Ray Volpe officially unveiled his FOREVER, VOLPETRON Tour, alongside news of his much-anticipated debut album, expected later in 2025. The tour is tied directly to his studio album, FOREVER, VOLPETRON—a huge milestone in his career. Building on his explosive VOLPEVERSE era, Volpe launches a coast-to-coast run filled with bass-driven storytelling.
The tour hits iconic venues like Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, Mission Ballroom, Echostage, and more. Volpe invites friends, including Jessica Audiffred, Barely Alive, Virtual Riot, and Blanke, to join him, with more joining along the way. When Ray Volpe first announced his debut album, he shared a heartfelt message about the project’s meaning and creation:
“I’ve always tried to stick to what I believe in, sonically. It’s finally time to put all of this together — every influence, every ounce of my being, into a full body of work. This album is a love letter. From me to you.”
Adding to the momentum, Volpe released the hard-hitting single “ANESTHETIC” last month, showcasing his signature bass energy and refined production. His debut album promises to build on that sound with a full body of work that blends every influence he’s cultivated over his career. The album dives deep into cinematic storytelling, mixing aggressive drops, melodic layers, and emotional highs that reflect his artistic growth. Fans can expect an immersive experience that pushes the boundaries of bass music while staying true to Volpe’s unique style.
The FOREVER, VOLPETRON Tour marks more than dates. It launches the live debut of an album years in the making, inviting fans to join in on this thrilling new journey. For the first time, Volpe offers exclusive VIP packages. Fans gain early entry, exclusive merch, and pre-show meet & greets. These VIP options let fans connect with Volpe before the music even starts. Pre-sale begins Wednesday, August 13, at 10 AM PT (1 PM ET). You can sign up now on Volpe’s official website. General tickets go on sale Thursday at the same time. Secure your spot early before tickets vanish—demand will be high!
We had the chance to sit down with Skybreak, a boundary-pushing artist reshaping the landscape of modern bass music. Known for blending emotion and cinematic textures, his sound defies easy categorization—and so does his approach to creativity. In our conversation, we explored artistic identity, emotional storytelling, and how vulnerability plays a crucial role in building sonic worlds.
Sound Design & Influence
Kristen: How has the transit culture helped shape your music or career overall?
Skybreak: I’ve always had a fascination with trains. I remember even as a young kid walking through the airports and seeing the hyper-universally relatable signs up there thinking “this is so cool”, and I would make up little stories for them. I find public transit in specifically the cities London and New York that I grew up in really fascinating, because you’ve got these signs that are almost obvious what you’re supposed to do. They could even be interpreted as boring, you know, everything is in Helvetica, extremely readable, but the culture of the city seeps into this signage. I feel like public transit is a great description of the city’s culture. Just as people spray paint and sticker these public transit signs, I’m taking this canvas of music and spray painting it per se with elements of the work that I’ve done, so you end up with this universally relatable product, with the sketchings and culture that i’ve created through my work over the years.
K: What artists, either past or present, have helped influence you either during your writing processes or career as a whole?
S: Artists over the past few years that I’ve been closely associated with and have been a major help are Chime, Au5 and Temanite to name a few. Chime was the first artist that took a chance on me; I remember touring colleges while visiting Hoboken, NJ when I found out he had accepted my track “Whispers In The Forest” and thought: No way. My career’s made. We’re always constantly sharing new techniques and ideas and he’s come to be a really good friend of mine. He’s helped push me up to his level, he’s put me on his album tour, we even just finished a two show run in Japan together.
Another figure that comes to mind is Au5, I’ve been listening to his music since maybe 2012. He was one of the first artists I ever fell in love with in the EDM space and I remember getting a DM from him about an old glitch hop tune “Hydrofunk” where he’s like “Hydrofunk rules” and I’m all, no way, what the heck? But that also has blossomed into a great friendship. I’ve learned so much sound design from him and more so than anything his philosophy. He cares so deeply about the art in a way that’s unmatched; he is his art, and it’s an extension of his being. G-Jones is also a major one, and his Lost Lands 2022 set is actually what helped me gravitate towards this new public transit icon aspect.
Creative Philosophy
K: Speaking of artistic route and creation: how do you keep that healthy balance of having fun while you’re making music, but making sure you don’t get burnt out in the process?
S: I feel like that’s a bit of an asymptomic battle. I think a lot of artists struggle with this because we’re in a rare medium where a lot of our friends come from the scene, but also a lot of our money comes from the scene. And there’s also people trying to make money off of us. So, just distinguishing those can be extremely difficult. I’ve recently gotten into urban exploration, just finding abandoned buildings and getting up and telling myself that this is research and development when going out and having new experiences. I think the most genuine experiences come from human connections and experiences one can have.
