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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.
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Photo by Shauna Regan
At most shows, there is a dance floor with people rocking out, and seats and chillout areas for less vivacious spectators. At Bassnectar shows, if you just plan to stand around you are unquestionably going to the wrong show. He has an alluring dynamic and magnetic energy that you feel instantly when he drops the first beat. A highly explosive dance party, Bassnectar shows aren't recommended for folks unprepared to let their adrenaline levels soar to dangerous heights. The spectacle might turn some people off but for those who are down you're in for one hell of a party.
Bassnectar |
Ashton's constant transformation as a musician cannot be fully appreciated without exploring his past experimentation. He proves that with a throbbing bass line, he can make any style of music move people beyond their inhibitions. Ashton has dreamed up floaty, mystic jams, Eastern harmonies, new age romps, reggae dub and hip-hop till-you-drop beats that show how far electronic music has progressed. He has sampled and remixed such potent figures as Ella Fitzgerald, Manu Chao, and STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector 9), political speeches from activists like Martin Luther King, Saul Williams and Michael Franti.
On the Bassnectar name, Ashton says, "It's the code-word for a certain frequency of forgotten rage and passion, and it contains intentional elements of secrecy, power, and beauty. The word triggered concepts of honey, fertilization, regeneration, freshness, lavish nature run wild with enthusiasm, all dripping in succulent unison with the force of unstoppable amber richness. I knew immediately that it was a good metaphor for my musical vision."
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Bassnectar has accumulated an extremely loyal audience over the years. "I make music as a personal reflection and a helplessly obsessive addiction. But, I also make it to delight and touch my fellow humans, and to use it as the gunpowder of my convictions," says Ashton. He was rated "Best of the Bay 2005" by the SF Bay Guardian, and voted the number one DJ on Nitevibe.com in a recent DJ Dreamteam contest. He enters each city with his signature vibe but understands the necessity of adaptation.
"In a live environment, I ricochet like mad off of every single being in the place," says Ashton. "In a studio creation context, I am interacting with figments and illusory visions of hypothetical crowds as I conjure my music and watch it play out in pretend instances."
Ashton's transitions are silky and effortless. He is known to build things slowly and then mesmerize audiences into a convulsion of dance, style and attitude. His long, flowing hair is a good metaphor for his beats - captivating, enticing and seductive.
Bassnectar by Shauna Regan |
It may be Bassnectar's colorful auditory landscapes or his political ideals that draws you in. Whatever your particular reason or rhyme may be, his endeavors demands attention. "I am not clear whether or not I can make a difference in the matters I care about because who is to say that the cause I am supporting ought to be supported in the end. It's all simultaneously meaningful and meaningless," says Ashton. "I think it is special for people to decide, learn and debate what is meaningful and worthy of support in life. For me, that's been the meaning of life - sorting out what I love and loving it."
Check out "Bomb The Blocks" by Bassnectar...
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