that with our future events, and artist releases. BOD : What’s your process for finding new artists? D : Our process for finding artists has evolved over the past couple of years. We used to hunt for artists on soundcloud, as well as Traxsource and Beatport for our larger artist features, but now we get submissions through our email and Social Media accounts. We listen to submissions daily and keep listening to new artists on various music platforms to find the sound that fits our previous releases. With us limiting our releases to one a month, we have found it easy to fill up our roster and push our sales exponentially higher to further our success as a label. BOD : Feel Good with Nicky Genesis is next up on your event calendar. How would you describe Nicky Genesis’ music to someone who hasn’t heard it before? D : Nicky Genesis definitely portrays a more Bass House infused sound, which we felt would be a perfect vibe for Denver fans in the nightlife industry. We want to give our party goers a variety of sound while still adhering to a burner-friendly crowd. Nicky is being booked for some of the hottest events around the globe and we are always interested in showing female artists love. BOD : How pleased are you with the Blue Records, Quite Right!, and Couchland Collective events partnership so far? D : I am very pleased with the collaboration between Blue, Quite Right! And Couchland Collective for our parties. We all have gone beyond my expectation for visuals, live artists, decorations, and sound. With that said, we also have a unique following of fans, giving us an amazing vibe for the end turnout to our parties and I hope we can continue that with our future “Feel Good” parties. BOD : Any comments, shout-outs? D : A huge shout out to Sound Level Music and Lady Sage, they have helped us get to where we are. Also, mad respect for Adam Stark for always supporting me and helping me be a better artist. Obviously, a special thanks to the Quite Right! and Couchland Collective and my business partner NativeOrigin303 for helping me become the producer I am today. "Lastly, I wouldn’t be able to do any of this without all my supporters, you all seriously give me a reason to keep working so hard towards my dreams." -D3LPHIE Enormous amounts of love goes out to D3LPHIE for checking in with B.O.D. to share her inspiring story and positive vibes. We can't wait to catch her set at Feel Good this weekend! See you there... Be sure to catch D3LPHIE's set at Feel Good Featuring Nicky Genesis! Text 'Nicky' To 555888 for Tickets & Info Follow D3LPHIE: Contact | Website | Instagram | Soundcloud Follow Artifractal: Contact | Soundcloud | Facebook | Mixcloud Follow Blue Records: Soundcloud | Contact | Facebook | Instagram

As we creep up on the midway point of 2019 there are already so many huge headlines to look back on. With countless dope album releases, controversies, and beefs, it’s hard to predict how the industry will change. With this in mind, you have to wonder- what’s impacting the future of Dance Music the most? These are the seven most important factors. Artists Going Independent Although EDM is the most popular it’s ever been, the artists  aren’t exactly reaping the benefits of the industry boom . In a post- Napster -and- LimeWire  world where piracy and peer-to-peer sharing dominates consumption, artists must evolve. Several new revenue streams are being exploited with the latest innovation being curated festivals.  Porter Robinson, Riot Ten, DJ Diesel, and Odesza  are some of the artists now hosting their own events. With the instant success of the  Second Sky Festival , more DJs are sure to follow suit. Porter  laid out the blueprint and proved that it could actually work . Expect to see more artists exploiting their relationships with other big-name acts to rapidly  put together killer exclusve lineups . Then, watch them  sell out shows  using their greatest marketing tools- themselves. Equally important is their adaptability in response to the explosion of streaming services. Gone are the days of signing with labels, getting a fat advance, and pushing an album during a world tour. Finally, artists are taking their cues to shift toward independence all while reshaping the future of EDM in the process. Honestly, a  producer launching a label  is no surprise as the industry’s been consistently trending in that direction for decades. Just this past year alone, industry giants like  RL Grime, DJ Snake, Kayzo, Kygo, and Nightmare & Slander  all started labels. Conversely, a new trend gaining traction has artists abandoning labels altogether. With this maneuver, artists release content themselves, directly to the consumer via online record stores like  BandCamp  and  Beatport . With  royalties set for a mandatory increase  this may culminate with artists forming direct partnerships with streaming services. It’s the perfect compromise and solution to the growing problem of the disparity between content usage and artist compensation. Copyright: Artists vs The Internet Recent studies suggest earnings are quickly dropping for artists and protection for intellectual property ( IP ) is intensifying as a result. Meanwhile, usage of and profits for streaming services are at an all-time high. In a shocking turn, the  European Union  ( EU ) enacted the  Copyright in the Digital Single Market Directive .  With this law, we’ll likely see artists and content creators pitted against the various internet platforms. According to the US Chamber of Commerce , as recently as 2017 most EU countries have relatively poor copyright protection ratings. EU countries including  Belgium ,  Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands f all outside the top 45 in the  International IP Index . It rates a country’s protection of intellectual property. Charged with fortifying creators’ negotiating power, the  European Parliament  said this about the measure:  “…MAKING INTERNET PLATFORMS DIRECTLY LIABLE FOR CONTENT UPLOADED TO THEIR SITE AND BY AUTOMATICALLY GIVING THE RIGHT TO NEWS PUBLISHERS TO NEGOTIATE DEALS ON BEHALF OF ITS JOURNALISTS…” In the  US , support is growing for the  CASE Act  and battle lines are already being drawn. The bill, introduced on May 1, would make it easier and cheaper for creators to make copyright infringement claims. Furthermore, it would allow artists to recoup damages of up to $30,000 per incident. Besides that, the ruling of the  Copyright Royalties Board  ( CRB) will  increase royalties by 44%  over the next five years. In response,  Spotify, Google, Pandora , and  Amazon  are teaming up to appeal the CRB’s decision. All four are at risk to devastating amounts of litigation. Particularly Spotify, who only recently posted its first-ever quarterly profits, had no choice but to appeal despite the  backlash .  David Israelite , the president of the  National Music Publishers Association , called appeals of the ruling, “…a war on songwriters.”  Seemingly a war may very well be on the horizon with huge implications for how we consume music and information. Artists  should  be compensated fairly for their work. However, deciding who should foot the bill will surely rock the future of EDM to its core. Emerging Markets Although it seems like EDM has already reached all corners of society, there’re still a few major areas of opportunity. Of these, emerging markets is the most striking and several event producers and artists are already staking their claim. Developing nations are currently rife with opportunities which labels and artists alike should be looking to cash in on. Namely,  Latin America  and  Asia  are bright spots for the future of the industry.    It’s been a big year for events in Latin America following the successes of   EDC Mexico  and  Venezuela Live Aid . Combine that with the  boom in Latin music ‘s popularity  and the huge potential for growth is revealed.  Tomorrowland  has clearly taken notice by announcing  J Balvin  as one of the headliners for the popular event.  Alesso  has a passion for the region and performed at EDC Mexico, Venezuela Live Aid, and  Carnivál  in  Brazil  too. Furthermore, his new  mixtape series  and Netflix América Latina  appearance emphasize his recognition of the possibilities the region represents.    The biggest names, spanning multiple industry sectors are also now setting their sights on  Asia.  Consider  EDC  and  Ultra Music Festival  both launching Asian versions of the popular US festivals. This expansion into Korea and Japan is an obvious sign of things to come within the industry. Equally important is the attention which India is getting as well.  Spotify  is quietly  making its own power grab  by increasing support for its platforms in  India . Meanwhile,  DJ Snake  is attempting to tap into the 1.5 billion person market by launching his label in Mumbai . From this, there’s no doubt that the emerging markets will have a major role in shaping the future of EDM.    Addressing Mental Health  One of the unfortunate things that have dominated the headlines is the loss of some of EDM’s finest. Avicii ’s passing is sill causing the industry’s realization of losing its brightest star at the height of his popularity. In March, one of the industry’s oldest legends  Keith Flint  was taken in the same manner. This forces us all into an inevitable discussion- Are we taking the mental health of our artists seriously enough? Besides the untimely ending to careers, we must be more considerate of the effects the limelight causes within the industry. For instance, in May Cookie Monsta withdrew from his tour due to issues with mental health. It’s not clear whether or not years of performing is exacerbating the problem. However, it is fairly clear that his mental health inhibits his ability to put on his best shows.  Check out his full Facebook post here: Another prime example is what happened with  Getter  nearly ending his career due to bullying from the fans. While not necessarily directly related to his mental health, it reminds us of the fragility of the minds of superstars. Moreover, it reminds us that they too are only human. Just months ago,  Laidback Luke  highlighted this in an  interview wtih Business Insider  saying this:  “PEOPLE WILL JUDGE ME, MY APPEARANCE, THE THINGS I SAY. THAT ADDS UP A LITTLE BIT WITH THE PRESSURE OF THE WORLD LEANING ON YOU.”   Blasterjaxx  and  Benga  have also come forward speaking out about the issue and how it’s become a major industry problem. Likewise,  a recent study  shows nearly 75% of independent artists suffer from some form of mental health problems. With that level of occurrence, it’s now without question one of the most formative issues surrounding the future of EDM. Hopefully, the industry continues to take  steps to curtail  this negative trend.    The War on Festivals: Lawsuits & Sustainability It’s been a rough year for the huge festivals that have become icons of the dominance of the EDM industry.  Ultra Music Festival  and  Burning Man , two industry giants, have suffered very public setbacks recently. Certainly, these festivals are the hallmarks of what EDM festivals represent. Indeed, each of their unique struggles will shape how we approach festivals in the future. Additionally, some of the post-event photos we are starting to see circulate every year are not very pretty. Regarding Ultra, the world renown Miami mainstay suffered not one but two lawsuits leading up to the 2019 festivities. The first, attacking the dominance of the festival in the region with an  anti-trust suit . The second, spurred by local residents looking to  prevent the festival from moving into their neighborhood . This was  after UMF  was already forcibly removed from its downtown home due to resident’s complaints. As for Burning Man, the location is not of issue here however the environmental impact of the event  is . At least, that’s the argument the local government highlights in its  environmental impact statement . As of this writing, much of Burning Man’s future remains in jeopardy. If the  suggested changes  are implemented, the Burn as we know and love it would be gone forever.   From this it’s clear that the future of the festival will change how we as music lovers will consume EDM. Festivals across the globe must clean up their acts and start to be more  forward thinking about sustainability . Similarly, they’ll need to consider  new ways to coexist  with their host communities for long periods of time. If not, they may wind up facing a fate similar to Australia’s Defqon 1  or  Georgia’s Orange Crush . Death of the Nightclub & The Warehouse Renaissance In the early 2000’s something created a huge shift in EDM- The birth of the  super club . The skyrocketing popularity of ‘90s rave culture brought techno and house music into the mainstream. Along with that came commercialization of the industry. Whenever night clubs or even larger venues begin capitalizing on a booming market it creates a noticeable change. In this case, the consumption of dance music shifted from raves and warehouses to night clubs and arenas. Suddenly, huge night clubs with massive sound systems, dedicated to EDM, can be found on every corner. Outside of huge festival-grounds, this is where we find most live-dance music. However, to the dismay of many a club-head, we’re seeing some troubling trends. Over the past several months, one-by-one, some of the industry’s hottest spots are closing down. In October last year,  The Mid  in  Chicago  is  one of the first big dominoes to fall . Suffering the same fate are  San Francisco ’s  Mezzanine , Miami ’s  Ora , and  New York ’s  Output and  Cielo . Shocking the EDM system,  Beta Nightclub of  Denver regretfully closes its dance floors  too ( set to reopen soon ). Truly mind boggling is  the news  of  Intrigue  of  Las Vegas  closing its doors. Furthermore, this alarming tendency knows no borders with closures of  Uniun  in  Toronto ,  Club 92  in  Berlin , and  England’s Tokyo. What does this mean for EDM’s future? Possibly, the popularity of EDM could make a complete nose dive. Some  reports say  that youths are in search of less extravagant experiences. Although, the rising popularity of EDM may indicate otherwise. Most likely what’s taking place is that we’re seeing the party move back underground to warehouses and do-it-yourself locations. It seems as though the industry is  reaching the peak of commercialization . Thus, it’s not surprising that the industry is revisiting its underground roots. As a result, from  Los Angeles  to  Europe , underground spots are popping up all over the place. In like fashion to ‘90s raves shaping EDM, this warehouse renaissance will surely shape EDM in the years to come. Embracing Diversity Of all the formative topics affecting the future of EDM,  diversity influences the industry’s ability to maintain its popularity most. We see genres like hip-hop and R&B, typically less diverse, fluctuate in popularity depending on the climate in the industry. Conversely, the pop and rock genres, which consistently rank highest in popularity, have embraced diversity in an ongoing basis. According to the  International Music Summit  ( IMS ) report, EDM has breached the top three in popularity for the first time. From this it’s clear that electronic music must embrace diversity to maintain its place on the pedestal.   The  IMS report highlights one aspect of diversity  that EDM may already be cashing in on- Women. Charlotte de Witte ,  Amelie Lens , and  Nina Kraviz were all in the top five most booked DJ’s. From this, it’s fairly obvious that continuing to increase bookings of female artists is a smart move for the industry. In fact, 150+ festivals have signed on to do just that by increasing female bookings to 50% by 2022. Berlin EDM legend  Camea  Hoffman  encapsulated this eloquently in an  interview  with  Indie Magazine . “NOW, WOMEN ARE ACTUALLY GETTING PROPER PEAK TIME HEADLINING SLOTS AT HUGE FESTIVALS AND IT’S AMAZING TO WATCH IT HAPPEN IN MY LIFE TIME, AND I’M SO HAPPY TO HAVE BEEN A PART OF PAVING THE WAY FOR THAT.”  Further illustrating the importance of diversity, we should look at Coachella . Granted, several not so favorable headlines come out of  Indio  each year but there’re still lessons to be learned here. The festival’s  greatest success is most likely it’s diverse lineup . Coachella continues to build a very diverse bill of artists with varying backgrounds, styles and musical influences. It’s reflective of the types of events EDM event organizers will need to put together to keep the crowds growing. Above all, the future of EDM depends on increasing inclusiveness just as other genres have been able to do. In Conclusion Looking back on the year so far, so much is changing in the scene. Most importantly, EDM continues to grow in popularity and new artists and festivals continue to break through. Luckily, we have a thorough list of topics to focus on as the development of our beloved industry continues. Keep it locked here as we continue to deliver the hottest news affecting the future of EDM. ***This is an editorial written exclusively for EDMTunes.com ***