K: If you could go back and tell yourself anything before dropping your first track, what would you say?
S: That is a difficult question becasue I feel like the only reason I am who I am today is because I naturally made mistakes and did my thing. So whenever I’m asked questions like this, I’m always like, oh, I don’t know if I actually would change anything. Instead of telling myself something too early on and overwhelming it, I want to find myself in the middle of the intermediateness and just, smack him across the face and say, it’s okay to make mistakes. Just have fun with it. Make what you want to make; you are under no obligation to anyone to make anything other than the art that’s moving you right now.
K: Out of everything that you’ve made, overall for your career or in the Half Blood era, what are some of the more meaningful tracks for you, and can you give us some insight into the creative processes that go into those?
S: So I think in terms of the Half Blood era, the two tunes from the project that mean the most to me, off the top of my head, would probably be “Antimatter” and “Street Garden”. “Antimatter” goes into remembering your goals. Putting aside the static when you’re viewed too much as this like, God figure. Because holding yourself up to that standard is just a recipie for imposter syndrome. So, it’s my process of putting that aside and just reducing art to art, and keeping it to back before I had all these expecations sitting on the line.
“Street Garden” is inspired by Duskus’ Healers Vol. 1, which is just chill house songs. I think he calls it “romantic rave” and I wanted to give that genre a go, because in my opinion, it’s chill and it’s emotional, but it’s also groovy and kind of pounds in the club. So I wanted to try something like that.
K: One of my favorite things about you is you pack such passion into the things you create, which really shines through. I feel as if it almost hits different when things feel genuine. I apprecaite it from a listener standpoint because it makes it more enjoyable; it’s like “damn, this person put so much effort, love and care into this” and it’s just way more fun to listen to stuff like that.
Achievements & Accomplishments
K: What’s the most meaningful or wild reaction you can think of when entering this new era of Skybreak?
S: Playing in Nagoya and Tokyo, Japan last month was really cathartic for me. I have premiered a lot of the Half Blood stuff at festivals etc. and it went very well. People seemed to enjoy the tunes and I was able to premiere the live visuas but at a festival, unless you are a big headliner, a lot of people are esentially discovering you for the first time, and it’s not as easy to generate hype. I wouldn’t have it any other way though, I think giving them the fully realized version that I’m into right now is a nice “take it or leave it” as an artist. But when I played Nagoya and Tokyo, the people in the crowd just loved every part of Half Blood. I split the set into two parts, the first half being past Skybreak and the second being future, Half Blood Skybreak, and the fact there was not much of a difference in reaction and people accepted all the music just meant a lot to me.
On a personal more microscopic level, I was at Stay In Bloom Festival which is Dabin’s show in New York City, and we were just chilling on the couch when Dabin came over and told me how my project was one of the most exciting projects in bass music for him at the moment. Saying he can tell how much effort has been put in not only the visual direction, but also the music and how we’re telling stories that go well beyond that, and just how proud he is overall. Hearing that meant a lot because I went on my first ever bus tour with him, and that to me was the real shift between being this cute little kid making dubstep on his computer to now, an artist and a fully realized human who was just thrown into the fire and forced to adapt. And I don’t think I would’ve been the same person without it, but to have the person that made that possible telling me this project is dope and I should be proud of it truly meant a lot.
K: You’ve done everything from playing Starbase, giving lectures at Berklee College of Music, and even playing over in Japan. What has felt like the biggest personal leap for you in all of that?
S: I feel like all three could be a personal leap in their own regard. I think Starbase obvisouly means a lot becuase Slander were very early supporters of my project. My first show ever was with them in Seattle in 2021, they signed my Unity EP on their Heaven Sent imprint all those years ago, and now we even have some exciting things up and coming soon as well. I’m just so grateful to have people so widely respected behind my project. It just meant a lot for them to put me on a festival like that, it really made my day.
And Berklee, DUH! Being able to represent bass music and academia like that felt like such a step forward for everyting I’m about. There is a lot that goes into music production, especially the genre. I know a lot of people are here for the Shrek visuals and silly fun, but bass music is an art form in its own regard, and it can go as deep as something more widely respected like classical music or jazz. It just needs to be given the platform. And to be given that platform, especially at the highest institution of music in the U.S. in my opinion, was pretty dang wild.
