SMACK Spotlight: Artists To Watch - Part 1
We’re shining a light on artists on the rise. As 2024 gets underway we’ve got our eyes on some of the most talented names making waves in bass music. These beatsmiths are locked into the pulse of what’s coming next.
Crawdad Sniper
Crawdad Sniper is coming off of a massive 2023, with a slew of bookings all across North America including festival slots at Submersion, Sound Haven, and Autumn Revival. Flexing a unique, Crawdad Sniper expertly mingles elements of glitch, hip-hop, breaks, and dubstep into a stylish blend all his own. The DC-based producer cranked out four highly acclaimed releases last year; Globules, Got Gusto, Orangutangular//XL Caviar, and Squid Pro Quo. Now -one of the most in-demand names in the scene, there’s no doubt that Crawdad Sniper is set to take over in 2024.
Torcha
Yet another major force coming out of Canada, Torcha is set to be the latest member in a long line of dubstep mavens from the Great White North. Dropping some of the biggest 140 tracks of 2023, Torcha has received support from some legendary names in bass music including Zeds Dead, Coki, PEEKABOO, Sicaria, Ternion Sound, and N-Type. Having featured on the Wraz & Friends 2 EP which ranked third in Duploc’s Dubstep Awards 2023 Best EP category, Torcha is certainly rubbing shoulders with some of the best in the business. 2024 will mark the undeniable arrival of this underground monster.
Athena
Having smashed her NYC debut back in November alongside Distinct Motive, Athena is quickly carving out a major space for herself in the realm of bass music. Boasting a hypnotic and murky approach to 140, this budding maestro is steadily amassing an impressive arsenal of heavyweight tunes. Having already supported global names like Sicaria and Hamdi, and with a major booking alongside Chef Boyarbeatz and Die By The Sword later this month, Athena is definitely kicking off 2024 on a high.
Yum.yum
Indianapolis duo yum.yum are taking no prisoners in 2024. Fresh off the release of their highly-acclaimed Chrome and Tangled Minds EP this duo is set to pop off. Their crisp productions exhibit a masterful level of sound design and composition. While this twosome may be just bubbling below the surface, that won’t last for long as yum.yum continues to grow in stature with top-quality releases and major bookings across the country. Catch yum.yum alongside Salty & Mikrodot supporting the Dose of Salt Tour in Brooklyn on February 16.
EDICA+
As a major part of the Dub-Stuy crew, EDICA is one of the most exciting names in dubstep. Known for her incredible live performances, EDICA is a selecta extraordinaire. A master of all things dub, this Brooklyn-based beatsmith is taking soundsytem culture global. Touring across Asia and Europe, EDICA has established herself as a force to be reckoned with. As the purveyor of the Dub & Effection radio show EDICA sheds light on all things Sound System Culture, music, and art. This talented sonic curator is set to continue her rise to prominence in 2024.
Lavier
Lavier is one of the most exciting talents in the realm of North American bass music. Flexing a thoughtful yet hard-hitting production style, Lavier is winning over crowds all across the country. With a steady stream of critically acclaimed releases including his Dark Times EP, Artifacts EP, and END ALL BE ALL EP, all in recent weeks, Lavier is one of the most prolific and consistent hitters in the game right now. Lavier and Murkury’s Worlds Collide Tour and collaborative EP is set to send shockwaves throughout the scene.
ROOTS
SMACK NYC resident Roots has been steadily growing in stature. The New York native has rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest names in the industry and continues to hold his own on every lineup he’s featured. With performances in Miami, Philadelphia, and Big Dub Festival, Roots continues to grow his legend. The talented DJ and producer is also turning heads with his ear-catching original productions including the release of his second self-released EP Shake. 2024 is shaping up to be a massive year for Roots he’s slated to drop more new music and support underground legends Salty & Mikrodot in Brooklyn on February 16.
Tunic
Tunic is a name that carries major weight in underground circles. As the owner and operator of the HI-VI Soundsystem he champions Soundsystem culture all across the east coast. Having garnered support from some of the biggest names in bass music Tunic is primed to become a household name. The master beatsmith has a massive catalog of original tracks with much more in store for 2024
RSRCH CHMCLS
Rsrch Chmcls is one of the most forward-thinking artists in electronic music currently. Birthed from the mind of Smokestax, Rsrch Chmcls is a suave, lo-fi project that blends elements of jazz, hip-hop, and glitch to an otherworldly effect. A master of crafting gorgeous and dreamy soundscapes, Rsrch Chmcls is a deft composer with a savant-like knack for weaving emotional rifts with groovy percussive layers. Easily one of the best-kept secrets in electronic music, Rsrch Chmcls is an uncut gem you need to know.
