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Listen to Bassnectar on Rhapsody...
By: Amirose Eisenbach
Bassnectar by Shauna Regan |
Alright, all you rhythmic hummingbirds, are you ready to devour the nectar of Lorin Ashton's bass? Known as Bassnectar, this innovative artist has spent the last decade dabbling in breakbeats, painting with floaty dream sequences that take audiences on highly imaginative, melodic adventures. His music is colored with political ideology, but it's still possible to be a fan of his compositions and not know exactly where he stands on certain issues.
At a Bassnectar show you gain insight into the many dimensions of Ashton. An eclectic variety of artists, burners, headies, dreadies and beautiful, funky cats attend in colorful vestments, ready to dance to liberation. This diversified spectrum of ages and attitudes embodies the vast range of Ashton's music.
Touring in support of his latest release, Underground Communication (released April 24 on OM Records), the album exudes a grungier, rougher and crisper essence than Ashton's earlier work. 2005's double-disc, Mesmerizing the Ultra, tantalized the underground electronic scene, while his latest appears curved towards the hip-hop crowd.
"I like the tempo of hip-hop, the free form structure, the basic design of thoughtful spoken word over undeniably sexual rhythms. I like how it works on a dance floor and in a listening context," said Ashton. "I see hip-hop as having the potential to be one of the most effective forms of underground resistance music."
Ashton explains the underlying concepts behind the powerful title. "The philosophical meaning of Underground Communication is important because it insists that you educate yourself, that you educate those around you, and that you plunge yourself into research, debate, and active involvement," Ashton continues. "Doing so empowers you. With that education you will be informed on issues, and with that power you can make a difference in those issues."
Bassnectar |
While his intentions are noble, the reaction to his methods has been mixed. Some feel the plethora of lyrics and the MCs touring with Bassnectar do not enhance his beats, and, in fact, detract from them. Others have embraced the new hip-hop edge that Ashton has adopted. And, there's still plenty of old-school Bassnectar style hiding on the new tracks.
"I am by no means saying 'OK, now I'm hip-hop forever.' Please don't expect anything from me but authentically earnest exploration and expression, and thickness of groove," explains Ashton, who says he was heavily into hip-hop and death metal before he ever explored drum and bass. The reflective style of Underground Communication is, in essence, Ashton reconnecting with his roots. Whatever one's stance on the new album may be, Bassnectar has dared to evolve.
Bassnectar by Shauna Regan |
Many DJs and producers fail to create something tangible, raw and vitalizing. In an age of mimicry, much of today's music resembles beats and rhythms of past, original artists. "I love sampling, but most of the melodies in my music are sounds I hear in my head first," says Ashton. "Sometimes I dream about them, and sometimes I hear a sound in real life like a cash register, a wind chime, or a strange vocal harmonic of a passerby."
Ashton breaks away from conformist ideologies and common rhythms through the unification of knowledge and mindfulness. "I like fusing juxtaposed or previously unrelated elements together in order to create strange or unexpected combinations. It's also nice to just drop the jam," says Ashton.
In some respects, Ashton's demeanor underestimates his profound effect on his audience. "Nothing is more inspiring than enthusiasm and generosity," Ashton offers. "Inspiring people is inevitable when you are inspired. And when you're not inspired you can become so by immersing yourself in your surroundings."
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