But I think out of everything, Japan probably meant the most to me. My project has been so deeply insipired by Japanese arts, music, and media, since its inception. And to go and kind of give back, and play these sold out shows with one of my best friends and earliest supporters, having it stacked with fans, getting to experience the country; I just feel so blessed and lucky to do it. When I was there I climbed a mountain adjacent to Mount Fuji and this 80 year old women climbs it every day, and serves this traditional Japanese rice beverage called amazake, just to hikers. No road to get there, she climbs everyday. It’s the things I was able to experience in a country that truly believes in perserverance. Just the sheer idea of playing my art 7,500 miles away, not at a festival, but on a headline show, meant so much to me. I am still beaming from that trip, I’m nerver going to forget it.
Skybreak’s journey is a testament to what happens when technical mastery meets emotional depth. He’s translating the human experience into sound, layering each track with intent, identity, and imagination. In a scene that often prizes predictability, Skybreak continues to defy expectations and carve out space for honest, genre-bending expression. Whether he draws from jazz roots or builds cinematic basslines, his music invites listeners to feel something real. One thing is for sure: we can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Denver’s bass disruptor HEYZ is back with HEYZ’D and Confused, a four-track thrill ride out now via Bassrush Records. Known for his warped sense of humor and unhinged sound design, the standout producer takes listeners deep into a dubstep fever dream. It’s his second EP on the imprint, and it might be his most unfiltered release yet.
The title track, “HEYZ’D and Confused,” leads the charge with lo-fi narration and piano-laced tension before spiraling into deep, ragga-inspired dubstep. From there, the chaos only intensifies. Previously released heater “Onomono,” featuring Dubbygotbars, rips through with sharp verses and snarling bass. It’s already made waves across major outlets and solidified HEYZ’s hip-hop-laced dubstep blend.
Then comes “Demons,” a gritty roller full of ragga swagger, distorted subs, and fierce rap vocals slicing through the mix. Closing the EP is “Fantasy,” a left-turn into psychotropic dubstep where dreamy vocals glide over woozy bass and swirling textures. It’s a slow burner that lingers.
HEYS kicks off his “HEYZ’D and Confused” Tour tonight, August 1, with a show in Tulsa. Along with dozens of tour stops through December, HEYZ will also be playing at renowned festivals across North America, including Deep Tropics, North Coast, Dancefestopia, KN?WHERE, Lost Lands, and Breakaway Charlotte. For tour tickets, HEYZ merch, and all the latest news, use the social media links below.
Steller is on a crash course with stardom as she breaks new ground with her Here & Now EP and North American headline tour. She had a scorching hot 2024 filled with three EP releases on Mersiv’s Morflo Records, Subtronics’ Cyclops Recording, and Insomniac’s Bassrush. She’s brought that same fire into 2025, starting the year with a few collaborative singles and tasty remixes of Bill Withers’ famous “Ain’t No Sunshine,” and Odesza’s hardest tune, “Loyal.”
On July 7, she self-released her latest album Here & Now, showcasing her development as a producer. “Each song invokes a different feeling, almost like a meditation,” Steller shares. “Though it is not ambient meditation music, it is meant to make you feel good and offer emotional relief. I was working through a lot while writing this and found peace by the end. Hopefully, it does that for someone else, too.“
She created the title track “Here & Now” to immerse the crowd in her musical energy at the start of her tour set. Once Steller started flowing, she completed the 4-track EP in about two weeks. About “Downslide,” her collab with Seth David, Steller shared that “working with Seth was seamless — he sent over a sick idea, and I built off of that. You can really hear our sounds in each drop. His vibe is drop one, mine is drop two.“
The third track, “Down With You,” features melodic layers and a minimalistic groove, allowing listeners to tap into reflective energy. She closes the EP with “Eternal Love,” an emotive tune with dreamy synthscapes and ambient textures. “I remember writing the outro chords and just feeling like I could exhale for the first time,” Steller recalls. “That moment was my creative reset.“
In addition to the EP, Steller has an action-packed second half of 2025, continuing her Here & Now Tour with more headline shows and festival appearances. The non-profit To Write Love On Her Arms is working in partnership with Steller on her tour to spark dialogue around mental health, presence, and community care. Steller expounded on the partnership, “My goal with this tour and this project was to create a moment where people can just escape for a bit and tap into something real. We all need an environment that encourages this, and I hope these songs give people what they gave me while writing them.”
For our fans at Moon Lvnding HQ, you can catch Steller in Arizona on the Gold Rush lineup in September. She will also make festival stops at Dancefestopia in Kansas and Seven Stars in Virginia. After a busy week in New York City playing as support for Excision and hosting her own popup at an intimate Brooklyn warehouse, Steller is taking a small break before getting back out on tour in August. For the most up-to-date list of her upcoming shows and tickets, head over to her website.
