Based out of the Bay Area, WINK is one of the hottest rising talents in bass music.
His exhilarating style blends trap, dubstep, and wave with tactical precision, positioning him as one of the top artists to watch in 2023.
Making his presence known on NIGHTMODE comes the exceptional four-track EP ‘THRILL.’ The project arrives as part of NIGHTMODE’s 12th season of releases and builds on the excitement created by the recently released lead single “WHERE2GO.”
“WHERE2GO” acts as the EP’s opener and lead. Setting the tone with a blistering trap anthem that’s riddled with epic course-changing progressions. Jazzy keys, echoing vocalizations, and crisp drums craft a sound palette that is effortlessly breezy, lending itself to a late-night cruising atmosphere. Swerving into new territory, WINK flips the scene with a flurry of flute-led melodies, booming synths, jingling tones, and dizzying oscillations, all of which light the fuse for a heart-racing sonic explosion. Ever-evolving, the break brings back the jazzy feel with deepened ghostly vocal tones and muted horns before bumping the backing with drill-inspired 808 slides that connect with a gritty twist. The finale amps the intensity back to its peak with a merciless retooled drop to close things out with a bang.
Sweeping listeners away comes the evocative “GETAWAY.” An entrancing vocal loop and exotic flourishes create a sense of escape that erupts with building drums that outline its crescendo. Punchy tribal percussion furthers the exotic aesthetic while delivering a powerful impact. Filthy low-end, chopped rap vocal samples, and dizzying synth tones punctuate the drops. Offering a reprieve from the excitement arrives an epic cinematic break built around sweeping picturesque soundscapes. The climax ups the ante for a final sprint through the jungle that’s equal parts adrenaline-fueled and striking.
Expanding his sonic offering, WINK traverses new terrain on “SHAKEN.” The genre-blurring weapon utilizes a haunting yet catchy vocal loop and chilling undertones for an icy-hot feel. The filtered first drop moves between subdued pulsing bass and masterful layering to create a dynamic emotional response. Offering listeners a chance to reset, the slow-burning break opens up into a hard-hitting minimal drop that’s centered around a pounding kick drum and expertly enhanced with carefully selected samples and melodic flourishes. “SHAKEN” plays around with a focal point, offering an engrossing listening experience that’s technically impressive and banging.
Acting as the perfect finisher, “TELLMEWHY” wraps up the affair with impeccable style. Opening with brooding phaser chords, snappy percussion, shimmering pads, and a hook that is achingly earnest, WINK deepens the feels for the finale. The pitched-up vocals blend a sense of longing with an accusatory edge. Clattering drums, pitched-up vox, swirling melodies, and sweet bongo fills elevate the emotional impact while full-bodied bass rounds out the sound. “TELLMEWHY” is a soul-stirring standout that illustrates WINK’s ability to intertwine emotional appeal without sacrificing any intensity. The echoed closing bars are assured to leave fans craving more.
With the release of the exceptional ‘THRILL’ EP, WINK cements his status as one of bass music’s most promising young talents. The four-track effort builds upon his signature style and showcases his best work to date.
“The name ‘Thrill’ encapsulates the rush of a fleeting moment, which is conveyed by the music being so high energy. ‘Thrill’ also describes what WINK is truly about, as the slogan “WINK AND YOU’LL MISS IT!” surrounds everything. Not only does this EP have my signature sound on full display, it also expands into new sonic territory, as my goal was to introduce new sounds and genres while keeping them true to my style.” – WINK
