CHEF BOYARBEATZ TALKS SHAMBHALA DEBUT & NEW FUCK OFF EP [INTERVIEW]

With yet another massive year in the works, Chef Boyarbeatz continues to cement himself as a tastemaker within the world of underground bass. The beatsmith who is now based in Denver, Colorado grows from strength to strength with performances at some of the country’s biggest festivals and releases on major imprints. This year Chef dropped his long-awaited Fuck Off EP to critical acclaim and major fan anticipation. As he gets ready for his debut at Shambhala Music Festival, we catch up with Chef Boyarbeatz about his rise to the top and what’s still to come.

SMACK: Hey Chef, you've been killing it since we had you out in Brooklyn in 2022. How does it feel to become one of the biggest names in bass music?

CHEF BOYARBEATZ: I feel like I’m not even that big in the grand scheme of the bass music world (lol) but thank you. It is really cool to be traveling and playing all of these shows though. Times like right now where I have a little break from shows helps me re-center and bring everything into perspective again, allowing me to really appreciate where I’m at while still looking forward to whats next.

SMACK: There seems to be a great sense of camaraderie in the bass music scene at the moment with artists working together and promoting each other like never before. How important do you think that is for the health of the underground scene?

CHEF BOYARBEATZ: I think that camaraderie is super important in the underground scene. Life in general is about who you know, and those relationships are vital to helping keep individual scenes thriving. Whether that’s helping fellow artists improve their craft, or connecting individuals to work together, relationships are super important for the health of underground scene.

SMACK: Can you tell us about the Fuck Off EP and what was it like putting this project together? Also, what's the story behind the artwork?

CHEF BOYARBEATZ: The Fuck Off EP didn’t really have an overall back story in mind, but was more so a representation of my sound right now. I tried doing some different vibes on each track, whilst also making sure they were in heavy rotation of my sets. All of these songs where written within the last year, and I’m really proud of each one.

In regards to the artwork, we were struggling trying to pinpoint a specific idea that would work, so we thought about asking the community to send in pics of themselves flipping off the camera. The collage vibe is kind of what I’m going with right now so it worked out really well I think.

SMACK: You've been rinsing these tunes in your live sets for quite a while. Can you tell us about the process of selecting songs for an EP and scheduling a release?

CHEF BOYARBEATZ: For an EP, song selection usually dials down to sonic identity. They all got to have a similar vibe in my opinion in order to be labeled together as a project like an EP/LP. We tried to lineup the release with my EDC set, and it worked out great. The recording of the set ended up being the cherry on top, giving us some extra sick content to work with.

SMACK: Do you feel like your style has evolved over the years and what would you say are your biggest production influences?

CHEF BOYARBEATZ: My style is constantly evolving, but most certainly more so looking back over the years. I’m usually making lots of different styles and genres, so the shift is pretty gradual than suddenly. I started out with trance/prog house and moved into beats and then bass music. Right now I’m reallyyyy influenced by dnb, ukg/speed garage and 2-step stuff. I’ve always been a big drum guy so anything with breaks gets me going.

SMACK: Who are some of your favorite artists you're currently listening to and are there any surprising genres you're into right now?

CHEF BOYARBEATZ: Some favorite artists right now: Alix Perez, Y U QT, Soul Mass Transit, Skee Mask, Truant, Khruangbin, Klinical, Two Swords, Kippo & Scruz and Ternion Sound. Nothing to surprising genre wise. Very much into the dance/club vibes right now.

SMACK: How does it feel to be booked for Shambala's 25th anniversary and what have you heard about the festival already?

CHEF BOYARBEATZ: Honestly surreal but also like, yeah I deserve that shit! I remember everyone was rinsing the Power of Sound EP at Shambs two years ago and then having multiple homies comment that I should be on the next lineup. It is of course an honor to play, I won’t downplay that at all. I feel incredibly grateful to play this legendary festival and attend for the first time.

SMACK: What sets are you most looking forward to catching at Shambhala this year?

CHEF BOYARBEATZ: The set conflicts are superrrr rough but really looking forward to these: DBridge, Synkro, El-B, James Blake DJ Set, Shlohmo and Ben UFO. Obviously a lot more, but yeah these are some pretty rare sets I don’t get to see often on a a lineup.

SMACK: What are your goals for the future and what can fans expect from you for the rest of the year? 

CHEF BOYARBEATZ: I recently started an album so that’s kind of my biggest goal at the moment in terms of executing. Trying to get some CDJ’s this year so I can start recording some videos from home and upload some tutorials of production/DJ techniques. Working towards starting a patreon and doing lessons. Lastly, finishing up some collab EP’s slated for the end of the year!