After a defining career spanning across a decade, Israel-based DJ and producer Whales reaches a significant milestone, commemorating 10 years of creating and performing under his well-known persona.
Tal Rochman, the man behind the moniker, started his journey as a young teenager and has since become a prominent name in the bass music scene, earning a host of accolades throughout his illustrious career. To commemorate his 10-year anniversary, Whales is excited to announce the release of his highly-anticipated ‘Fuckin’ EP, a 6-track masterpiece that marks a new chapter in his musical journey. Showcasing his growth as an artist, with each track displaying a unique perspective and a fresh take on bass music, the 6-Track’ ‘Fuckin’ EP is out now and available to stream across all platforms via Disciple Round Table.
Israeli DJ and producer, Tal Rochman, known professionally as ‘Whales,’ has become a beacon of hope for those struggling with mental health challenges. Despite facing immense obstacles such as PTSD, Autism, Tourettes, OCD, and other conditions from a young age, Tal turned to music as his solace. He started producing dubstep and bass music under the moniker ‘Sex Whales’ when he was just 13 years old, gaining significant popularity. However, he decided to rebrand himself as ‘Whales’, with determination to stay true to his vision and authenticity. This decision didn’t deter him from his path but only further motivated him to succeed. Through his unwavering dedication and resilience, Whales has emerged as one of the most successful and inspiring artists in the bass music scene today
“When I was 13 years old, I really wanted to start making Dubstep. This led me to creating a project with a focus on bass music called “Sex Whales”. Despite the bizarre name, I had such a strong passion for music that I didn’t have a second thought over the name. Over time, the project gained some attention, and I began to feel embarrassed about having such a name. I worried that people would see me as a childish person and I didn’t want to be known as “this kid Sex Whales”. It was one of the hardest decisions I had to take, because Sex Whales was so popular among so many people, but it had to be done. I felt ashamed with this name and anything to do with it. Nevertheless, I felt that it was necessary to distance myself from the name and everything associated with it. When I turned 18, I decided to rebrand myself as just “Whales.” – WHALES
Whales’ exceptional musical talent and unwavering commitment to his craft have cemented his place as a true pioneer in the electronic music genre. His accomplishments, which include the release of hits like ‘We Are’ and ‘Dead To Me,’ that have garnered over 100 million streams on Spotify alone, and collaborations with legendary artists such as Excision, DJ Diesel (Shaq), Borgore, Kayzo, and more, are a testament to his remarkable prowess. Whales’ journey and achievements serve as a powerful source of inspiration for those facing creative or personal obstacles. Through his music, he shares the story of his perseverance and the strength of pursuing one’s dreams, despite facing adversity. As he celebrates his 10-year anniversary, Whales continues to break new ground and inspire others with the much-anticipated release of his ‘Fuckin’ EP, a profound and emotional testament to his dedication to the art of bass music.
Whales’ latest release, the ‘Fuckin’ EP, showcases the his unparalleled talent for producing electrifying bass music. This six-track masterpiece takes listeners on a sonic journey of sound, with each track delivering a unique, kinetic auditory experience. The EP’s opening track, ‘Real Lies,’ sets the tone with its dynamic production and perfectly captures the essence of bass music. ‘So Ready’ follows with its commanding vocals, thunderous basslines, glitchy synth work, and a powerful drop that will leave listeners reeling. ‘Untouchable’ draws on hip-hop influences, featuring a modulated vocal cut that adds depth and texture to the overall mix. The track builds with heavy percussion, culminating in a grimy, hard-hitting bass drop that will leave a lasting impression on the listener.
Continuing the EP, the title track ‘Fuckin’ is next; an exemplar of Whales’ unique sound, blending metallic elements and driving percussion to create a gripping and intense roller coaster of bass-drenched sound. ‘Hurt’ follows; a poignant and introspective offering, taking listeners on an emotive journey with a raw and evocative string riff that sets the tone for the remainder of the track. ‘Drowning’ closes out the EP, balancing energetic basslines with mellow tonal structures to create an enchanting and captivating soundscape. Whales’ ‘Fuckin’ EP is a stunning display of the artist’s creative prowess and ingenuity, showcasing his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to push the boundaries of the bass genre.
Whales’ remarkable journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Overcoming tremendous obstacles from a young age, Whales persevered through multiple mental health challenges, including Tourette’s syndrome, OCD, Autism, anxiety, and depression, to become one of the most streamed artists globally from Israel. Whales’ unwavering passion for music drove him to launch his project, ‘Sex Whales,’ which provided him with an avenue to showcase his talent and inspire countless others to pursue their passion for music.
With millions of streams and performances across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond, Whales’ unique style and innovative sound have captivated audiences worldwide. With over 4 billion streams, he is now the 4th most streamed Israeli artist globally. Whales’ journey is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of music and the indomitable spirit of those who refuse to be defined by even the most daunting challenges.
“5 years later, I’m 23 years old and able to reflect and to see the full picture. I shouldn’t be ashamed of my name and who I was. I was an autistic 13 year old going for his dream to MAKE BASS MUSIC without thinking for a second about this project and not expecting to have any attention from anyone. Today, I can see the beauty of my journey and how I should not be ashamed to embrace my roots. Crossing over my 10 years of this project, I knew I had to bring some of Sex Whales back to celebrate. and the Whales – Fuckin’ EP was created.” – WHALES
Whales’ 10-year journey in the electronic music space is a true testament to the power of perseverance and dedication. From his early beginnings at the age of 13, he has overcome countless obstacles to become a true force in the dance music space. With his highly-anticipated ‘Fuckin’ EP, Whales is ready to share his story and inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter the challenges they may face. His explosive and technically masterful productions showcase his creative ingenuity and passion for the craft, pushing the boundaries of bass music and inspiring a new generation of producers. Whales’ success is a showcase to his unwavering spirit and relentless tenacity, and his music continues to serve as a beacon of hope,proving that music can be a transformative force that empowers and inspires us all. Join Whales on his journey of perseverance and discovery as he celebrates 10 years of Whales and sets the stage for a bright and exciting future in electronic music.
