If you’re tapped into the world of electronic dance music here in the United States, it has become quite clear bass music reigns supreme and with that, trap is making its way back.
XAVAGE has been a name pumping new life into the genre while continuing to push it forward since popping onto the scene in 2016 and has seemed to reap the benefits of bass bubbling over.
Not afraid to push the envelope when it comes to his relentless, trap-infused sounds, the San Diego based has received the stamp of approval from esteemed bass imprints Elysian Records and Quality Goods in addition to returning to Circus Records to unleash his new Stay XAVAGE 2 EP.
With his hard-hitting 4-track EP still in heavy rotation, we got to know XAVAGE a little better. Check it out below!
“I released my first EP with Circus Records in 2020 and we have kept a close relationship ever since. As we approached 2022 it only made sense to release my sophomore EP with them. I’m honored to have Circus Records give me a platform to showcase my bouncy trap music even though historically the label is known for bass music. They truly believe in me,” XAVAGE explains.
Who or what introduced you to the world of trap music?
XAVAGE: Original Don Flosstradamus remix is what introduced me to the world of trap music. Once I heard that song it was game over, I was absolutely hooked!
What is it that made you fall in love with the genre?
XAVAGE: My original love was for early 2000’s hip hop because of the bounce and groove. Once the electronic dance music space started trap by incorporating the drum rhythms of hip-hop and adding electronic synths I fell in love.
What was one piece of equipment that helped define your sound early on?
XAVAGE: This may sound like the most obvious answer but the truth is my laptop. I feel so fortunate to be an artist during a time where we have unlimited access to nearly every instrument and sound within a laptop. This creates a vast amount of creative and diverse ideas.
What does your studio setup look like these days?
XAVAGE: I recently got a dedicated studio space which is game-changing for me.. I have CDJ’s, keyboard, Ableton Push, proper acoustic paneling, KRK 8’s, a HUGE monitor screen, and a Gamecube dedicated to Super Smash Bros Melee.
How much has the trap scene changed since you first began releasing music?
XAVAGE: The short answer is it has changed A LOT. Personally, I feel trap music has gotten heavier and heavier, almost blurring the lines between trap and dubstep.
With bass music dominating the electronic dance music scene here in the United States, what do you think the future holds of the trap genre?
XAVAGE: I would like to see the trap scene go back to its roots of bounce and groove. The goal of my music is to get people dancing. I hope my music influences listeners to appreciate trap music that isn't focused on a “open up the pit” style of music.
Tell us a little about how your sophomore EP, Stay Xavage 2, came together.
XAVAGE: After my first EP with Circus ‘Stay XAVAGE’ I kept in close contact with the label as they have continuously supported my vision. The EP first came to light when I sent over Knockin. At that point we knew we wanted to create my sophomore EP built around that track.
You’ve become quite the Circus Records fan favorite over the years, how does it feel to have releases on such an esteemed bass imprint?
XAVAGE: I am absolutely honored and grateful to be releasing on a label with so many other talented artists. I really appreciate Circus for allowing me to put my bounce trap music on their label.
What else does Xavage have planned for 2022?
XAVAGE: In 2022 you can expect some BIG collabs. My music is getting bouncier and groovier and I am excited to share it with the world.
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