The countdown to Burning Man continues and only three months remain until Burners once again descend upon the Playa . It’s been a tough year for the beloved, spiritually and environmentally ‘woke’ gathering and its future remains much in limbo. Nevertheless, 2019’s installment is a full-go as the various camps approach their build-out windows. In particular, Playground BRC , recently holding its fundraiser featuring a Carl Cox set in March, is building anticipation about its sound camp transformations.   First of all, The Midway in San Francisco was definitely blazing after a blistering Carl Cox set. Indeed, the Playground fundraiser went off and here are the photos to prove it: Equally important is the news of Playground BRC uploading the filthy techno set to its SoundCloud page yesterday.  Carl Cox’s 90+ minutes of straight fire, blasted cinders from the dance floor as if The Midway was filled with hot plates. In other words, his set had all the Burners in the club kicking up dust! Just press play and feel some heavy bass rumble out from the speakers, rolling over a mixture of dark and acid-techno. Better yet, jump to the 50 minute mark for an absurdly grimy beat that will give you flashbacks of the Playa.    Lastly, this Carl Cox set is the kind of stuff you can expect to hear at the Burn. In fact, you just might! Playground BRC’s caption accompanying the mix says this:  “This set was recorded live at the Playground fundraising event at the Midway San Francisco, March 2019. And this is Carl Cox himself. Who wants to see him at Burning Man 2019?”  The lineup drops soon so we’ll have to wait and see. Bump this nasty Carl Cox set now and follow Playground BRC at the links below to stay up to date on their ‘Metamorphosis.’ Follow Playground BRC: Facebook | Instagram | Web ***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com ***

As someone who's been part of the Denver underground for almost two decades now, it's interesting to see how the scene has grown and evolved over the years. Watching artists start out their careers in dark warehouses with minimalist production and work their way to becoming prolific juggernauts is beautiful in its own right. Ergo, It's one of the few facets of the industry that the artists themselves have complete control over. As the industry continues its metamorphosis all artists need to pay close attention to this, in the name of longevity. Although EDM's popularity is at an all time high, recent scrutiny of the industry shows that artists are making less money. As an artist, you should be paying close attention to what happens with the AMP Act and start setting yourself up to maximize your earning potential. The last thing any artist wants is to have years of productivity with nothing to show for it. Having that kind of foresight and intuition is rare however, they are characteristics Lady Sage exploited when she entered the Colorado EDM scene. Savanna Driggers, aka Lady Sage developed her love for EDM kicking up dust in the trenches of the Boulder, CO warehouse arena. It was at this time that the alluring bass pumping from the speakers of Soma Nightclub and the Mother Earth Sound System warehouse events ensnared her spirit and enticed her into the realm of Colorado's EDM underground. As a classically trained musician her mind was already opened to the endless possibilities music can create. Thus, when she discovered turntables, the music took hold and she never looked back. Despite being so musically gifted, the most intriguing thing about Lady Sage is the depth of her musical education. Artists are scrambling to find ways to make the most of their creative efforts. The huge spike in curated festivals and independent labels is evidence of that. Savanna possesses not one but two degrees related to the industry so it's obvious why she has the forethought to control her own musical destiny with the creation of the label, Sound Level Music. Teaming up with her husband DJ Lowa, she's focusing on bringing a new sound experience to the Denver underground. Along with that, her degrees in entertainment business and music production give her a perspective into producing and DJing that not many other artists share. It's a testament to her fecund creativity which is part of the reason why Denver's EDM underground sits head and shoulders above the rest. Lady Sage has become a Denver underground mainstay murdering the decks at countless events . We're so excited she was down to take some time to spread her love for bass music with us and let us know about the big things in store for her, the Pretty Dirty DJ's and Sound level music. Moreover, we're happy to share her story with the world! -Bass'D Out DNVR Bass'D Out DNVR: Describe the vibe you had when you first fell in love with bass music.
Lady Sage: Feeling the vibe of the bass run through my body gave me a sensation that I never experienced before. It was like I was missing something that my soul had found that vibrated my inner being. I've been connected ever since. BOD: Do you remember your first rave? LS: My first rave was quite some time ago in 2001 but, I remember a series of raves that changed me forever which were put on by Mother Earth Sound System and my friend’s company, Juntos. BOD: What are your favorite genres now? Favorite artists? LS: My favorite genres as of now are a mix between garage house, techno, and bass house. There are a select few artists that I admire including Jody Wisternoff, Danny J Lewis, and Tuff Culture to name a few.
BOD: Coming from Boulder, do you notice any differences between the Boulder scene and the Denver scene? LS: The Denver scene was very different from Boulder when I arrived in 2008. Some of the most well known crews were throwing amazing parties in Boulder. During that time, some of the parties were so iconic you had to be there to experience it. Denver also had a great scene but Boulder seemed to be more personal and influential given the underground warehouses and headlining DJ’s being pulled to Soma nightclub.
BOD: A lot of people may not know how extensive your music background is. How has being a viola player affected you as a producer/DJ? Do you miss playing in an orchestra? LS: Being a part of an orchestra in my early years not only opened my perception to musical possibilities but my boundaries were pushed as I was playing Beethoven and Mozart. I began to experience a deep understanding of musical connection across multiple spectra. It has affected me as producer and DJ in that I see and hear music in different ways. It's more like layers of sound, how they connect to each other, and how you can build them onto each other. I do miss playing in an orchestra and if I never discovered turntables I would probably be playing viola professionally today.
BOD: On top of that, you have a Bachelor’s in music production and a Master’s degree in entertainment business. In what ways does your education affect you as a performer/creator?
LS: Obtaining my college accolades molded me into a more professional musician and made me a professional in business. I now see myself as a brand creator, marketer, and manager rather than just an artist. I not only learned a great deal about production but, I also learned how to build and mold a business from the ground up which comes in handy running my label and production company, Sound Level Music. BOD: You’ve also teamed up with your husband, DJ Lowa, to form Pretty Dirty DJ’s (formerly Lady Sage & Lowa). How did you meet? How different is it playing as a duo and do you influence each other’s sound and performance? LS: I met my husband while he was playing on my turntables at a friend’s house, that was over 12 years ago and we have been together ever since. It is different when we play together because we have different styles that come together as one. BOD: What’s different about Lady Sage and Lowa vs Pretty Dirty DJ’s? LS: We are different as Pretty Dirty than Lady Sage and Lowa because Kevin (Lowa) is more bass/UK oriented while I am more pretty in the house melody area. But… You will never be able to guess who is being more pretty than dirty.
BOD: Do you still manage your production company together? What do you feel are the biggest challenges of running a production company? LS: We are still running our production company but we have been more focused on building a sound system that is different from what you are used to seeing when going out. The biggest challenge is the extensive research that is going into the speaker system we are developing.
BOD: That is a very interesting idea! It seems like music makes up a huge part of your life. What do you enjoy outside of the music industry? LS: I enjoy many things including hiking, mineral hunting, camping and traveling.
BOD: With over a decade in the industry what can your fans expect from you in the future? From Pretty Dirty DJ’s? LS: You can expect continued growth through music production, DJ sets, shows and productions. Pretty Dirty DJ’s will be making more appearances together with exclusive sounds and sets as well.
BOD: Any other comments or shout outs? "We would like to make a shout out to Blue Records for teaming up with us and believing in our vision to create something new." Much love goes out to Lady Sage for checking in with B.O.D. Her contributions to the Denver underground are truly appreciated! Please give her Bass'D Out DNVR Podcast guest mix a listen and be sure to follow her and her squad at the links below! Grab a copy of ' Lady Sage - Phases (Original Mix) ' OUT NOW! Follow Lady Sage: Soundcloud | IG | Web | Facebook | Spotify | Beatport Follow Sound Level Music: Facebook | Contact | Beatport Follow Pretty Dirty DJs: Facebook

In 2016, Kygo took his passion for music and technology and melded it with his love for Scandinavian design. As a result, Kygo Life is Kygo throwing his hat into the lifestyle brand arena. Much of the artist’s project is kept under wraps with only his bluetooth earphones and sound app seeing the light of day so far. Yesterday, by releasing the ‘ My Escape ‘ video, promotion for its product lines is ratcheting up. Kygo Life is quite the passion project for the Norwegian producer/DJ famous for his hits “ Ed Sheeran – I See Fire (Kygo Remix) ” and “ Firestone feat Conrad Sewell .” The ‘My Escape’ video highlights all of the aspects that the brand stands for: music, design and technology. By putting himself in direct competition with the likes of Dr. Dre and his ‘ Beats ‘ line he must be in the lifestyle brand game for the long haul. In Fact, the Kygo Life website quotes the man with sentiments to that effect. “Like my approach to everything, Kygo Life is driven to continually improve. So, as each product evolves it embraces the latest technology and focuses on perfecting the details until I’m absolutely happy the end result is the best it can be.” ‘My Escape’ also highlights the newest addition to his line: the KYGO A11/800 Headphones . The Scandinavian influence can clearly be seen in the sleek design of the headphones. Furthermore, the Bluetooth 5.0 technology, touch panel, and 40 hours of playing time deliver the latest in headphone tech. Thus,  this latest addition to the line brings the Kygo Life mission statement full circle. Kygo himself was delighted about his new gear saying this: “I’m super-excited about these noise-cancelling headphones. They’re brilliant for blocking out any unwanted distractions while I’m travelling on tour. Especially when I’m working on music and need to focus or when I just feel like switching off.” It sounds like (pun intended) the Kygo Life brand is getting off to a great start. Fans of Kygo have a lot to be excited for and ‘My Escape’ is proof of that. Check out the video below and be sure to follow Kygo and his Kygo Life empire! Follow Kygo: Facebook | Instagram | Web | Twitter Follow Kygo Life: Web | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram ***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com***

Undeniably, EDM has taken the music industry by storm. Heads are clamoring for tickets to every show and nearly every venue in any major city supports some sort of dance music event within their weekly lineup of nightlife offerings. Bass music is now represented in all of the biggest festivals with arenas around the globe selling out effortlessly, as a result. Recent research puts dance music at the number three spot in popularity behind only rock and pop music. Although, you don't need charts and graphs to draw that conclusion. Artists from every genre are taking notice and are trying to cash in on the popularity of EDM. For some of them , crossing over isn't as big of a stretch. Dropping a hook here or a verse there isn't much work. Others, on the other hand, leave many scratching their heads to the notion of experimenting outside of their comfort zones. The fluidity with which one can maneuver across genre lines and continue to be as prolific and potent is a skill not many possess. Consequently, that characteristic alone puts Beats Me in a class of his own. Jared Lee Peters, aka Beats Me may seem like he just began breaking ground on his bass music fortress but he clenched the blueprints of the underground long ago. When some of us were scraping the surface of the Denver bass music scene he was deep in the trenches earning his stripes in the halls of hip-hop. As King Muse, he put in years of work grinding hard as a conscious emcee slowly overcoming the politics of the Denver rap game. Only after breaking through into national recognition, nearly reaching the pinnacle, did he relent opting instead to abandon the limelight and pursue his passion- bass music. Since diving from his pedestal in hip-hop into the sea of the underground he's continued to make waves in the Denver bass music scene. Thus, he's dropping fire track after another building his catalog into a tsunami of beats and drowning out the bellows of his doubters along the way. Besides that, he's quickly locking in bookings at numerous Denver spots dripping droplets of bass everywhere, including the Black Box . His talent and extreme dedication to his craft are starting to pay huge dividends. Fortunately, he checked in with us to offer some insight and divvy up some inspiration. -Bass'D Out DNVR Bass'D Out DNVR: When I first met you, we vibed on hip-hop, how long have you been a connoisseur of bass music? What are your favorite genres? Beats Me: I Have always been a hip-hop/bass head and, due to personal preferences, I've been on a temporary hiatus from hip hop. In recent years I began taking my productions more seriously with breaks and DnB tunes being released on multiple labels worldwide as Beats Me. BOD: Describe the vibe you had when you first fell in love with bass music? With hip-hop? BM: That, my friend, is something I've attempted to do all my life and I've come to find it indescribable! BOD: Most people probably know you as King Muse the emcee. With all the dope production you’ve been working on are you still writing rhymes? BM: I've been enjoying the ability to reinvent and develop an alter ego. My experience in the scene and past endeavors with certain promotions really left a bitter taste in my mouth unfortunately. Hip-hop is not the most successful or supported genre, especially the type that i produce. EDM on the other hand is thriving with new promotions, events, and a seemingly endless amount of emerging local talent. So to tell you I've been rather content musically is an understatement. Last June i released "Sorry Not Sorry" with Ravesta Records and it immediately hit #2 on the Beatport chart. I've since had over 50 releases on multiple well known and successful record labels! The future is bright and potentially unlimited possibilities are developing daily. BOD: When can we expect you to get back to dropping hip-hop? Would you ever consider being a DnB emcee BM: I'm up for anything as long as its fresh, I do have something cooking up with the incredibly gifted Native Origin 303 on the agenda sometime this year that I'm stoked to see change the game. I love collaboration! I will never stop writing and creating hip-hop music. Whether or not it sees the light just depends. I'd love to be able to re-release a ton of material I've done. With the right support and distribution i have faith in its potential to succeed. BOD: What are the biggest differences between the EDM and hip-hop scenes of Colorado? What do you love and hate about the Denver hip-hop scene? BM: The scenes are complete opposites of one another. EDM is tightly knit and supportive and hip hop is separated, competitive, and exclusive to those pay to play promoters. Upcoming talent must do promo and sell a certain amount of tickets to even earn a 15 minute mini set where no sound check or assistance is available. I'll tell you nothing is more discouraging to a young artist.
BOD: You’re currently dropping heat on several labels. What’s it like working with a bunch of different labels? Do you ever get push-back about that? BM: Nowadays it seems to me labels are more open to receiving tunes from artists without needing an exclusivity contract, and It only hurts the industry to create a code of conduct that shuns an artists desire to connect and work with several different labels. In my opinion it's a true honor and blessing to be associated and repped by the brands I've grown to love and respect. I'm in no way disloyal- just hard working and diverse. BOD: You just recently started getting booked for shows to DJ quite often. What’s that process been like for you? Is it different from performing live as an emcee? BM: Completely different. Hip-hop shows are hard to deal with especially when the sound is neglected. It can literally kill an artists vibe. It's also very vulnerable performing songs that are written about your personal struggles and successes to ten people sitting at the bar with backs turned. A good DJ set at a packed warehouse has the power to change your perspective of the world as a whole. Plus, I love making people dance!!!
BOD: Who are your biggest influences as an artist? What artists would you like to work with? BM: Most of my biggest influences are the ones that stuck beside me through all those times i wanted to give up and lost hope. Those friends and fam that believed in me when i didn't. I am down to collaborate with any passionate and positive people.
BOD: Is there anything you’d like to see change about the Denver EDM scene? The hip-hop scene? BM: I'd love to see them work together to level up, and possibly throw a massive event in celebration of the city we live in and love. BOD: What can your fans expect to see from you in the future? BM: Lots and lots of quality material because the sky's not even the limit for the future is limitless! BOD: Any comments? Shout-outs? "To all my friends, fam, and fans: Thank you from the bottom of my heart and center of my soul. I am the luckiest person to have you and will never doubt the faith you have put in my ability to succeed! I love you." Much love to Beats Me for sharing his love of all things bass with B.O.D. His energy and passion are an inspiration. People like him are who are keeping the Denver underground alive. Be sure to check out his BOD guest mix, catch his upcoming set, and follow him at the links below! Upcoming from Beats Me S.O.B. 15 Year Anniversary featuring Stickybuds - 6.22.19 - The Black Box Beats Me - Story Of My Life (Out Soon on Gigabeat Records) Follow Beats Me: Facebook | Mixcloud | Soundcloud | Beatport Follow King Muse: Soundcloud

