A decade into his career, trap/dubstep kingpin NGHTMRE is still finding ways to push his artist project into new directions – no small feat given his long list of impressive accomplishments.
Since launching his NGHTMRE moniker 10 years ago, the LA-based producer/DJ/label boss has cemented his status as a visionary harbinger of the global bass music community, boasting performances at Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, Coachella, and Bonnaroo; securing a tenured residency at Hakkasan Las Vegas; co-founding his GUD VIBRATIONS imprint with SLANDER; and collaborating with superstars like ZHU, A$AP Ferg, The Chainsmokers, Gunna, Zeds Dead, Tory Lanez, and more.
Now, fresh off his EDC Las Vegas headlining set at the BassPod, NGHTMRE unveils ‘UNSOUND 2’, the newest installment in his tastemaking EP series. Launched in 2022 with its inaugural edition, the UNSOUND concept is a vessel for cultivating cross-genre collaborations and championing emerging dubstep acts – a multi-purpose project that showcases NGHTMRE’s world-class production and curatorial talents.
On a mission to pave the way for the next generation of dubstep and trap artists, the passionate tastemaker uses his UNSOUND series to platform hotly-tipped talents who will help push the bass genre forward.
On ‘UNSOUND 2’, NGHTMRE amalgamates bass juggernauts with rising stars to create a propulsive package of textural soundscapes. The 6-track EP matches its varied aesthetic palette with an appropriately lavish scope, brimming with boisterous beats and gripping sound design.
The EP’s grandiose, opulent approach is exemplified on tracks such as “TORTURE,” a collaboration with Dutch bass prodigy Franky Nuts and goth-inspired vocalist DeathbyRomy. Kicking off with lush piano chord progressions that underlie DeathbyRomy’s haunting opening verse, the track builds with atmospheric textures and ascending synths before dropping into a section of massive, syncopated bass rhythms – a jagged soundscape that contributes to the track’s cathartic unease.
The rest of ‘UNSOUND 2’’s tracklist is filled with similarly forward-thinking, ferocious presentations. On the EP’s opening track “In Your Eyes,” a collaboration with experimental bass purveyor Jon Casey and producer/vocalist Pauline Herr, NGHTMRE taps some of the most in-demand up-and-coming acts to create a towering sonic arena full of distorted, growling bass wubs and thunderous, trunk-rattling percussion.
On “Thrilla,” a track with trap-infused bass producer Juelz and British rapper ShaSimone, the three artists combine breakbeats, trap rhythms, and blazing industrial sound design with buttery hip-hop vocal flows.
Then, on “ALL NIGHT,” NGHTMRE brings on queen Rezz for an alternative version of “TORTURE,” retaining the central principles of the original track but infusing it with Rezz’s spacious, signature mid-tempo bliss.
‘UNSOUND 2’ is then rounded out by “Restless,” a euphoric track with genre-blending dubstep maestro Liquid Stranger and angelic vocalist Mougleta, and “Brand New Love,” a dynamic collaboration with future riddim pioneer Ace Aura and singer Marlhy that combines shiny, laser-infused bass sound design with plucky melodies.
Bold, audacious, and immaculately constructed, ‘UNSOUND 2’ is a spellbinding exhibition of NGHTMRE’s collaborative production prowess, showcasing the curatorial maestro’s penchant for marshaling his beloved bass scene toward exciting new heights.
NGHTMRE TOUR DATES
5/24/24: Los Angeles, CA – The Academy
5/30/24: Las Vegas, NV – Hakkasan Las Vegas Nightclub
6/2/24: Chicago, IL – Beyond Wonderland Chicago
6/6/24 – 6/7/24: Ubud, Bali – ULTRA Beach Bali
6/7/24 – 6/9/24: Incheon, South Korea – ULTRA Korea
6/11/24: Las Vegas, NV – Omnia
6/15/24: Denver, CO – Foam Wonderland
6/16/24: Las Vegas, NV -Wet Republic Ultra Pool
6/21/24: Philadelphia, PA – The Ave
6/23/24: Rothbury, MI – Electric Forest Festival
6/29/24: Boston, MA – Big Night Live
7/5/24: Nashville, TN – Skydeck
7/6/24: Marquee New York -New York, NY
7/26/24: Portland, OR – 45 East
7/27/24: Reno NV – Bass Camp Festival VII
8/3/24: Atlantic City, NJ – Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City
8/11/24: Montréal, QC, Canada – Ilesoniq, Parc Jean Drapeau
8/23/24: Houston, TX – Stereo Live Houston
8/24/24: Dallas, TX – Stereo Live Dallas
