Heard It Here First

New Zealand, with its beauty as a country and its picturesque landscapes, is home to some of our favorite artists here at HIHF. Flourishing with a multitude of talented musicians and producers, two that have been rapidly breaking ground in the bass community are Opiuo and Ashez. Both with a vast discography characterized by infectious energy, unwavering passion, and boundless creativity, a collab between these two artists and their unique sounds is long overdue.

Opiuo’s distinctive sound blends experimental bass and funk to create a funk-fueled paragon that fans across the world go crazy for. His styles range anywhere from trance to heavy bass to jam, collaborating with funk all-stars like Eric Benny Bloom of Lettuce and Dominic Lalli of Big Gigantic, every track is an entirely new experience for Opiuo. His latest collaboration with ASHEZ takes his sound to new levels when paired with one of the hottest rising stars in experimental sound design. Here’s what the bass music legend had to say about working with ASHEZ on their mental new collab:

“I first heard of ASHEZ while in the studio with CloZee. His bass and sound design blew me away!! We connected online, shared ideas, and knew we had to make music together. He came & stayed at my place near Byron Bay and in no time Bash Plate was born! Easily one of the funnest sessions & possibly my favorite tune to play live too!” – Opiuo

Having toured both nationally and internationally, ASHEZ’ music is ever-evolving and guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat (if you’re not already busting out some dance grooves, that is.) He made his Wakaan debut on Adiidas‘ Ice Cold EP and has since collaborated with some seriously talented acts, like Gallium, WAVRUNNR, and HIHF favorites Xotix. Most recently, he released his Fresh Sounds EP featuring tracks made by various artists using his own sample pack. “Bash Plate” marks the first collab between Opiuo and ASHEZ and is sure to turn a lot of heads with its innovative sound. Here’s what ASHEZ had to say about the creation of their new collab:

“When Oscar reached out to work on something together I was stoked as I’d been a fan of his music for years. We started by just sending stuff back and forth online. A few months later he invited me to come stay at his house in Byron to work with him in his studio, and instantly felt like part of the family- they named me Maxi-Cub. Working together felt seamless and Bash Plate is a great blend of both of our sounds and is definitely one of my favorite tunes to play!” – ASHEZ

Right off the bat, the energy in “Bash Plate” is highly charged featuring that signature Opiuo sound. Funky synths barrel through your speakers as ASHEZ takes it up a notch with his always-unexpected approach to filthy, wonky sound design. ASHEZ and Opiuo deliver a unique take on new school dubstep with pulsating synths accompanied by a pronounced bass line sure to make anyone jump up and down. As the second drop comes in, you find yourself thrown back into the pit as the snares come through and the bass traps you back in. This one is destined to be a festival banger and we couldn’t be more excited to experience this track on stages all across the country.

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Opiuo has been hard at work both in the studio and on the stage with the recent release of his fifth studio album A Shape Of Sound and upcoming performances at Electric Forest, Rekinection, and a sold-out headlining show at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater. ASHEZ recently announced more tour dates in New Zealand, touring with Truth and DDD favorite Paige Julia, and even more on the horizon! 

What are your thoughts on Opiuo and ASHEZ’s diabolical new collab “Bash Plate?” Let us know in the comments below or on our socials!

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