Purple Haze x KhoMha – We Come In Peace The Armada Music mother ship has touched down with another fabulous collaboration. Certainly, this is an occasion which causes the masses to gather in anticipation. Emerging from the fog are Purple Haze and KhoMha with a new offering of exotic sounds. The duo is making the first contact with this new project and their message is, ‘ We Come In Peace .’ Robert Alzate , aka KhoMha, is quickly rising on every trance and progressive chart since signing with Markus Schultz . Making the jump to Armada seems to be paying off and ‘We Come In Peace’ is the result of that. Sander Van Doorn obviously needs no introduction however his alter ego, Purple Haze, is more of an enigma. Due to his lack of an outlet for his darker, harder-hitting productions , this new moniker was spawned. The combination of KhoMha’s high octane style and the dark, tech-trance Purple Haze vibes culminates with ‘We Come In Peace.’ The track seems as though it’s spliced from two. The first half is more of a euphoric buildup drawing you in with energy uplifting melodies. Subsequently, the latter half of the track is noticeably rougher. Accordingly, the elements of electro and booming tech-trance resemble an expulsion of the pent-up energy created in the track’s opening. The first impression of ‘We Come In Peace’ is that it’s obviously intended to be a dance floor killer. It’s something that every DJ needs to have in their arsenal. Besides that, it’s an indication that this duo has discovered a brilliant chemistry and that big things are on the way from Purple Haze and KhoMha. Pick up your copy of ‘ Purple Haze x KhoMha – We Come in Peace ‘ today and follow them at the links below! Follow Purple Haze: Facebook | Spotify | Instagram | Twitter Follow KhoMha: Facebook | Instagram | Soundcloud | Twitter ***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com***

We all suffer tough days at the office but probably not ones that take us to the 1960s and back in one day. If you do, then it’s probably because someone in the office is trying to fix the vibes . Nevertheless, Eliot Curtis of KPIX Television can now add some new experience to his resume- time travel. After accidentally absorbing LSD while repairing a vintage Buchla 100 Series Modular synthesizer, he took a ‘trip’ back in time. “IT WAS… FELT LIKE I WAS FELT LIKE I WAS TRIPPING ON LSD“
Eliot Curtis describing his nine hour ordeal with the Buchla 100 synthesizer Now, this may come as no surprise to you if you understand the history of the Buchla 100 Series . Reporting on the incident , KPIX 5 reached out to electronic music pioneer Suzanne Ciani for a history lesson. She worked with the creator of the device, Don Buchla , and attended UC Berkely during Berkely’s time at the forefront of ’60’s era counterculture. From this, one can start to piece together how LSD fits into the story. She admits Buchla was not only an LSD user but also close to Owsley ‘Bear’ Stanley . Widely known as the genius sound engineer for The Grateful Dead , he was also known for selling extremely pure acid. The question still remains, however, of how the drugs get into this particular device. Digging deeper into the lore of the Buchla 100 may quash your skepticism. Apparently, an urban legend alleges Buchla dips his synthesizers in LSD. Furthermore, allegedly, a mere wet finger along the device induces a mind-expanding experience. Additionally, Professors Glenn Glasow and Robert Basart likely commissioned the device in hopes of exploiting this feature. After unwittingly wetting some residue with solvent and attempting to scrape it off, Mr. Curtis possibly just proved it all to be true. Nine psychedelic hours and three chemical tests later, there’s no question Curtis had an LSD trip. It’s quite remarkable that such an innocuous instrument is actually quite the window into the past. Ciani had a point when she said this: “IT’S A BIT LIKE TIME TRAVEL. IF YOU COULD GO BACK THAT WOULD BE THE WAY TO GO THERE. THAT IS, TO SHARE THE DRUGS THAT EVERYBODY TOOK AT THAT TIME.”
Suzanne Ciani on Curtis’ remarkable experience. Whether or not the Buchla 100 legend is true, we all have to draw the same conclusion: This whole thing is pretty trippy. Check out KPIX 5’s video of the report below. ***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com***

First off, on behalf of the state of Colorado, we'd like to apologize to all the surrounding states for all the noise. While we're on the subject, festival season is in full swing now so sorry for all the noise for the rest of the year too. If last weekend is an indicator, there's gonna be a lot more where that came from. In case you missed the memo (and the shrooms ballot measure we just passed ) we like to party! Props to all the Colorado crews doing their thing! There was an endless amount of bass flowing through the state. The weekend seemed like one long ass party as a result. Things really got going on Thursday night with crews hosting acts including: PLS&TY, Crystal Skies, Of The Trees, Dorfex Bos, Metrik & Rene Lavice, Boombox, Head PE, Perel, and so much more. Friday had not one but two multi-day festivals kick off! One Vibration Festival and Spread The Word Music Festival both boasting big lineups over multiple stages and days is almost to much to handle. Plus, we still had Felix Cartal, Tech N9ne, Diamond D, JSonic, and Tijn at spots scattered around the state. Dubs Galore Saturday delivered a huge dose of dubs with Global Dub Festival . The annual Red Rocks event always draws the biggest names in bass music to the state. This year was no different as it brought us several artists who also had to immediately hop flights to Vegas to rock EDC. Kai Wachi, Adventure Club, and Riot Ten all made the Sunday EDC lineup . As usual the headbanging was in full effect and many a neck brace will be purchased in the days to come. Ask any DJ and they'll tell you that the vibes created at Red Rocks are of legendary stuff. Consequently, it was a vibe AK & Quite Low were able to carry deep into the night. After Dub was able to rattle the walls of Santa Fe Art District storefronts once Dub Fest let out until the Sunday morning sunrise. The energy created at Global Dub definitely held strong and Abraxas Studio was able to absorb it like a lightening rod. Around midnight, we began seeing bassheads matriculate onto the dance floor just in time to see Queen Beats drop a killer set. She definitely set the tone for all the other artists with a set that left many in the crowd at a loss for words. The After Dub lineup was stacked and also included Saltee and Ryan Vail whose 2-hour, 2x4 tag set totally lived up to the hype! Relyt's microphone mathematics were a divine pairing for the bass blessings which that time slot slowly revealed. JDouble grinded out yet another flawless, multi-genre set which has become the standard when he's on the bill. If that wasn't enough, as a special treat, Evasive crashed the party and delivered a fire 2x4 tag set alongside Xeela. What they were able to create together, on the fly, was tremendous. Shua concluded the ceremony of bass with an intricate mixture of liquid that washed over the crowd as the festivities concluded and the last vibration trickled out of the speakers. The only thing heavier than the vibes was the bass! After Dub was a memorable night and the perfect ending to a long weekend filled with dope music. With this momentum, the collective of AK Productions, Quite Low records, and Quite Right Records are ready to do some major damage in the Denver EDM scene. With several more events already slated for 2019 you can expect us to continue mobilizing our forces. Consider this your invitation to the revolution. -Bass'D Out DNVR After Dub Photography by Andrew Bower More photos will be posted to the AK Productions and Quite Low Records Facebook pages. Thank you to everyone that came out to 'After Dub' We love you!! Our next event announcement is coming very soon! Be sure to check out Breakfast & Beats Open Air going down May 26th! The last B & B was off the hook so QR, Pulse of Prophets , and The Zookeepers are going bigger and better for this one! It's an ALL DAY event with loads of beats and delicious food! $20 tickets are still available today only! Grab your tickets now and stay tuned to Bass'D Out DNVR for future event announcements! Follow Us: Quite Low! - Web | Facebook | Soundcloud | MixCloud Quite Right! - Web | Facebook | Soundcloud AK Productions - Facebook | Mixcloud | Soundcloud

Not many Denver artists have had a better year than Shua. Late last year he launched Quite Low Records, a bass-heavy imprint in the Quite Right Records family. From that point on he has delivered one dope track after another from some of Denver's most under-appreciated artists. Besides that, his mixes have been getting quite a bit shine as well. The last two he dropped reached the top 5 of drum & bass charts on Mixcloud. From this it's easy to see why Shua has a consistent booking schedule. Promoters don't just want to feed bassheads their fix but they want to get them hooked and keep them coming back for more too. That's what Shua can deliver. His raw, bass'd out sets are always flawless and mixed perfectly in key. No doubt he's become one of the heavyweights of the Denver bass music scene. Although Shua's no stranger to the scene, it's been a while since he last checked in with B.O.D. In light of all the recent developments with Shua and Quite Low, we definitely felt it was time to catch up with the man and see what's new. Along with that, we felt it was a good idea to get in on his chart topping streak with a fresh mix; just in time for his set at ' After Dub ' this weekend. He absolutely delivers the bass as usual and has us pumped up for After Dub and for what the future holds for Quite Low Records. Bass'D Out DNVR: Last time you checked in with B.O.D. you were just getting the label going. What’s new with you these days now that you’re a legit label boss? How is Quite Low doing?
SHUA: The launch of Quite Low Records late last year has been a great experience, although I tend to cringe when I hear the word “boss” in any sense haha. I am very lucky to have enlisted an amazing crew of talent to surround myself with, both musically & behind the scenes, that are helping us grow faster then I had anticipated. In recent months we have begun expanding our reach with events in addition to our label releases. It’s a great feeling to get the response we have in such a short period of time. BOD: In that interview you gave some advice to people starting out at producing which was to, “...quit your job/girlfriend/social-life.” Does that advice still ring true for you now?
SHUA: If you are just starting out, 100%. In my opinion you really need to have full focus when first learning production. No distractions. Treat it like a job 40-50 hours a week, for a while. It’s no coincidence that most amazing producers are classically trained in music, or have gone to school for music production...or both. If that is not an option for you, the grind will have to come elsewhere. Luckily in today’s day, knowledge, DAWs, & VSTs are accessible to most at a fraction of the cost. BOD: You’ve had a string of mixes charting on Mixcloud recently, including two top-5's. How does it feel getting such recognition? Why do you think your mixes are getting so much love? SHUA: I’ve always said I do this thing for 2 reasons; music & smiles. To know I’m bringing joy to the masses in the way of music is as rewarding as it gets. As far as “why”, I don’t know but It didn’t come overnight. I’ve been on Mixcloud for over 8 years with almost 40 mixes to date & I’ve been slowly building my fan base over the years. I’m finally at a point where I’m getting up there in the charts. I do have to say without shame, it’s pretty unreal to see my name alongside artists I’ve admired for many years. I am incredibly grateful for the support. BOD: What can we expect from you in the future? What’s on deck for Quite Low? "We are looking at 2019 as a 'hello' to the world from Quite Low...making friends & making noise. Getting some solid releases out & throwing some great parties. We have big aspirations down the road. This is just the beginning!" Check out Shua's 'After Dub' mini mix below and be sure to catch him at one of his upcoming shows. Upcoming Events After Dub - Location TBA - Denver, CO - 05.18.19 SOB 15 Year Anniversary - The Black Box - Denver, CO - 06.22.19 Follow SHUA: Facebook | Soundcloud | Mixcloud | Booking | Instagram Follow Quite Low Records: Facebook | SoundCloud | Instagram | Web | Beatport | Mixcloud

Kaskade – Redux 003 It’s been nearly two years since Kaskade released  Redux 002 . But after patiently waiting, the wait is finally over! On Friday he finally delivered the long-awaited Redux 003 and initial reviews suggest it was worth the wait. The 18 track effort includes features from big names like  Felix Cartal , Lokii , BROHUG , and Gorgon City . That’s quite a roster of artists so it’s understandable why so much time has passed between volumes. With this, you can tell Kaskade took his time to craft a great EP. Kaskade’s Redux 003 may have taken a while to drop but the EP still generated headlines. Back in January, some fans’ feathers were ruffled hearing no tour will accompany the album. Then, in an interview , he detailed plans to take the Redux Tour back on the road, saying this: “I’m very hopeful that New York is going to be this amazing experience, and once that’s past me, yes, I will consider doing it a little more often and in spaces that are larger so that more people can experience it.” Kaskade definitely dabbles in numerous genres on Redux 003. He touches the house, future, pop, and electronica genres on the album but the variety doesn’t interrupt the album’s cohesion. ‘ Valentine ‘ has a brooding vocal over a crisp bassline that is sure to be a pop-lovesong anthem of 2019. Then on ‘ Fun ‘, he goes subterranean with a heavy bass kick and a grimy synth. The BROHUG influence can definitely be felt on the track too. Overall the whole album makes for a great listen. Kaskade delivers another compilation of elite productions. Listen to Kaskade’s Redux 003 below and be sure to pick up a copy of the EP today! Kaskade – Redux 003 Follow Kaskade: Facebook |  Twitter |  Instagram |  SoundCloud ***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com***

News of Ultra Music Festival ‘s departure is barely sinking in but the fallout is already starting to take hold. The festival calling Miami home for 21 years was all but pushed out of the area this year. Then, after its first year on Virginia Key Beach , organizers are pulling the plug and moving to a new location. Local businesses are already starting to feel the pain, as a result. The Miami Times reports that a major local arts project may be the first victim of the budget shortfall resulting from Ultra’s departure. Apparently, revenue from Ultra Music Festival set aside for a Virginia Key museum is in jeopardy. The museum, in the midst of construction delays since 2005, is now seeing new setbacks. Lack of funding is currently stalling the project so Ultra’s Virginia Key arrival must’ve been seen as a godsend. Even Miami’s mayor Xavier Suarez seemed to express the project’s importance. However, it seems not too much consideration for its importance is taking place as UMF struggles to find it’s new home. Local Virginia Key official Gary Forchion said he’d be reviewing the effects of Ultra’s departure. He had this to say about alternatives for the future of the museum: " I CAN SAY THAT THE TRUST IS APPRECIATIVE OF THE RESOURCES THAT WERE GENERATED FROM THE 2019 MUSIC FESTIVAL FOR THE TRUST’S CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM PROJECT BUT IS TURNING ITS ATTENTION TO GAINING CITY’S APPROVAL OF THE TRUST’S GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND (GOB) RESOLUTION SET FOR MID-JUNE AROUND JUNE 13TH." Ironically, a museum honoring the historic suppression of African-Americans continues to take a backseat to other issues. Thus, it’s hard to understand why the city would risk the departure of the main source of its funding. Especially since they deem the project, “The single-most important art project in the county.” What’s even more ironic is what lawyer David Winker , is saying about the situation: " … IT IS ALSO A TERRIBLE RESULT FOR THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM AT HISTORIC VIRGINIA KEY BEACH PARK, WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN OPENED A LONG TIME AGO AND IS IN DESPERATE NEED OF THE FUNDING ULTRA WAS PROVIDING AS PART OF ITS ARRANGEMENT WITH THE CITY. " Wow! He sues to stop Ultra then says the city sucks for making it leave. Mind-boggling. It’s been an interesting year for Ultra and its departure is just another chapter in the saga. How this will continue to affect the local businesses remains to be seen. Hopefully, the city of Miami can follow through on its promises and support important projects and businesses in the area. Check in with us often as news of the fallout from the UMF departure continues rolling out. ***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com***

