Heard It Here First

Artifakts is an undisputed champion of the underground bass scene, and he has just released his newest experimental EP, titled “Subsurface”. The Wisconsin native has forged a prominent name for himself within the festival world, working with esteemed artists such as Daily Bread and Manic Focus. With a loaded Spring tour underway, including dates supporting both the LSZEE tour and Ravenscoon‘s Glass Orchid tour, this EP is Artifakts’ gift to the listener; a transformative display of true creative intuition.

The Subsurface EP begins with a mellow yet vivacious track titled “Motion Blur“. The tune opens with whirring, high-end melodies and a dynamic buildup, right before expanding into multiple harmonic concepts. The first drop incorporates a wickedly resonating bass line, woven between each melodic sample. Those simple melodies ride overtop deep barbaric wubs, showcasing a brilliantly formed track and a desire to expand into new sonic avenues.

The second track, a collaborative project with renowned bass artist pheel., titled “Consorted,” is a juggernaut, melding pheel.’s wonky soundplay with Artifakts’ incisive form and vision. The track opens with an undulating bass line and R&B-like vocal sample, that will surely “F you up beyond all recognition,” as the song states. The driving bass line swells into the second drop, which features pheel.’s characteristic stylings. In final form, the track morphs into a beautiful storm of haunting bass and sonically entrancing instrumentals. “Consorted” marks Artifakts’ creative transformation, balancing his rhythmic expertise with a desire to craft darker, heavier music.

The last track on the Subsurface EP, titled “Occlusion“, begins with a fluttering synth and celestial flute sample. As the track builds, Artifakts’ layers sound into each component of the track. The low synths, brooding bassline, and tasteful drum build-ups lead into two otherworldly drops. The second in particular, exhibits Artifakts’ artistic transformation from “chill Soundcloud beat-maker” to the established bass music phenomanon that he is today. “Occlusion” is the perfect new listen for fans who may have been craving a heavier release from Artifakts.

Here’s what Artifakts had to say about the new EP:

This EP marks a shift for me–a departure from chiller beats and dive into something more energetic. I wanted these tracks to feel alive, catchy, and driving, like the music that first made me fall in love with electronic shows. I’m especially excited to release ‘Consorted’, an ongoing collaboration with pheel. that was a blast to play at festivals and shows last season. Blending our styles came so naturally, and Subsurface has really helped me focus my inspiration–lately drawn from the live setting. I kept that energy in mind, imaging how these beats would hit in a room full of people. This EP is a step into my evolution as an artist, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it” -Artifakts 

The Subsurface EP is a celebratory release, marking Artifakts’ era of creative expansion. Each song encapsulates a different side of his sound-catalogue, showing his seemingly limitless production capabilities.

As Artifakts’ Spring tour dates continue to take the bass world by storm, let us know where you plan on catching your next Artifakts set and which song off this EP was your favorite down below and on socials. As long-time followers of Artifakts and Philos records, we are stoked here at HIHF to share this monumental release with you!

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