This past weekend, Rawhide Event Center in Chandler, Arizona, was transformed into a full-blown bass music haven by Subtronics. I had the privilege of experiencing the inaugural Cyclops Desert firsthand and let me tell you—this was the biggest bass event Arizona has ever seen. Organized by Relentless Beats, the two-day festival brought an insane lineup, mind-blowing visuals, and an atmosphere that had me—and every other headbanger in the crowd—completely locked in from start to finish.
Day 1: Friday, March 7th
The festival kicked off with high-energy performances from Skellytn and Smoakland. From the moment I walked in, I could feel the energy radiating through the crowd. Hedex was up next, after having caught a glimpse of his set at EDC Vegas 2024, I was hyped to see him throw down in full force. His drum and bass rhythms hit different in the desert setting. They were relentless, keeping the entire crowd bouncing under the neon lights. Then came Mersiv, shifting the vibe into trippy, otherworldly soundscapes. His deep, flowing sound made the whole place feel like another dimension. One moment I was vibing, the next, completely lost in the frequencies.
And then… it was time. Subtronics took over to close out Night 1 with an absolute masterclass. Nearly every track he played was an ID, proving again why he’s leading the dubstep scene. He kicked things off with his highly anticipated collab with Hedex and IRAH, “System Shock.” From there, he dropped an unreleased heater, “Oblivion,” before diving headfirst into a barrage of fresh IDs.
One of the highlights? His bootleg of Anyma’s “Hypnotized.” The way he flipped that track had the entire crowd in a trance. And just when we thought he couldn’t take it up another notch, he dropped an unreleased VIP VIP of John Summit & Tape B’s “Gas Pedal Remix.” The entire night was a rollercoaster of energy, unexpected flips, and raw, unfiltered Subtronics madness. He brought jaw-dropping lasers, explosive pyrotechnics, and one-of-a-kind visuals (and of course, his dog Ellie made an appearance.) Reaching a fever pitch, Night 1 set the bar sky-high for what was still to come.
Day 2: Saturday, March 8th
The second night of Cyclops Desert picked up right where Night 1 left off. Arizona’s own Dennett kicked off the night with deep, experimental bass and an insane amount of energy. Basstripper followed, delivering a full-on bass assault that had the crowd bouncing nonstop. Then came ALLEYCVT, switching things up in the best way possible. She blended trap, dubstep, and melodic elements, creating a dynamic but hypnotic vibe. Her vocals layered into her set made it feel cinematic—it added a dynamic contrast to the night’s heavier acts. Then came INZO, who took the energy in a different direction, fusing melodic bass and future bass influences with cinematic soundscapes. His set was a standout moment, giving festivalgoers a chance to lose themselves in ethereal melodies before the chaos resumed.
Finally, Subtronics returned to close out the weekend with a mind-melting finale. If you thought Night 1 was wild, Night 2 somehow took things up another notch. With a completely fresh set packed with IDs and unreleased collaborations, he left no room for predictability. Every drop hit harder, every transition felt seamless, and the visuals paired with his sound design were next level. As the final basslines echoed through the desert, I stood there completely in awe. Cyclops Desert went beyond a normal festival experience. I felt a sense of community and realized it’s not just about the performances or art—it’s about the people you meet along the way. If this was just the first Cyclops Desert, I can’t even begin to imagine what’s coming next. #CountdownInitiated