AK Productions and Quite Low Records are teaming up for what should be a stellar late-night event going down on May 18th. Most people in the Denver bass music scene will be headed up to Red Rocks for Global Dub Festival which has another sick lineup for 2019. Although the legendary amphitheater generally has to close up shop early (usually around 1-ish), heads will still be feening for more grimy beats afterward. AK and QL hope their event, ' After Dub ,' will be the place to be for bassheads looking to carry the party on into the night. Obviously, after huge events at Red Rocks, there's usually plenty of options for late night get downs. As a result, 'After Dub' has set itself apart in a few ways. First of all, the event is being held at a warehouse location which they aren't yet announcing. This gives the event that underground feel that we're beginning to get re-acclimated to . Second, the event is totally free! No need to shell out more dough after raging hard on the rocks. Last but not least, the lineup is sick! AK and Quite Low have gathered a mixture of artists who've worked with both companies. A few Bass'D Out DNVR featured artists made their way to the lineup as well. Check out the roster below. With this stacked lineup bassheads are going to have a tough decision to make when choosing where to get their late-night bass fix from. Luckily, 'After Dub' goes until 6 am. That gives everyone plenty of time to grab some liquor (the event is 21+ B.Y.O.B.) and make their way to the dance floor. Come do some bass with AK Productions and Quite Low Records. This one is on the house. Be sure to follow AK Productions and Quite Low Records at the links below for news on their future events and new music! Follow AK Productions: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Follow Quite Low Records: Facebook | SoundCloud | Instagram | Web | Beatport

Yotto - Recorded Live At Fabric (March 2019) The resurgence of the 4-beat continues and Yotto is on the front lines of the revolution. Hot on the heels of his hyper-successful debut Anjunadeep release  Hyperfall , the Finnish DJ/producer is embarking on a world tour. He's got stops all across the globe sprinkling in some pit stops for festivals as well as some legendary nightclubs. Fabric London, celebrating 20 years in the game , is one such nightclub appearance and he uploaded the full 2.5 hours of his March Fabric set today. Although 145 minutes might seem like a long listen, Yotto's Fabric set is anything but boring. He bounces all over the house genre throughout the entire mix, mixing flawlessly from track to track. At 18:20 he drops into some lovely dark tech-house with an overbearing goth-sounding synth that is sure to rattle your eardrums. Be sure to crank up the volume at this point and clear out some space to shake some ass! More of the same around the 70' mark too. Guaranteed, the crowd let out an emphatic scream here when he drops the beat out completely. Yotto's Fabric set is chock-full of glorious house gems. It will def have you moving from the opening buildup to the end when he winds the platters, flooding the speakers with reverb. However, there isn't a list of ID's accompanying the Soundcloud upload so you'll have to listen to the mix all the way through with your Shazam app ready. Just like his Winter Mix 19 did, this set will have you craving his track list. Similarly, the blend of dark and ethereal beats are well worth the hours of listening. Listen to the full mix below and be sure to pick up tickets to see him live when he's in your town! Follow Yotto: Facebook | Twitter | Beatport | iTunes | Instagram | Web | Spotify ***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com***

The evolution of Denver EDM has an extensive and diverse history. The popularity of today's genres like dubstep, riddim, juke and trap all share a similar bloodline which was spawned from a singular point in history. Thus, if you were a part of the revolution that launched back in the 90's, you probably remember those low key warehouse parties that boomed techno, jungle, and house into the waning hours of the night. Although breaks, garage, and jungle had already taken hold across the globe, heads in Colorado were slightly behind the curve. Keep in mind, this was at the pinnacle of the popularity of bass-infused music like g-funk, rap, neo-soul, and hip-hop as well. Nevertheless, as with any evolution, a break in the lifeline began to form and the genetics of Denver EDM began to coalesce into what we now refer to as bass music. As breaks shot to popularity in the early 2000's a void was created in the scene where demand was beginning to overwhelm supply. Some of us probably remember losing our minds on the dance floor to a breaks set just to have the vibe thrown off kilter as trance or progressive started to pound out of the speakers. Plenty of area promoters were keen to the movement but mostly still focused on multi-genre events that appealed to the masses. Enter Sounds Of Bass . Launching in 2004, the breaks community welcomed the new endeavor with open arms. The love affair with breaks flourished and Colorado was blessed with events like Rize, Future Sound of Breaks, and Woodwork. The foundation that S.O.B. helped lay for Denver bass music is still alive and well today. Over the years, they've blessed us with some legends in the game like Krafty Kuts, Reid Speed, DJ Icey, Martin Flex, The Freestylers, Deekline, and Stanton Warriors. Although the breaks scene is much more underground now, like the Denver techno scene it has definitely benefited from Denver's warehouse renaissance . Similarly, partnerships with local venues such as The Black Box , Lincoln Station and Thee Haus Ov Where? , have helped to keep it alive. S.O.B.'s most recent events corroborate the notion that breaks are once again on the rise. Their Stanton Warriors + Krafty Kuts and Jackal & Hyde events each brought bassheads out of the woodwork to pack the house. As expected, Bass'd Out DNVR was on the job and in the house to chronicle both occasions. Stanton Warriors + Krafty Kuts & Afterparty The Venue The Black Box hosted a raucous affair when Stanton Warriors and Krafty Kuts came to town. Anyone who's anyone in bass music has graced the decks at this place and know the energy that their custom Funktion 1 array can bring. The Sub.Mission crew has put copious amounts of work into transforming the former blues club into the perfect bass music alcove. Surreal Laser complimented the ambiance nicely too as their popular visuals rig kept the vibe and the hysteria flowing constantly. The venue is nestled deep in the heart of downtown Denver which makes it the perfect location for bassheads to flock to when in search of the heart-pounding release the dance floor can bring. With this, it's easy to see why the Box has become the symbol of elite bass music in the Bass Capital. On top of that, its location makes it the perfect jump off point when it's time to blast off to the after party and continue the festivities. The Beats Obviously, any time you have one legendary headliner in the house, the party will be too hype. But with two of the genre's finest on deck, the party shot to euphoric heights. Krafty Kuts got the party started right with his unique blend of breaks and turntablism that has garnered him the title of one of the 'best in the game.' Thus, his reputation for controlling the decks is one that supersedes his notoriety within any genre. Getting to see him lace track after track with filthy cuts was a sight to behold. Along with flawless mixing, the genre bending track-list of his set kept the energy pumping throughout the building for 90 minutes straight. No doubt he set the tone for what Stanton Warriors were ready to bring. Krafty Kuts (left) and Stanton Warriors [photos by Kinetic Foto ] The Waaarrrrriiiooorrrrsss definitely came out to play! S.O.B. made the right move investing in the 90-minute set with them, as well. From this, Denver was blessed with a three-hour block of speaker blowing breaks which at that moment was easily the best in the nation. Stanton's got a long history of amazing original mixes and re-rubs that have long since become anthems. Just seeing them drop those gems live is plenty. However, having them shuffle those in with fresh remixes that you can only hear live is mind bending. Not many DJ's have what it takes to follow Krafty Kuts but these two definitely held it down. Additionally, the dance floor was packed from the moment the doors popped until the crowd's final pleas for an encore. Sounds Of Bass boasted an elite, bass-heavy supporting lineup which included: Breakbeat Mafia , D.O.H. , JDouble , Beats Me , Seraiah , Raptor , Miss Jaedha , Queen Beats , Jason Scott , Vertigo , Slim_R_I and Relyt . Despite providing two separate stages for the night's revelers, it was every man for himself when looking for a vacant spot to unwind on the dance floor. The breakdance cypher that bubbled all night long made sure of that. Furthermore, the artist roster was a clear expression of the diverse and deep pool of talent Denver has to offer. Whatever your flavor of bass music, D-town has exactly what you need. The After Party S.O.B.'s after-party for this event was absolutely the place to be. Aside from all the amazing local talent which included: Breakbeat Mafia, Meraki , Hartshorn , Vertigo, Tony Knight , and Shua ; Stanton Warriors were in the house too! Relyt and Slim_R_l gallantly commandeered emcee duties. With the stunning backdrop of Spectra Art Space , all of the performers came together to create a memorable experience which kept the bass flowing until six in the morning. If you weren't there you definitely missed out. Jackal And Hyde Warehouse Event First of all, following up Krafty Kuts and Stanton Warriors was going to be a tough outing but Sounds Of Bass definitely came through. Secondly, joining forces with Freebass to host the event was an excellent idea as well. They are definitely one of the more respected bass music crews in the Denver bass music scene. S.O.B. enlisted a monster lineup to deliver the bass supplies for this rager too. DOH, Teknikol , Dirty Rotten , Breakbeat Mafia, GhOsT, Domina , Hartshorn b2b Pepperjack , Steve Gonzo , John Autobahn , Benny Young , Fuse , Relyt, Slim_R_l, R.D.P. , Miami , and J-Zen all brought the ruckus. Everyone murdered the decks and kept the crowd full of energy before and after the Jackal And Hyde set. That's likely the reason the party never diminished. Last but not least, Jackal And Hyde put on a memorable show! The unconventionality of their sets are something not many have seen. Thanks to the Sounds Of Bass team, Denver got to witness their mastery firsthand. It was a truly raw breaks set with beats, old and new, remixed on the fly. Only leaders of the old school possess skills like that. All of these things are perfect examples of what we've come to expect from S.O.B. events. It seems like Thee Haus Ov Where? is hosting one fire event after another. The Jackal And Hyde Warehouse Event was no exception. More than anything, the vibe they create seems to bring the best out of the DJ's of the the underground. Plus, they were able to transform their beloved gallery into a two-stage bass factory (including an outdoor stage) which vibrated walls for miles around the Santa Fe Art District. Stanton Warriors + Krafty Kuts / Jackal And Hyde [photos by Kinetic Foto] With these last two installments of bass, S.O.B. has solidified it's place in the history of Denver bass music. The statement that they've made has never been more clear than it is now. Since their first event in 2004, they've been single-handedly keeping breaks alive in Colorado. Nevertheless, if you love breaks or just bass music in general, now is the time to join the movement. Be sure to stay tuned as they release more info on their upcoming events. Breakbeats are alive and kicking in Denver and S.O.B. well never let that change . Follow Sounds Of Bass: Facebook | Contact | Beakbeat Mafia | Soundcloud

***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com***

BLVK JVCK – Geronimo feat. Ace Hood BLVK JVCK and trap legend Ace Hood have linked up to drop some new fire recently. ‘ Geronimo ,’ the newest track from the trio, touched down today and should definitely be on the radar of every bass-head . This is perfect timing too, as festivals like Lost Lands and Hard Summer are rolling out bass-heavy lineups. Expect to hear this track making its way into countless rotations. With heaters like ‘ Mine Luv ‘ featuring H.E.R .  there’s no doubt BLVK JVCK is blowing up quick. The Florida duo of Andrew “Dru Brett” Harr and Jermaine “Mayne Zayne” Jackson joined forces as The Runners in 2000 and never looked back. Their production credits include names like Lil’ Wayne , T.I. , Beyonce , and Rhianna . In 2017 they gambled on their hip-hop/r&b success and crossed over into the world of dance music forming BLVK JVCK. BLVK JVCK’S partner on ‘Geronimo,’  Antoine McColister , aka Ace Hood, needs no introduction. He’s still killing the game since blowing up in 2006 after signing with DJ Khaled . He recently broke free from We The Best Music Group but isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. His new mixtape, Body Bag 5 , just dropped in March and is already getting lots of attention. Consequently, the release of ‘Geronimo’ will make the hype around him that much stronger. ‘Geronimo’ is a no doubt a banger! As soon as you hear the clap of the 808’s, Ace storms in with the hook in his signature spitfire sound. Thus, It sounds like the trio definitely wanted to maximize the headbanging time as the short buildup quickly gives way to a filthy drop. It’s definitely the type of track the DJ’s will be mixing in to push the crowds over the top. Listen to ‘Geronimo’ below and be sure to pick up your copy today! BLVK JVCK – Geronimo feat. Ace Hood Follow BLVK JVCK: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook  |  Purchase ‘Geronimo’ here! ***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com***

***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com*** The last time Calvin Harris released a new album was when he released the poppy ‘ Funk Wav Bounces Volume 1 .’ Since that, he has made a triumphant return to house-influenced singles but that’s about all we have heard. Leave it up to a Sony financial report to come through with some fresh gossip. According to its latest report, we should expect a brand new album from Calvin soon. The new Calvin Harris album shows up under the ‘Noteworthy Projects’ heading. Additionally, the fiscal quarter ending June 2019 is where the album reportedly falls. Along with a new Calvin album, Sony also lists new material from Chris Brown , Bruce Springsteen , DJ Khaled, Pink , and Tyler The Creator . Those are some pretty big names in the industry each sure to generate a buzz in their respective genres. Therefore, it’s easy to see why Sony would be listing these titles on their financial report. What’s not so obvious is why they would want to leak info about upcoming projects in this manner. What’s it’s important to note here is that for many of the albums, the financial report doesn’t list much info. No album name or release date can be seen. Albums that do have a title listed, like BTS ‘, are actively being promoted . Sony definitely would be expected to report that to investors. However, for the nameless albums, this would have to be the most boring way to start a press run. Although, the report implies that Sony’s second quarter is generating revenue from the listed albums. Seemingly, those albums all but have to be released before the end of June. Follow Calvin Harris:  Website  | Facebook |  Twitter |  Instagram

***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com*** Orange Crush Festival is not going down this year. At least that’s the word from the Tybee Island Police Department (TIPD) in a since-deleted Facebook post. The promoter of the event, George “Mikey” Turner , is now in police custody following a reportedly unlawful house party. The abrupt cancellation is leaving attendees of the popular spring festival with confusion and perplexity. On its surface, the Orange Crush altercation is a he-said-she-said scenario. Essentially, the local government says reaching out to festival organizers was fruitless. NBC News outlet WSAV in Georgia is reporting that the city’s March contact attempts via written correspondence got no response either. In response to that, festival organizers expressed their willingness to cooperate with local authorities. However, reports coming out of Tybee Island seem to reflect a total breakdown in cooperation. Furthermore, actions by the local police show a reactionary halt of all the Orange Crush activities. Maybe, they didn’t want people to get, “ Fyre Fest-ed .” What’s unusual here is that the announcement of the cancellation of Orange Crush came from the government and not the event organizers. Typically, those types of statements are the responsibility of the entity hosting the event. Regardless of the reasons for a cancellation, the government rarely boasts about its interference with the private sector. Additionally, the local community hadn’t expressed a desire for the festival’s cessation but merely desired more communication and enforcement. WSAV’s report on Orange Crush seems to back this up. Not to mention they reported the police department ramping up safety precaution efforts as recently as Friday, April 26th. Check out the video for yourself: “Upon Police arrival, over 200 people vacated the home. The owner of the home had previously asked that the home be vacated. Police inspected the property afterward and found substantial damage done to the property,” the statement read. “Mr. Turner provided a fictitious name to the officers on scene, was properly identified by Tybee Police and was arrested.  He was actively promoting a party that took place at the home without the homeowner’s permission and charging admission for the party.” It’s easy to identify Orange Crush’s striking similarities to the Fyre Festival debacle . First of all, those who made the trek down to Tybee Island are left with little answers and fewer options. Many still gathered on the beach to make the most of a bad situation. It’s uncertain what if any recourse is available to anyone seeking reimbursement. Second, it appears as though the lofty promises are all just hype. There will be no MTV cameras or “Orange Crush Lit” all-access passes. No Models, DJ’s, or car shows either. Just another sheisty promoter looking to take advantage of naive partiers. Hopefully, everyone had a good time on those gorgeous Georgia beaches.

