Shades burst onto the scene back in 2015 with a debut release that instantly commanded the attention of bass music lovers around the globe due to the project’s highly infectious, evidently ingenious and undeniably earthshaking sound. Shades’ unprecedented production style is a result of electronic music powerhouses, EPROM and Alix Perez, joining forces in equally effortless and powerful ways. EPROM, known best for his efficacy over glitchy, punchy analog synths brings a jagged, crunchy, 808-centered swagger to the duo’s side project. Conversely, Alix’s proficiency for crisp percussion patterns paired with his eclectic, genre-bending drum & bass style tightens up the momentum of Shades’ musical output. Together, these two masters of pioneering electronic music melt their unique talents together under one moniker, resulting in an irresistible marriage intertwined equally within the two producers’ musical minds.
As pack leaders of the new-school sound in their own right, we challenged EPROM and Alix Perez to a musical faceoff before they touch down with Ivy Lab this Friday, March 10 at the Belasco Theater (tickets available here). The rules and setup of the digital soundclash were simple: we asked both artists to separately select their top choices from six different musical genres/categories in an attempt to outdo the other one, as if they were competing in a head-to-head song selection battle royale. The result is a jam-packed list boasting heater after heater in an array of musical styles from both of the trailblazing artists. Check it and be sure to post on your socials using #BassrushSoundclash who you think won each round.
ROUND 1: HALF-TIME
EPROM
Roots Manuva “Witness Dub”
vs.
ALIX PEREZ
Digital & Spirit “Phantom Force” (Fracture’s Astrophonica Edit)
ROUND 2: DRUM & BASS
EPROM
Dillinja “Acid Track”
vs.
ALIX PEREZ
Adam F “Metropolis”
ROUND 3: DUBSTEP
EPROM
Vex’d “3rd Choice”
vs.
ALIX PEREZ
Digital Mystikz “Anti War Dub”
ROUND 4: WEST COAST BEAT / FUTURE TRAP & BASS
EPROM
J Dilla “Lightworks” (Flying Lotus Remix)
vs.
ALIX PEREZ
Mr. Carmack “Birth Control”
ROUND 5: DOWNTEMPO / EMOTIONAL FEELS
EPROM
Massive Attack “Unfinished Sympathy”
vs.
ALIX PEREZ
The Internet ft. Kaytranada “Girl”
ROUND 6: WILDCARD ROUND
EPROM
Aswad “Mosman Skank”
vs.
ALIX PEREZ
Jai Paul “BTSTU”