News: Infrasound Unveils Phase 2 Lineup, Wins Festival Season
–Written by Kevin Madert
After Infrasound Music Festival dropped an initial lineup back in February adorned by an eclectic combination of broken-beat acts and dubstep heavyweights, they were presented with a difficult question: how do you go about improving on a lineup already crammed with so much talent? With the second round of artists announced Monday, they answered with confidence: cram in a whole bunch more.
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Frequency of the Week No. 6: Defunk
–Written by Kevin Madert
Once in a while an artist comes along that captures you attention and refuses to relinquish it. Defunk – a native of Calgary and the topic of this week’s FotW – fits that description like a snug sweater. His arsenal of production tools is formidable even by 2015 standards and he possesses a unique dedication to re-imagining the music of yesteryear from a modern-day perspective. With the word “genre” nowhere in his vocabulary, Defunk is a multifaceted producer poised to carve out a serious niche for himself in the world of electronic music.
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Choppy Oppy Traverses Multi-Genre Terrain On “Into The Aleph” Mix
–Written by Kevin Madert
If you’re a DMV resident, chances are you’ve heard of Choppy Oppy – real name Jared Oppenheim – even if you think you haven’t. Based locally, he’s been warming up the bass bins at shows around the area for about a half-decade. He’s been heavily involved in the planning of Trapitol Hill, a series of events that’s brought artists like ETC! ETC! alongside a host of familiar local names to DC for an always wild evening. Most recently he released a mix that caught our ears, and it’s that mix we’re sharing with you here.
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New Tune Tuesday (1/13/15)
–Written by Kevin Madert
Jax From The Future – 3015
Many of us spend large portions of our lives worrying about “the future,” – this intangible period of time that’s consistently laid out before us but impossible to lay our hands on. Then there are those of us who possess such innate talent and tastemaking ability that such fears are rendered irrelevant. Friend of the blog Jax From The Future falls into the latter category, and his newest tune “3015” showcases not only his production range but his desire to dive headfirst into the unknown, leading the charge rather than waiting for another artist to pave the way. The four-minute tune traverses a taut tightrope, balancing the structural framework of future bass against subtle but present deep house stylings. The lengthy intro sees Jax testing out his MIDI drum prowess (a skill he’s recently added to his live arsenal), altering the feel of the tune multiple times without making any drastic shifts in tempo. By the time the drop kicks in with those quasi-upbeat, shuffling synths (think Two Fresh with darker intentions) you’re immersed in the sonic realm of the song, something he has a nifty knack for accomplishing. Because he calls home the place many of us fear, Jax From The Future gives us novel and forward-thinking music by default – a feat that finds bloggers like myself counting the days until his next release.
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Beyond the Present: Meet Jax From The Future, Stream “Afraid (Of A New Age)”
–Written by Kevin Madert
Ever listen to a track by a relative unknown and hear a voice in the back of your head say, “Not for long”? Meet Zach Bombich – aka Jax From The Future – a 22-year-old producer from Pittsburgh, PA who’s quality sound design and multi-genre versatility is sure to land him on plenty of radars in the near future. Bombich is a part of an ever-burgeoning contingent of talented local acts who call the Steel City home, and it’s his newest, “Afraid (Of A New Age),” that’s caught our ear today.
Falling somewhere near the intersection of trap and future bass, “Afraid (Of A New Age)” opens with subtle chopped-n-screwed vocals, soon accompanied by heavy bass hits and an array of oozing synths that would make Minnesota blush. With eerie digital horns and tinges of orchestral accompaniment, the track wouldn’t be out of place as theme music to a spacey 80s arcade game. With just enough edge to get your head bobbing and just enough restraint to keep you wanting more, it’s obvious Jax has a grasp on the little things – a characteristic that often separates good producers from great ones.
Get acquainted with Jax from the Future on Facebook and Soundcloud, and stream “Afraid (Of A New Age)” (via All Trap Nation) below.
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