If you venture out into the Denver night in search of a convivial atmosphere, you probably don't have to search very hard. Every weekend is packed with excitement as the various crews around town continue to offer events featuring elite talent. Despite the loss of a legendary venue , the Denver EDM scene continues to thrive. Thus, the hardest part of your evening likely is having to choose one out of the numerous options. Lately however, a noticeable change in the scene is making its presence felt and the Syd Gris event at Inner Space substantiates that sentiment. Quite Right Records , Blue Records , and Couch Land Collective came together for a late night occasion which gripped the souls of local bass-heads and didn't emancipate them until the first rays of light permeated the warehouse walls. As a result, those in attendance that night witnessed set after set of bangin' beats. Moreover, they got to participate in a growing movement- the rebirth of the warehouse. The Venue The irony in finding beauty in a dark, dusty and cold warehouse is palpable. Nevertheless, Inner Space continues to provide a winsome space that consistently attracts the denizens of Denver's underground music scene. Blue Records, Sound Level Music , and Pulse Of Prophets united to transform the warehouse into an ethereal two-stage haven of dance music. Both stages were equipped with a full speaker array and a visuals rig installed around the DJ booth. Impressively, the positioning of each DJ pulpit allowed you to bounce between the stages easily and without sacrificing any auditory bliss to the looming threat of sound bleed. Similarly, the visuals enhanced the ambiance but didn't overwhelm the earnest and underground warehouse feel of Inner Space. In typical fashion, the Syd Gris show was a private event open to the public. An obvious throwback to the golden-era of raving when map points and info-lines held court. Despite this, the dance floor was packed all night. Clearly, that's a testament to the energy that Inner Space encapsulates and the connection it's made with the loyal members of the Denver underground scene. The Music This was an all night event in the truest sense. The doors popped shortly after sundown around 10 pm. Just as the major Denver clubs and arenas started to catch fire and their respective headliners made their way to the booth, the first vibrations of bass reverberated off of the warehouse walls. From that point on, the congregation of bass-heads felt the speakers' continuous auditory push until the last needle dropped at 7 am. Quite Right, Blue, and Couch Land blended their rosters to create a diverse and talented lineup. Additionally, they brought in some of Denver's finest artists to round out a very solid bill. The supporting roster included: NativeOrigin303 , Dsqise , D3lphie , Lexi Fey , and Dj Lady Sage . They all rocked the main stage which was anchored by the Denver standout, DJ mL e . She is without question one of the most respected DJ's in Colorado and always delivers killer sets. This night was no exception and her versatile style was the perfect warm up to the main event. Along with that, Robert W. , RottleR , Revenge Killing, Mindphunx , Marvin Jest , Astronoize , Shua , Dzhef , and myalo held it down all night for stage two. All the artists brought their own techniques to the stage and kept the crowd moving all night. Though many of them express their creativity in very different ways, all were able to blend their unique styles seamlessly. An alluring collaboration of sound was cultivated in the process. Above all, they each contributed to a vibrant affair which was highlighted by a flawless two-hour Syd Gris set. As usual, Syd's mixture of tech, house, future, and disco beats took us on a journey. It was the perfect set to carry us through the night leaving everyone feening for more. With the Syd Gris booking, a duality can be extracted from the statement Quite Right, Blue, and Couch Land are making. First, they're putting their stamp on the Denver underground scene letting everyone know, 'We are here!' They were able to pack the house without the use of broad advertising, intense promotion schemes, or a major headliner. That's no small feat considering Blond:ish, KRS-One, Exmag, Borgore, Trampa, Joey Badass, and the Flatbush Zombies where all rockin' stages across Colorado the same night. Secondly, the booking speaks to the ideals that the three promoters support, the types of events they want to host, and what they all represent for Denver EDM. Including a donation drive for Impact is certainly in line with the legacy of Syd Gris. Furthermore, his stature within the San Francisco underground community is well documented. Whether it's his Burning Man Sets that push the minds of burners to transcendent levels or the forward-thinking events 'with purpose' which he created through Opel Productions , his pedigree can't be denied. The Vibe Denver is spoiled when it comes to EDM these days. Top tier venues like Red Rocks Amphitheater and the late Beta Nightclub attract the biggest names in the game on a consistent basis. Consequently, in any given week you'll find a plethora of dope music to quench your thirst for bass. However, many feel the the scene is missing, 'the vibe.' Denver EDM traces its roots back to the underground rave scene of the 90's . The recent warehouse renaissance taps directly into that. Event's like these are popping up all over the place and they've created a resurgence in the vibes that made us all fall in love with dance music. The undeniable sense of community and togetherness that the Syd Gris show exuded definitely makes one reminisce about the golden era of raving. Likewise, this party was jumpin' all night long! Thankfully, that vibe continued to permeate as the night progressed. [Photos by Sean Hartgrove , Brandon Hummel , & Jaybird Photography ] If you missed Syd Gris at Inner Space or other events like it , you're missing out on a special moment in the timeline of the history of the Denver underground. Besides that, you're just plain missing out on really dope parties . The resurrection of the old school vibe is an emanation of the warehouse renaissance. Although it's something everyone loves, it won't last forever. Hopefully, Quite Right, Blue Records, and Couch Land Collective will continue to hold it down for us and keep the movement going. Make sure you catch one of their events soon and witness the rebirth. As always- Long live the underground! -Bass'D Out DNVR Follow Quite Right Records: Facebook | Instagram | SoundCloud Follow Blue Records: Facebook | Soundcloud Follow Couch Land Collective: Facebook | Web | Instagram | Soundcloud

Let's all give a moment of silence to our eardrums for the bass they endured last night... Along with that, let's give a hat tip to the hungry artists on the come-up who're propping up the scene. No matter how much of a fuddy-duddy you are you have to appreciate the fact that the heart of bass music is still beating hard. Thanks to those like Xeela, the Denver scene stays at the forefront of the industry. She's getting mad shine behind the decks, as a result. If you've been to the Black Box or the Other Side on a Tuesday over the past decade you already know what's up. For those that don't, you should get familiar with the pipeline that Sub.Mission has created via Electronic Tuesdays. Bass'D Out DNVR is able to continue repping the local DJ community because E-Tuesdays has become a talent factory which blesses us with the so many new faces including that Xeela DnB sound. Nicole Cacciavillano and her army of bass deserve much credit but, Xeela the Warrior Princess has no doubt been putting in work. She touched down in the bass capital from Tennessee back in 2013 and hit the ground running. She quickly immersed herself in the nightlife scene, going to all the hottest events and networking with the right people . It wasn't long before she found herself behind the DJ booth, rockin' for the crowd. This should all come as no surprise though as D-town has become somewhat of a Mecca for all things bass. Yeah, snowboarding is cool but, have you ever felt the rattle of the Funktion 1's as you tickle the knobs on the mixer? Xeela knows that feeling all too well and even in her early music , she refused to relinquish her love for the bass. Xeela's come a long way from getting booked at small one-off events. She now holds a residency with the Altitude Sickness and Denver Juke crews. Additionally she manages to work in some time behind the decks for the Recon DnB crew as well. Fortunately, there was enough time leftover for us to get a chance to get to know her a little better. Bass'D Out DNVR: Do you remember when you first fell in love with bass music? Xeela: Yes, I had this DJ Irene CD in HS and on it was this Aphrodite song, Wobble. I would listen to that track on repeat. BOD: How long have you been a part of the Denver bass music scene? Favorite genres? X: I moved to Denver in 2013 for the DnB scene. I instantly started going to shows, most of which were at NORAD. Drum & bass and Juke/Footwork are my favorite genres. But really I listen to a huge range of music, with few exceptions. BOD: What about the Denver scene would you like to see change? X: The only thing I would change about the scene would be to push for later bar hours. Most shows in Denver end at 2 am. BOD: What made you want to start DJing/Producing? X: I love having an idea and making it happen. Whether it's mixing songs together or playing/producing the idea that's in my head. I have always been into music and played all kinds of instruments over the years. I got into electronic music pretty young and with my musical background, it was pretty natural for me to pick up DJing. BOD: What was the first setup up you started learning on? X: I can't remember the old mixer but, the first turntables I learned on were a couple of Stantons. I got a small Hercules controller to really learn on, with my digital library. BOD: Describe the vibe you get when you perform in front of a crowd. What was it like the first time you performed live? X: The first time I played in front of people, I was nervous in anticipation but I quickly realized it is just like performing any other instrument I am comfortable playing. It is always exciting to me to see how the audience will react to the tunes I play. BOD: What’s it like being a female DJ in a male dominated industry? X: I have always been more of a tomboy/had mostly male friends, so really to me it's not intimidating to be in a male dominated industry. BOD: Do you feel like you get treated differently by bass music fans because you’re a woman? X: They used to say “you're really good, for a girl”. Now they leave off the “for a girl” part. I don't know if that is a reflection of my skill level or the changing of times. BOD: How did you get linked up with Black Box/Language Crew. Denver Juke? X: I moved to Denver in 2013 for the music scene. I immediately immersed myself into it and began making friends. Everyone has been so nice and welcoming, I just love Denver and it's many talented artists. BOD: Are there any other artists out there that you’d like to work with? X: There are so many artists that I am inspired by, but if I had to pick one right now it would be Dela Moontribe. She blends genres in the same way I do. It would be so cool to do a b2b set with her! BOD: Which artists are you most influenced/inspired by? Anyone else you want to shout out? X: I've had many influential artists over the years, I would say my all time favorites would probably be Mad Professor, DJ Godfather, Amon Tobin, Spectrasoul, Keeno, and London Elektricity . "Shout out to all the 303 DnB crews making things happen. That's why I am in Denver, and couldn't be happier about the scene here." Much Love to Xeela for taking the time to talk to us! Be sure to follow her on her social media below, check out her latest mix here, and be sure to grab tickets to her upcoming gig: Black Sun Empire + Legion, Solid, Xeela at the Black Box on 4/25. Follow Xeela: Facebook | Mixcloud | SoundCloud | Instagram

***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com*** Ready or not, the summer festival season is here. In other words, get ready for Imagine Music Festival ! If the signature spring events are any indication, more controversy , hook-ups , and amazing sets are on the way. In case you forgot, IMF already has some juicy storylines of its own, too. Now that Ultra Miami , Coachella , and SXSW are in the rearview, it’s time to crack open the piggy bank for some summertime fun. The party is still a ways off, kicking off at summer’s end on September 20-22 . Although, with its phase one announcement, the Imagine lineup will have us trying to stretch those savings accounts out a little bit further. This initial Imagine lineup is loaded with big names. The main stage will have Diplo , Above & Beyond , Allison Wonderland , Rezz , and Marshmello . If that’s not enough, the Dirtybird crew will host its own stage with Claude Von Stroke , Anna Lunoe , Dr. Fresch , and more. Check out the official phase one flyer below: The best part about this teaser Imagine lineup is that it’s just a teaser. This bill alone could fill up arenas just about anywhere by itself. However, anyone who’s been to IMF before knows there’s so much more to come. Clearly, two of the stages still have quite a bit of filling out to do. Plus, the blurred names are a clue that the talent buyers are still hard at work locking down artists. The next phase won’t come out until June so a lot can happen over the next few months. Just like last year , the Imagine lineup is being rolled out slowly but that’s no reason to wait. Tickets are available now with the option to utilize a payment plan. That will help free up some funds for more imminent things ( EDC Vegas , anyone?). Head over to the IMF website for more details about camping, workshops, and help with planning. Watch the IMF 2018 recap video below and remember to sign up for updates here  as more info becomes available. Follow Imagine Festival: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

***This Article First Appears On EDMTunes.com*** Just months after closing it's doors, Denver's legendary  Beta Nightclub is set to re-open later this year. After failed attempts at selling the space, owner Brad Roulier has decided to reopen the venue instead. It appears that part of the ' Beta 2.0 ' plan includes a more robust revenue stream as well. The renovation plans include adding a fenced in pool on the deck outside the building. Obviously this would create more opportunities for the club to open during different times of day. Roulier, had this to say about the new venture: "We’ll almost have two different businesses,” Roulier told EDM.com. “We’ll have the daytime pool party staff and then the club. We had 107 employees before and now we’ll be open twice the hours, so we’ll probably be excess of 150-160 employees. We’re figuring out how the daytime pool party staff interacts with the evening staff and how we bridge those times." The proposed renovations posted in the Denver Business Journal can be seen here: Additionally, they plan to update 'Beta 2.0' with other various fixtures inside the club. According to the Denver Post , this would include updated lighting, screens, and a new sound system. With that, the pool space will act as a second booth (the booth in the upstairs lounge area would be removed). Furthermore, with these renovations, Roulier and partner Mike Mccray have renewed their lease for another 14 years. While it is great news that one of the top clubs in the U.S. is being reopened and re-imagined, not all are pleased about 'Beta 2.0.' Some are definitely irked by the new additions and feel this makes their beloved space "too mainstream." That makes since as a move like this could be considered as, "Going the way of the Vegas super club." Others seem to think an outdoor pool in downtown Denver will be, "Gross AF." Along with that, having an outdoor pool in a city that has an average seasonal snowfall of around 60 inches seems odd. It begs the question: what will they do with that space during the winter? Even the city had initial concerns about adding a pool to the historical downtown area. Although, initial approval seems to have been granted. We'll all have to wait and see how 'Beta 2.0' will pan out. Requests for comment are still being made with ownership's representatives. Only time will tell if the new improved Beta Nightclub will be able to live up to the standards of it's predecessor. Follow Beta Nightclub at the links below as more news becomes available Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com*** Avoure - Aura (Lane 8 Edit) It seems like Lane 8 is always releasing new music. One quick peek at his Soundcloud page confirms that too. Sure enough every month he’s got something fresh and new for the fans. This month is no exception as his latest edit of Avoure's ‘ Aura ‘ just dropped yesterday. With festival season in full swing, the track is hitting the airways not a moment too soon. ‘Aura’ comes at the perfect time as it seems like the more melodic aspects of EDM are back at the forefront of the industry. Progressive giants like Above & Beyond , Armin Van Buuren , and Alesso , are getting off to great starts already. This is perfect for Lane 8 as he has some pretty big dates of his own ahead. The ‘ This Never Happened Summer Gatherings ‘ ( TNH ) kick off later this year. ‘Aura’ comes with that rock-solid production you can expect from any Anjunadeep release. As with every Lane 8 production, all of the synths, percussion, and melodies are wound perfectly together within the song. The summer festival vibe is strong in this one, however. It’s definitely the perfect song to bump while poolside at the hotel as you pregame with the homies. Listen to Aura below and be sure to grab your copy of the track when he releases the final edit. Grab your tickets to TNH here . Follow Lane 8: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Spotify  | Instagram | SoundCloud

***This Article first Appears on EDMTunes.com*** We all knew it was coming but the day is finally here. Rodg drops his new album 'Fate'  tomorrow. Back in March, we caught up with Rodg at one of his ASOT 900 sets where he dished about his new work . It has 18 fresh tracks on it including the banger 'The Coaster,' released back in January . The Armada Music workhorse definitely pushes his unique sound into new territory. However, it feels like Rodg is steering clear of the sophomore curse too. If you listen to any dance music compilation or mixtape these days, you'll definitely hear a Rodg track thrown in there. From this, the reason for the anticipation over 'Fate' becomes clear. Ever since signing with Armada Music , he's been dropping countless hits. Thus, he continues to get support from some industry giants. Names like, Armin Van Buuren , Paul Van Dyk , and Above & Beyond throw their undying support behind the man. Because of this, he gets to blow up stages with his live sets at events like Creamfields , Ultra Music Festival , and Tomorrowland . How his work with Ruben de Ronde is changing the game goes without saying. Although it's a prominent feather in his cap as well. A New Frontier While listening to some of the tracks that are available to preview now, you can tell that 'Fate' is going to take you on a journey. You can expect that signature Rodg bounce on tracks like ' Beam ' which is sure to be a dancefloor killer. But then on tracks like ' Cinnamon, ' he brings in new elements that you may have only heard in a live set. Clearly, he likes to give crowds something new so he can see if his tinkering is effective.  When he talked with EDMTunes' Sol Di Tomasso about his unique sound, he said this: "It’s groovy, it’s still melodic but a little bit different from regular trance, to say it like that. It has trance elements in there, but it’s definitely not 138." Obviously, you can expect the album to blur the lines of trance and progressive music. Along with that, look out for new collabs with the likes of Matt Fax , Dom Fricot , and Sarah de Warren . You can tell this all leads up to where we are today with 'Fate.' It's a culmination of his experimentation and expresses Rodg's underlying feelings about fate. In a press release for the new album he was quoted as saying this: "I always thought of fate as something that life leads you to, no matter what you do or happens to you, whether good or bad, wonderful or stupid. So, in a way, life led me to writing this album. Though it’s different from what I’ve done in the past, I think it ties in even better with the music I play in my DJ sets. It’s more experimental than any album I’ve done before, and I hope that will lead to some more amazing memories and experiences in return." This is a journey into sound that you're not going to want to miss! Listen to some of the tracks on Rodg's new album 'Fate' below and don't forget to set up your Spotify pre-saves here .

***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com*** Despite all the craziness coming out of Coachella, let’s not forget about one thing: the techno sets this year are beast! You can probably say the theme this year is hook-ups , hook-ups, and more hook-ups . Maybe for you, it’s about who isn’t there . Above all, it’s not the complete dumpster fire (or shower fire ) that some are saying it is. If you’re not sure about that, you probably missed Cirez D  throw an immaculate techno set. A lot has been said about the overall lineup this year. Much of which can be boiled down to the typical lofty expectations of festival goers. Then again, the bill this year just doesn’t size up with bills of Coachella’s past  (2012 was nuts!). However, if you take the time to cherry pick techno sets to catch, you can definitely find some gems. Big ups to the Eric Prydz Redditers as one of its members came through with the 4K video in the clutch! About 18 minutes in, the light show begins and it doesn’t stop. First off, hat-tip to this guy as he keeps the camera hovering from start to finish. Secondly, he captures Cirez D’s dirty techno set in its entirety. Lastly, the footage shows just how ruckus the techno stage gets. Unfortunately, the festival is getting attention for all the wrong reasons. From this, we can expect more debauchery as we head into week two. This is all the more reason to map out your schedule properly now, and catch some of these filthy techno sets. Hang in there techno freaks as the ends truly do justify the means! Keep it locked here as the Coachella 2019 saga continues.

***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com*** Recent studies on MDMA have shown promising results for the future of brain health. Scientists published their findings in a letter in  Nature on April 3rd. Accordingly, through the use of MDMA, the reward-learning critical period in the brain is restored. This means the brain is put into a state which allows it to be more responsive to social adaptation. Thus, therapies for depression and other social impairments are possible. The study was able to prove a couple of things that help the argument for medicinal MDMA. First, it proves that there's a period of adolescence where the brain learns more efficiently. Furthermore, this period of time is critical to the brain developing properly. Secondly, the study shows that the brain can be restored to this state through the use of MDMA. This would allow therapy to be effective in repairing damage from brain diseases. The Possibilities Are Endless MDMA is already  known to help with social disorders like PTSD and Autism.  Consequently, more studies are popping up looking to uncover the secrets of the notorious party drug. Along with that, doctors are beginning to speak out against the stigmas surrounding the drug as well. The findings in this study seem to bolster these arguments. The drug is getting more attention from scientists, as a result. For many, the results of these MDMA studies come as no surprise. Venture out into any festival or rave and talk to the ravers. Surely, they'll tout the benefits of popping molly. Generally, opinions are that the drug helps to foster an atmosphere of love and togetherness. Clearly, this speaks to the drugs ability to release people from their social inhibitions. While this may not be the best idea in some dark warehouse with a bunch of strangers, think of the possibilities. In a controlled setting with a professional controlling dosage and purity, real breakthroughs could be made. Similar results are already coming out of studies with LSD (acid). MDMA is seemingly on the verge of becoming the next miracle drug. It seems to be riding the coattails of medical marijuana and CBD. The fact that more studies get green-lit based off of positive results is a great benefit by itself. If these findings get the attention they deserve, MDMA and other mind-altering drugs may be on the fast-track to becoming useful medicines. Maybe, those ravers were on to something all along. Only time will tell.

***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com*** The latest news from Rüfüs du Sol should make a big splash with fans. Ahead of their performance at Coachella , the trio announces they'll be premiering a short film for their smash hit ' Underwater .' The film is set to debut on tomorrow at HP Inc .'s ' The Antartic'  visual art installation. Additionally, they'll be performing a DJ set and participating in a panel discussion (H/T Your EDM ). This likely will provide a wave of momentum for the group as they head into their huge American tour . Although Coachella is sold out, RdS  wanted to do something more for its fans before hitting the road. As a result, they're offering this VIP event featuring the ' Underwater ' short film. Furthermore, fans will have access to the dome during the festival if they miss out on the premiere. This is a smart move for a group that has a very passionate fan base built on the intimacy of its live shows. With dates already booked into October, they've lined themselves up for an amazing slate of events in 2019. Director James Frost was called on to direct the film. Apparently, the film will be a 360° experience, hence the setting of the Antartic Dome for the release.  He's worked with the Beastie Boys , Kylie Minogue , Coldplay and many more so he's definitely got the tools to create something great. Along with that, he's been eager to work with Rüfüs du Sol. He was quoted in a press release about the project saying this: "Underwater’ is rich with layers, and the piece we’ve created immerses the audience visually and sonically in this expansive dome setting." Check out the preview of the film here: Hopefully, this is a signal that RdS has some big surprises for their tour which starts on April 20th. Many dates have already sold out so don't miss your chance to catch them near you. Visit Rüfüs du Sol's website now to grab your tickets for their American tour.

***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com*** Great news for Producers and DJ's the world over! SoundCloud ( SC ), the popular music sharing platform, has integrated its software with Virtual DJ . Finally, and just in time for the summer festival season . The press release, which can be found here , details the full roll-out. DJ's can now stream SC's full catalog through Virtual DJ and, " ...take their workflow to the next level... "  The only thing you need to sync up the integration is a SoundCloud Go+ premium consumer subscription. Already bursting into the DJ performance software market through Serato , they've got big plans to expand further into the Virtual DJ platforms too. Look for DEX3 , Native Instruments , Mixvibes , and Hercules versions to launch later in the year. All this news is great but quite shocking considering just a year ago, SC was going through a plethora of issues . However, it's great to see that they have weathered the storm and will be continuing to help take the EDM industry to the new places. Just as DJ Mag reported , it looks like music streaming is the next frontier of DJ performance. What's even better about this news is the simplicity of the start up process. Per the press release. The steps are as follows: Get started building mixes with Virtual DJ Download and log into  Virtual DJ 8  online. Enable SoundCloud within Virtual DJ 8, then log in using a SoundCloud Go+ premium subscription username and password. Restart the Virtual DJ 8 application to begin accessing saved SoundCloud playlists, and to search, mix and stream from SoundCloud’s massive catalog, live. Again, all you need is a SoundCloud Go+ account to utilize the Virtual DJ integration. If you don't have an account yet, go here . It even comes with a 30-day free trial. Overall this is great news coming from SoundCloud. DJ's and producers better get on this now to get ahead of the game. With access to over " 200 million tracks from more than 20 million creators ," the possibilities are endless for they insane types of sets that can be created on the fly. Head over to SoundCloud now and sync up your Virtual DJ software asap.

***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com*** Sevenn - Lollipop Not many Producers make a habit of remixing their own tracks. Generally they like to let re-mixers transform the originals into the genres within their specific expertise. Sevenn however, aren't like most producers. They're known to release music across all genres. Whether it's Techno , Tech-House , Big Room , or Psy-Trance  they dabble all across the BPM spectrum. They took themselves to task with their latest remix of their track, ' Lollipop .' By taking the track from Bass-house to a Trap remix, they illustrate why they're no cookie cutter producers. The original bass-house version of 'Lollipop' is out now on Armada Music. By comparison, this new version is like a whole different track. The opening part of the song sounds like a happy hardcore anthem. It's heavy on the synth and high on the BPM scale. However, the ease at which the track drops into a trap banger is amazing. About halfway through, the heavy hitting hard dance gives way to a smooth trap bass line. There's no cheesy buildup or noticeable change in the BPM either. That's the type of track that drives crowds wild from warehouse dance floors to huge festival grounds. With only a few years under their belt, Sevenn is already making waves and leaving their mark on the industry. Be sure to follow them through their social media links below and be sure to pick up your copy of the 'Lollipop' trap remix, available everywhere now! Follow Sevenn: Soundcloud | Instagram | Twitter

***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com*** Rough week for Coachella . Recent bombshells hitting the presses definitely have their PR and event coordination teams working on overdrive. The first weekend of the festival is just 4 days away and the bad news keeps piling on. As if the horrible news of a stagehand falling to his death wasn't enough the event got a second major blow yesterday. Solange Knowles , scheduled for both Saturdays, has pulled out of the event at the last minute. This has sent producers of the event scrambling to fill a huge void in the festival's lineup. Knowles, infamous for giving Jay-Z the business in an elevator seems to be doing the same to Coachella here. Citing "major production delays," Solange is backing out of Coachella at the last second. Exactly what that means is unclear at this time as multiple news outlets are reaching out for clarification. No response as of yet but one is sure to come with the amount of shade being thrown her way by fans. Check out some of the comments below on the Twitter feed of Coachella's announcement: So, what now is the question on everyone's mind with the void left by Solange. Concert goers expecting her to grace the stage on days including Bassnectar and Kid Cudi are now left wondering. Fans are quickly shouting out and tagging their suggestions on Coachella's Twitter feed. Recommendations of the Jonas Brothers , Lana Del Rey , and Jhené Aiko have all popped up repeatedly. Additionally, some big-name acts themselves are offering to step up to the plate. Smashmouth offered its services in a response tweet seen here: Long History of Issues At this point, it seems like Solange is just another chapter in the long story of issues surrounding Coachella. Every year the event is plagued with some sort of controversy. The rampant sexual harassment reports that surfaced were not pretty last year. That comes on top of the body-shaming and anti-gay accusations of 2017 . Reports of douchebaggery go all the way back to 2014. Although this latest news is clearly out of Coachellas hands, it's notoriety for having problems looms large nonetheless. Regardless, Coachella definitely bounces back every year with great lineups and solid performances across the board. This year's bill is full of diversity as the event is hoping to draw a much more inclusive crowd. The day club lineup is stacked as well for sure. Love it or hate it, it's still one of the premier events in the U.S. every year. Surely they will find a way of digging themselves out of this hole too. Follow Coachella's social media as more news becomes available.

BOD tries to keep its finger on the pulse of the Denver EDM scene so it's no surprise we've kept a close eye on the moves that Hannah Cassera aka KSUHDILLA has been making. It seems like she popped up out of nowhere with a brick of cheese in one hand and a mixer in the other. Although, she's been putting in work and earning her stripes like no other. That said, she is no doubt on the quick come up. In a very short time, she's gone from just a basement warrior to tearing up venues and festivals all over Colorado. As a result, she has picked up quite the following along the way and it seems to be only the beginning of a movement. Not many DJ's can say their career started out by "DJing" for a classroom of middle school kids lacking the motivation to do their work but hey, we all have to start somewhere. Peculiar but nonetheless, it was a start. It seems pretty fitting also, considering there isn't much about KSUHDILLA that could be considered ordinary. On top of that, most great success stories start out with some sort of humble beginning. Gone are the days of just being the amped-up BASSment DJ at parties with close friends. She's taking her talents out into the world and there's no doubt she's making a name for herself. Speaking of names, the first thing that may come to your mind when you see her name is the movie, Napoleon Dynamite. The movie has some great lines in it but one of the best is, “Knock it off, Napoleon! Make yourself a dang quesadilla!” The way Napoleon's grandma says the word quesadilla (kay-suh-dill-uh) is the way KSUHDILLA is correctly pronounced. Consequently, if you approach her after one of her bass'd out sets and mispronounce it, she won't mind: "It’s fun and cheesy and an ice breaker when people ask me how to pronounce it." That quote is a perfect embodiment of the type of person that Hannah is. She's very laid back, silly and likes to keep things extra cheesy. You may be wondering what's up with all the cheese? Well, that's just a small part of her personality that she likes having shine through within the context of her unique artistic expression. However, there is much more to the DJ/producer extraordinaire and she took the time to let us get to know her better, giving us a deeper look beyond the cheese. BASS'D Out DNVR : Describe the time when you fell in love with bass music. What are your favorite genres? KSUHDILLA : My friends got me into EDM about 5 years ago. Feeling the energy of the crowd and the intensity of the music allowed me to get lost in the moment and use it as a therapy for all the struggles in my life. I love all genres of music but my favorites are dubstep, riddim, bass house, and funk...anything bass music really! BOD : We have a mutual friend,  SHUA , who told me a story about you wanting to learn to DJ. Is it true? How long have you been DJing for? What made you want to be a DJ? K : I started my DJ career as a first-year teacher at a middle school in Grand Junction . Some of the students were refusing to do their workouts so I offered to play motivating music to get them to agree to participate. I had no desire to be an actual DJ at that point. Then when I started going to shows/festivals I realized I loved making a set or playlist for parties we would have at the house I was living at. This house had a basement that was pretty sound proof so we were able to throw parties without disturbing the neighborhood. We started calling it the BASSment and I started DJing pretty regularly using a free program and my Surface Pro 3 laptop. My friends, as well as random strangers, would come over and we would have themed parties, raffling off tickets to pay for the beer everyone was drinking and giving away silly prizes like fake mustaches and glow sticks. People started telling me I was really good at keeping the energy and flow of the night going. I really discovered my passion for making people move and be physically active through the power of music. My first paid gig was at the middle school,  in which they paid me in a Sports Authority gift card. I had no equipment just my laptop. BOD : Seems like you’ve been on the quick come-up; how have you been able to build your brand up so quickly? What advice would you have for DJ's looking to expand quickly like yourself? K : Honestly, coming into this I had no experience in business or the music industry (I have a teaching degree and license). I have worked hard at being myself and discovering what makes me happy and everything I do in life is meant to spread joy and love. I try to educate myself on whatever it takes to make my environment a positive one. People enjoy being around someone who is down to earth, stays true to themselves stays humble, and works hard. I have entered a lot of competitions and contests in the hopes to get feedback and it has in return opened the door for huge opportunities such as playing my first festival last year at Global Dance Festival when I came in second for the Global DJ Competition . I communicate with a lot of artists and any time someone says “who wants to play this, tag people, etc” I am all over it and I make sure people know I am here and ready to throw down! I show up and support my fellow Dj friends in the industry- I also make funny and cheesy posts regularly on social media to keep my audience engaged and up to date on everything I’m doing! I probably get tagged in about 3-5 memes about cheese a day.  Not only that but I also have merch (some of which I have personally tie-dyed) that helps promote my cheesy brand. I even thought of a cheesy idea to take the 200 clothes pins I had from teaching, paint them yellow with paint I already had, and write #keepitcheesy on them and have my friends pin them on people at shows. That hashtag was started by my first manager and it has paved the way for my yellow cheesy brick road. BOD : I heard another crazy story about your alias and quesadillas. What’s that all about? How mean are your quesadillas? K : My name started after a really fun party in the BASSment. The next morning I woke up and made a quesadilla on a paper plate. I accidentally spun the quesadilla and maybe just the adrenaline from the night before made me make a silly Snapchat taking a selfie and “scratching” the quesadilla like a turntable. “What’s up I’m DJ quesadillaaaaa” was all I said and it was all over after that. Because of that joke, my friends started actually calling me that and I would always reply “stop calling me that, I’m not a DJ! I’m just some teacher playing music in a basement.” I never thought that I would be where I am when I made that joke. My friends really were the ones who made me have the confidence to pursue something I quickly started having a passion for. I owe it all to them! When I finally decided to own the silly name, I sat down with my best friend Megan. She told me I needed to make my name memorable and at the time “Suh Dude” was very popular and I also would use the quotes from Napoleon Dynamite a lot. We wanted to make it sound like it does when the mom says, “Go make yourself a dang quesadilla”. So it started at DJ Quesadilla (pronounced normally) and then it quickly transitioned to DJ KSUHDILLA (pronounced Kay- suh - dill- uh). To this day people still aren’t clear on how to pronounce it which is so funny to me because some people have called me KUSHadilla. I love weed - don’t get me wrong - but it’s definitely not pronounced that way. It’s fun and cheesy and an ice breaker when people ask me how to pronounce it. -My quesadillas are average. I really need to step my cooking game up. They have come a long way though! BOD : Describe the vibe you get when you perform live. Do you remember the first time you took the stage in front of a crowd? K : Honestly, my vibe is different depending on the show, location, and what’s going on in my life. For the most part I try to get lost in my set and be as real as possible. For me it’s therapy for what I’m dealing with but I also take into consideration everyone else is there to do the same thing, take a break from reality and have a good time! I am very active when I DJ – I will shuffle, headbang, jump, drop it low, laugh, cry, scream, and get out all the energy I can! It’s such an intimate thing to be in front of a crowd and be as genuinely open as possible. My first time actually playing for a crowd was at a bar in Grand Junction. I was up on the top level and the crowd was downstairs. There were a few equipment issues, and because of this all I could hear was my friends screaming for me (I was glad they couldn’t see how nervous I was). My first EDM show was at Mesa Theater where I opened for Crywolf and PLS & TY .  The owner asked me to play “chill house” and I remember playing more melodic dubstep and mostly house, however, they gave me 10 extra minutes so I decided to drop some heavier bass music. ' Bass Head ' by Bassnectar was my closing song and I had the whole crowd going crazy because they wanted a more heavy set due to the rest of the evening being more chill. BOD : What’s the hardest part about being a DJ in the Colorado scene? What do you love about the Colorado scene? What’s the hardest part about being a producer? K : The hardest part about being a DJ in the Colorado scene is not getting consumed in the negative politics. I try to work my hardest and build positive relationships and surround myself individuals who are honest, positive, and hard working. I love that there is SO much creativity and inspiring artists out there. The support I receive from fans and fellow DJ's is so overwhelming sometimes. The hardest part about being a producer is I have no background and so I have to teach myself tricks and tools to learn as much as possible. Also my confidence with being so new and not feeling like I have really discovered my unique sound yet. It’s discouraging most of the time but I’m learning how to balance my creativity and time with making money, playing shows, and production – and I guess having a social life. BOD : I’ve caught a few of your live streams on IG. Is that something you like to do often? K : Going live on IG has been one of those things I enjoy doing because it helps me perform under pressure more effectively. Sometimes I just want to share what it’s like when I’m freestyling in my room, usually when I’m having a really bad day or a really good day. There will be a lot of emotion in those bedroom live sets. That’s when you truly hear how I critique myself because you can hear me saying, “Wow that was terrible,” or, “OMG that was amazing." If I go live at a show, I feel like it allows a lot of family and friends that don’t live here see me play, and I love that. Technology is good in that way! BOD : Your FB page has some videos of you working out at Red Rocks Amphitheater . How into fitness are you? What else are you into outside of music. What would you be doing if you weren’t DJing? K : My new #RedRocksChallenge is something I started because I wanted to stay active (now that I’m not teaching physical education). In addition to that, I wanted to set a goal to go there as many times as possible to help train my mind and motivate me to one day play there. Everyday at noon my phone alerts me that I am going to play at Red Rocks and from there I say it out loud: "I am going to play at Red Rocks". When at the amphitheater I go up onto the stage and look up at the stairs and try to envision my closest family and friends there having the time of their life. All I can say is that I cannot wait until this dream becomes a reality! I know I have a long way to go, but I'm working every day to reach my goals- If I’m not doing music-related things then I am working for Instacart , hanging out with my two puppies, doing any art related projects, long-boarding/biking/hiking or anything outdoors really- If I had never gotten into DJing I would probably still be teaching. Now though, I don’t know if I would ever go back to the public education system. I don't believe that what they are doing for students is what's best for ALL students. It’s a shame because I love teaching, no matter if it’s physical education, sports, music related or really just anything I’m passionate about! BOD : Are there any artists out there that you’d like to work with in the future? Any events you’d like to perform at? K : I have a few projects started. Jenvoix is allowing me to remix one of her songs off her album – let me just say, her voice is so amazing and it's what I listen to get me through the hard days. Snuffy the King and I have a collab right now in the works which I’m really excited about- There are so many locals I want to work with, but I do not want to head in that direction until I am confident in my sound and with what I'm putting out. A few that I would like to work with though, are local artist  V3NUS , Scarlitt , Wav-E , Braxx , Kalatana , Hazardous Tofu , M-Port , Green Matter , Betawolf , Exzached , and many more. Bigger touring artists (which would be a dream) include:  Bear Grillz , Boogie T , Lucii , Sippy , Illenium , Alison Wonderland , Arius , Spag Heddy , Dirtysnatcha , and Griz . BOD : Any comments? Shout-outs? Future projects? Upcoming events? K : I want to thank everyone who continues to support me on this journey. I had no idea it would even go this far this quickly! I have so many production projects halfway completed but... " I am taking my time to really focus on quality, not quantity. I have a pretty busy couple of months coming up - come by and come get cheesy with me! Also doing a wedding in June! Can’t believe I get to be a part of someone’s special day again! Such an honor. " Much love to KSUHDILLA for checking in with Bass'D Out DNVR! We love her energy and look forward to seeing where her career leads her. Be sure to catch one of her sets live and follow her at the links below. Don't forget to blast the guestmix she did for the BOD Podcast until your speakers blow. Listen below! Upcoming Gigs 4/13 : ??? Special Guest appearance at one of my favorite spots in Denver ??? 4/19 : Church Nightclub: BASSment SoundWAV Session #006 : B2B w/ WAV-E 4/26 : Church Nightclub: BASSment SoundWAV Session #007 : Headlining w/ an all-female lineup 5/3: Larimer Lounge: CRANKDAT, Moonboy, and Pwnage Method 5/11 : BLACKOUT: The Roxy Theater ft. BLVK SHEEP 5/30 : TBA Follow KSUHDILLA: FB | IG | Soundcloud | Booking

Just a few weeks ago the minions of the underground united once again in celebration of one of the Denver bass music underground mainstays, MoTheRShiP . With a hat-tip to the old school, the map point was revealed at the last moment, urging party goers to head to downtown Denver. As a result, deep inside a warehouse, tucked away in the heart of the Santa Fe Art District, hundreds of bass heads united in the name of bass-fueled beat consumption. This was MoTheRShiP 8 . MoTheRShip was founded in 2011 and has been lifting up the underground with positive vibes and bass-heavy beats ever since. Somewhat of a grass roots organization it has made its mark on the Denver underground scene. That's quite the accomplishment considering it has avoided the use of big name headliners to draw crowds. Along with that, they have stayed out of the overcrowded Denver club and rave scene in an effort to remain true to it's subterranean origins. The best part of the endeavor is the culture and attitudes that it promotes. The ideas it encourages ring true in its mission statement part of which reads: "Centered around the OneLove movement & the belief that by being supportive of one another, we make more of an impact. By leading-by-example, we are able to create a more united underground. Teaching TruSkool to the New School & KEEP THE VIBE ALIVE!" Michelle Blankenship , the overseer of the mission and culture of MoTheRShiP, curated yet another perfect atmosphere for like-minded bass heads to gather and release pent-up energy on the dance floor. She enlisted the help of local bass music imprints Quite Low Records and Dungeon Bass Ministry to provide the beats which pounded the ear drums and pumped the heartbeats of heads throughout the 12-hour rager. Some of the underground's finest including: Andron Anomaly , Arthur R , Friends of the Floor , Just B , J-Vision , Le Fresh , Shua , Lindsey Lucky , and Chris Irvin vs. Kevin Martinez . The Turbosound speaker array connected by Outta Our Heads pushed hard enough to feel the bass in your chest beyond the warehouse doors but not too much for noise complaints to ensue. No surprise here as they've been pushing the underground sound since 1996. From the moment you walked into the warehouse grounds from the parking lot, you could feel the bass rumbling all over your body. The hypnotic visuals provided by Monkey Sound & Lighting were the perfect pairing for the booming beats. Not the seizure-inducing laser arrays you'll see at the commercialized festivals like EDC but more than enough to immerse you further into the vibe that MoTheRShiP was trying to create. The cherry on top of it all was the food provided by The Entrancing Tacos . Other than the bass, this smell of the food sizzling on the grill was the first thing to hit you beyond the warehouse doors. The lines were sometimes wrapped along the walls but the delicious food was worth the wait. Looking back, MoTheRShiP 8 was a solid late-night affair. It was more than just a gathering of friends and DJ's. It was the type of event that embodies the true nature of the MoTheRShiP experience . Above all else, it stands as yet another reminder that the underground is still alive and kicking. Hopefully that isn't changing anytime soon. One Love. - Bass'D Out DNVR Be sure to follow MoTheRShiP here: FB | IG | Booking | Mixcloud

***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com***

***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com*** Curbi - Redeem Hot on the heels of his Redliners Vol. 1 EP. , Spinnin' Records' Curbi bounces back with another banger. A  recent performance alongside Bassjackers and Dastic  at the ADE 's Spinnin' Sessions  cemented his spot in dance music's upper echelon. However, he's known to stay busy so it's no surprise he's already back with some fresh beats. His newest track, 'Redeem' is sure to be a chart-topper soon. Curbi is part of a small group of artists which includes Madeon and Martin Garrix . The common theme here is going from obscurity to EDM stardom as teens. In just a few short years, he's already creating  hits like ' Shinai ,'  and racking up millions of Youtube views. ' Redeem' is the next chapter in his already amazing catalog of music. 'Redeem'  falls under the category of bass-house  and the track has a pounding bassline from start to finish that proves that. Along with that, the wonky synths and upbeat sample come together to bring that underground house music vibe. Although, the sound is reminiscent of late-2000's  electro or fidget house . With Beatport recently adding a bass-house category to its website , it's pretty safe to say those genres are having somewhat of a renaissance. Overall, ' Redeem ' definitely will be in the setlist for DJs looking to get the dancefloor jumping. Hopefully, Curbi will have time to drop more nasty bass this year. If you can't catch him at one of his many stops in his busy tour schedule then be sure to pick up all of his tracks and bang them out your speakers! Listen to ' Redeem ' below. Follow Curbi : http://www.curbimusic.com https://www.facebook.com/CurbiOfficial https://twitter.com/CurbiOfficial https://soundcloud.com/curbiofficial https://www.youtube.com/user/DJCURW3N

The grimey sounds pumping out of speakers from all corners of Colorado , specifically in Denver , have earned the city the title of ' Bass Capitol .' This is a result of its numerous DJ's and producers who have a heartfelt dedication to their craft . Samantha Kerrigan, better known as MsTøxiic, is a prime example of this. She got her first introduction to bass music in the fall of 2008 at the legendary Skylab and never looked back. For over a decade now she has given her heart and soul to the scene and has definitely left her filthy fingerprints all over it. As somewhat of a bass music renaissance woman, Sam has her hands in all kinds of projects. She founded and still runs the ever popular Tøxiic Entertainment performance crew which provides breathtaking eye-candy for all kinds of events. Having performed alongside some of the heaviest hitters in the game like 12th Planet , Excision , AK 1200, Zeds Dead, and Dieselboy , she's become a seasoned vet. Whether it's a burlesque show or providing go-go performers, costumes, or promoting- you name it, she's done it. On top of that, in her spare time (however limited) she shares her beauty with the world and has become a well known CO model. A while back we crossed paths with MsTøxiic at The Black Box where she was doing event photography and we had a quick chat. In that short conversation, it was easy to tell she was one of the most down-to-earth, humble, and enthusiastic people in the industry. Obviously, that's a huge part of why she's been able to remain such a fixture in the Denver bass music scene. She even shared that she recently signed on to become a resident DJ for the popular local bass music crew Language. Luckily for Bass'D Out DNVR she was gracious enough to take time away from her busy schedule to tell the story of how she became one of the most sought-after artisans in all of Colorado . Bass'D Out DNVR: With all the things you’re involved in it’s obvious there’s nothing you can’t do but, what is it about bass music and the scene in general that captivated you? MsTøxiic : I fall for anything with a good beat, distracted sounds, deep bass and earnest lyrics. I played the stand-up bass through school and knew I wanted to do something further in the music industry, but what? A new friend of mine from Portland (Abby) took me up to Mt. Princeton Hot Springs and they put on my very first encounter with dnb music, it was the LIFTED mix featuring Ewun , Evol Intent , Dieselboy , and Spor … I was mesmerized and in awe. Soon after I went to my first rave, Skylab 2008 and saw the TeamEZ dancers on stage; I was hooked and fell in love with the scene. BOD : Fast-forward to 2009, when you launched Tøxiic Entertainment . What do you remember most from when you were just getting started out? What’s different from then to now being 10 years deep in the game? MT : The toughest part I believe was trying to really push for new and exciting things to occur as nobody in Pueblo had really seen what I was doing before, and nobody could afford it. Seeking talent in Pueblo was difficult as it was always other people’s hobby or side hustle, but for me it became a lifestyle. After 10 years of ups and downs in the scene I find that there is still something new and interesting to learn every day. I have met so many amazing and some not so amazing people… and I have made lifelong friends that I can share my passions and my true self with. Life is about the journey and I just strive to be a better person each day. Now, the difference is I know more… I know more people in the music and performance community, I know more about the industry, I know more music, it not just about more… but I also know quality and love. BOD : What led to you linking up with Language for a residency? Describe the Language Crew in one word. MT : I’ve been going to Language shows since they started and pushed to provide something new within the dnb scene. A few years ago, Language Denver and Tøxiic Entertainment linked up to provide Denver with a unique experience which included us performing flash mobs during their shows. After one evening at the Language Denver house, I stepped in on the decks and threw down a few dnb tracks. Captivating those that didn’t know I could spin, the “talk” about me becoming a Language resident began. In December 2018 I was added to the Language Family and I am only looking up! In a word Language is Ingenuitive! BOD : What gets you more recognition: being a model/owner of Tøxiic Ent ., or DJing as MsTøxiic ? Why do you think that is? MT : I guess I get different types of recognition from different parts of the nightlife community depending on what I’m doing. To be straight forward, for me it’s all about the adrenaline and connecting with the music and the crowd, regardless of what talent I’m performing on stage. I appreciate the recognition, but I care most about just being able to do the things I’m passionate about with the people I love. BOD : How was your birthday? What motivated you to throw that vision board party? Will you do it again in the future? MT : We had an amazing time! I had close friends DJ all through the night, another friend brought his Tibetan Singing Bowls; lots of love and laughs were exchanged. I gave everyone a small notebook and challenged each person to write their bucket list in them and keep it on their person as often as possible. I didn’t want the party to be about me and my birthday, I wanted it to be about all of us and our passions and making new connections. It’s been years since I’ve actually had a birthday party and this year, I wasn’t really sure how I was feeling. As I was lying in bed thinking up a storm as per usual, I remembered I had been wanting to put together a vision board for inspiration… then it came to me; I want others to be inspired as well! Why not invite my friends over so we can all gain inspiration from one another and put the wheels of success in motion? In the future, I will push to keep inspiring others. BOD : What’s the hardest part about being a DJ? Hardest part about being a model? What gives you the most satisfaction? MT : I think when it comes to being a performer in general the most difficult part would be always curating new and exciting experiences for myself and others; otherwise the most difficult part would be finding the time to do it all. I’m sure most entrepreneurs can relate. People that don’t understand who I am or what I am doing will always criticize me, but those people push me even harder to be better and do more! I think the best part of performing is the crowd reaction... when I can make someone's night by playing that song they didn’t even know they loved or throwing down some sick moves that inspires someone to find their own flow …. It’s one of the best feelings in the world! BOD : What should fans expect from you and your Tøxiic empire in the future? MT : Expectations are a tough one. I try not to give others high expectations nor have too many myself, as life is ever changing. I just push to do better each day and keep an open mind. Fans can continue to expect quality talent at any event we are a part of or create; and they can always count on us to be respectful of them and those that we collaborate with. BOD : With that kind of ambition, you must have a solid team behind you. Who would you like to shout-out? MT : Shouts to my Grandma and Great Aunt who both passed away but, basically raised me and always, always supported my endeavors. I’d like to give thanks to my closest friends that I consider my family that have picked me up in my darkest moments. Big ups to anyone and everyone that ever gave me a chance to perform on a stage in front of any amount of people. Thanks to any talent that has ever worked with my company, and to those who have booked us. Much appreciation to those that gave me any sort of direction when it came to conceiving my own talents. I can’t forget; anyone that ever let me sleep on their couch when I was back and forth between cities, doing what I love. "Most of all I have to give love to my husband, DJ Tony Knight and our son Zen, who are my rocks and keep me solid and drive me to be my better self." Huge thanks to Samantha for taking the time to check in with Bass'D Out DNVR ! We love her and everything she does. You definitely need to keep a close eye on her because she is no doubt on the come-up. Check out her social media below to stay up to date on the latest from her and her crew and give her latest mix with her husband DJ Tony Knight a spin! Follow MsToxiic Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/MsToxiic/ | https://www.facebook.com/ToxiicEntllc/ Insta : https://www.instagram.com/toxiicsamii/ | https://www.instagram.com/toxiicentllc/ Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcLLksfBcmCRSXwVYWPfjRA Web : www.MsToxiic.com | http://www.ToxiicEnt.com Events : https://www.facebook.com/MsToxiic/events Mixcloud : https://www.mixcloud.com/mstoxiic/ Booking : BookUs@ToxiicEnt.com

***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com***

This past weekend, Quite Right Records & Pulse of Prophets partnered up with Abraxas Studios to bring you Breakfast & Beats Live. This was the inaugural run of hopefully many more of this very unique event. It features music and curated brunch-type fare with the backdrop of a new and invigorating artistic space, in the heart of Denver 's Santa Fe Art District . In the name of dope beats, good food, and artistic expression, heads filled up the art studio in what may be a sign of a shift in collective consciousness surrounding EDM events in Denver. One Can Never Go Wrong With Beats & Eats Festival season is in full swing with events like Ultra Music Festival , kicking off this weekend and Porter Robinson 's Second Sky Festival slated for this summer. EDM heads are definitely ready to shake the winter dust off of their dancing shoes. However, with the void left from the recent closing of Beta Nightclub , searches for alternative types of events have become prevalent. Events that match food with beats and art have been popping up all over the place. This kind of thinking can be traced back to events like the ever popular Kegs & Eggs or even the Taste Of Colorado . Enter Breakfast & Beats Live. By providing a unique experience combining music, food, and art, Quite Right and Abraxas seem to be able to fill that void. Unsurprisingly, the event sold out days before the weekend even hit. Brandon Loyche, aka Dsqise , owner of Quite Right Records, did a stellar job of putting together a solid gathering. Quite possibly the quality lineup of Quite Right's DJ's including: Dzhef , nok nok , myalo , Einida Eleven , and Black Wands was a big part of that. The filthy beats they provided kept the walls
rattling and speakers thumping, not to the point where an all out dance party broke out but, just enough to have everyone in the place bouncing around while stuffing their faces and taking in the great artwork. The perfect balance. Loyche's forward thinking attitude toward sustainability mixed in with healthier living was a brilliant idea as well. Compost-able dinnerware along with a prohibition of cups were utilized to help prevent waste and patrons were encouraged to bring their own beverage containers. Additionally, Rusty Quirk , owner and chef of Rusty's Vegan Treats , curated the food. She delivered an amazing menu that rivaled that of any of the usual brunch spots in town but offered healthy fare including vegan options as an alternative. Artistry & Creativity Brings Everything Full Circle On top of everything, Dsqise brought out Electric Elaine to perform live art. The late addition of the tattooist/makeup artist/painter was a nice touch to clean out the last of the ticket inventory. Her following of over 1600 art enthusiasts probably didn't hurt either. Bringing someone as talented as her into this artistic environment was a savvy move. She derived beautiful creations while on location, as a result. The finishing touch was to have Abraxas Studio host the event at their beautiful venue. The powerful works of art and creativity inducing atmosphere was a great setting for the event because it encompasses the very nature of the event. The studio, founded recently in October of 2018 boasts it's ethos on its website and it captures the spirit of the event quite eloquently: "Abraxas is a Place for Dreamers and Creators. A collective conscious alliance, here to serve others with knowledge, desire, inspiration, creativity, and growth. Our space is a welcome place for anyone to transport into a world of expression, love, and art. We encourage the will to learn, to experience and step outside of your comfort zone." Overall, the event was a smashing success. All of the attention to detail made this a destination for everyone on the hunt for a Sunday-morning brunch spot. Whether you cook, paint, collect, inspire art, or drop beats over decks, you are an artist. Breakfast & Beats brought all of these like-minded individuals together under one roof. Hopefully, this unique experience was only the first of many more to come. Be sure to follow Quite Right Records here , Pulse of Prophets here , and Abraxas Studios here for future gatherings! Also, check out the Breakfast & Beats Mix Series below.

***This Article First Appears On EDMTunes.com***

***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com*** Cube 3.0 is set to debut in Virginia Key for Ultra Music Festival Miami . The long awaited setup is sure to be a mind-blowing experience for all Ultra-heads in attendance. Obviously, there is a long history behind the magnificence of the Cube. From this, one begins to wonder exactly how Deadmau5 reached this milestone in his stage production. So, let's take a closer look at where it all began and where it's at now. The History Of The Cube We start this closer look by going back to 2010, when Deadmau5 debuted his first iteration of the Cube Stage. Whether you caught it at Coachella or at a venue in your hometown, it was a something never scene before. Consequently, you knew you were witnessing the evolution of EDM in real time. It definitely put Deadmau5 in a class with Daft Punk with regard to his influence on the industry. Ironically, the Mau5head helmet he dons during his sets could probably trace its roots back to the robot helmets Daft Punk wears. Remember, this was at a time when the DVDJ's were considered to be at the forefront of visual experiences in DJing. That year, Samantha Oltman caught up to him at Outside Lands Music Festival in San Francisco and was able to get him to speak about the state of industry at the time:  "I’ll fucking shoot myself in the face if I got ticket prices up in the hundreds and I’m sitting there with two turntables, playing other people’s fucking music…That’s just highway robbery; it ain’t right. So if kids want a show, give them a show." With this deeper look, we see that he saw what none of the other high priced DJ's did: If there is no real human quality in the performance (IE: singers, musicians) then the production should be next level. He rolled out his Cube and proceeded to do just that, as a result. Next, he upgraded his production with the roll-out of Cube 2.0 and 2.1 in 2016 & 2017, respectively. With Veld Music Festival , Cube 2.0 took the production to new heights .  With rotating parts and more intense graphics fans the world over had something new to lose their minds to. In response to the high demand, the 2.1 version was rolled out . That model brought a slimmed down version that made the setup accessible to more venues. This closer look divulges that the evolution of the Cube has been incremental but ever game-changing nonetheless. Fast forward to February 2019, in a revealing interview released today, just days before Cube 3.0's debut, he sits and talks to Miami New Times' Kat Bein.  She went in on the Mau5 and was able to get a much closer look at the history of the setup. Firts she details the history of Joel Zimmerman from his days as a web designer to the EDM legend he is today. She even uncovered the nugget of him getting his Mau5 helmet idea from a death-pop singer. Second, she details how part of Deadmau5' roots came from his coding background. It was during this time that he honed his audio composition skills but was also mastering the visual coding techniques. Clearly, this skill set is what has made the evolution of his Cube stage so seamless. Cube 3.0 Is Here With just days until Ultra Music Festival Miami and the roll out of Cube 3.0 the excitement is growing again. The latest version will have Deadmau5 completely enclosed in a rotating cube. It is no doubt a sight to be seen taking production to new heights and making us wonder what's next. Luckily, Deadmau5 announced the Cube 3.0 tour is coming soon . Register for your tickets  here !

***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com***

***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com*** AI is already everywhere and now, it's taking our jobs. It already tells you what's relevant whenever you look at your Facebook page. Algorithms can even be used to make food or pick a pair of socks from a pile. Hell, we've known they were coming for our songwriter gigs for a while now . But now, there is one less job opportunity for you up-and-coming music producers out there. Endel , a German sounds app company , just signed a Warner Bros. record deal. The algorithm behind the app uses weather, heart rate, time of day, and circadian rhythms to create mood-boosting sounds. Seems like it's also taking the jobs away from mood enhancing drugs as well here. However, the app is already cranking out albums at an alarming rate. Five of its ' sleep albums ' are out already and it will release 15 more by the end of the year. The fact that the algorithm can crank out albums this quickly should be a huge slight against the hard-working music producer. If not, then the fact that the app is already getting backing from music's power players should be. Jillionaire , of Major Lazer fame,  is an investor in the company. While you're locking yourself in the lab for hours working on that 'fire' track, AI's dropping albums by the handful. On top of that, it is skipping to the front of the line and signing a major deal right out of the gate. Before we know it, they'll be playing to sold-out arenas and headlining festivals. RaveDJ already proved that  dropping mixes is no sweat for AI . So, if you think the creative realm is safe from AI, well think again. What's next? AI that writes movie scripts? Will we have AI writing the great American Novel? Who knows? But one thing is for sure: The robot overlords are coming for you, and your job.

***This article first appears on EDMTunes.com***