Moon Lvnding was fortunate to catch her recent Brooklyn popup with City Soul after being blown away by her Electric Zoo afterparty performance in 2023. She owned the room, and the crowd was vibing. Plus, the new tunes sounded great with that thick bass blasting the crowd. If you’ve got a chance to catch Steller in action, don’t miss it. Keep up with her using the social links below.
Bassrush is on fire, collaborating with the hottest bass artists in the game while also spotlighting the talent of tomorrow through their dynamic releases on Bassrush Records! They’re amplifying the diverse sounds of drum & bass, dubstep, experimental bass, and trap like never before. One of the most electrifying new voices in the D&B scene is none other than Skydisc, hailing from Dallas, TX. He’s just leaped into the spotlight with his explosive Bassrush debut single, “The Jungle,” featuring the incredible MC Dino on the Prophecy Vol. 12 Compilation, streaming everywhere now!
“The Jungle” is a passionate drum & bass anthem that ignites a sense of raw energy right from the start. With its powerful basslines and dynamic percussion, complemented by the commanding voice of MC Dino. This single conveys a feeling of urgency and intensity. Skydisc masterfully combines tribal rhythms and dark atmospheres, creating explosive build-ups that take listeners on a thrilling journey! This high-octane experience feels both instinctual and forward-looking, making it a perfect fit for moments of collective exhilaration. “The Jungle” is a cinematic and heart-pounding adventure that resonates deeply, inviting listeners to connect on a profound level.
Skydisc, a talented multi-genre producer throughout his musical journey, has developed a truly unique sound that beautifully intertwines technical skill with deep emotional resonance. This passion for music, rooted in his rock influences, has blossomed into a captivating blend of organic instruments and innovative sound design. His performances are not just high-energy; they create moments of connection and joy, striking a deep chord with audiences. This heartfelt spirit is precisely what shines through in his latest track, “The Jungle.”
“This release means everything to me. It’s the culmination of years of hard work, and having MC Dino on the track brought a whole new level of energy. Dropping on Bassrush Records, this is without a doubt my biggest and most personal track to date.” -Skydisc
“Being a Drum & Bass MC is more than hyping the crowd—it’s about connection. Connection to the music, the energy, and the people on the dancefloor. Coming up between Colorado and LA, I found my voice in the West Coast rave scene and never looked back. From warehouse parties to massive stages like EDC’s Basspod, I’ve rocked with legends and held it down for the culture. DnB isn’t just sound—it’s movement, soul, and truth. As an MC, I channel that energy with raw passion and rhythm. No script. Just fire. Big up to every raver, DJ, and mic controller pushing this forward. Respect the roots. Rep in the future.” -MC Dino
In the vibrant atmosphere of a club or festival, Skydisc expertly crafts his sets into symphonies that resonate with the crowd’s heartbeat. His performances take audiences on a journey of musical euphoria. As he continues to rise, he is definitely one to watch. Join him on this exciting adventure with the links below!
Turn up the heat this summer because The Polar Bears are about to send chills down your spine! Known as the global dance scene’s most unpredictable duo, they’re back with a pulsating new track, “Fake It,” featuring the incredible Jay Mason. This isn’t just another breakup song; it’s a thrilling turning point and a powerful reminder that moving on can be energizing and liberating! Released through the UK’s cutting-edge Vivifier Records, this single radiates raw emotion, gripping melodic tension, and an irresistible dancefloor vibe. With their electrifying performances and cinematic sound, The Polar Bears are unforgettably evolving their artistry, promising to leave a lasting impression!
“Fake It” is not just a song; it’s a powerful narrative of love on the verge of slipping away, brought to life by the electrifying vocals of Dutch sensation Jay Mason. The track pulses with a dynamic energy that’s both reflective and anthemic, igniting the dance floor with its irresistible rhythm. With their unique blend of deep storytelling and high-impact production, The Polar Bears transform heartbreak into an exhilarating experience. Forget about crying; it’s time to revel in the beat and embrace the idea that sometimes you have to “Fake It” until you make it!
“The second we got this vocal from Jay Mason, we knew we had something. Jay is an incredible talent and someone we were really grateful to create a record with.” — Zero
“This record really spoke. I think we’ve all been in those positions where you can feel someone pulling away from you, and you know the end is near. But you know you’ll be moving on and are getting ready for that next chapter in life. We wanted to blend a higher energy feel with an uplifting message, and I believe we really nailed that here.” — Snowball
The Polar Bears continue to push the boundaries of dance music. With each release, they invite listeners deeper into their wintry world, where emotions run deep, beats are powerful, and evolution is constant. Heat up the dance floor while chilling out with The Polar Bears at Frozen Frequencies! This unique EDM and ice skating event will take place at Mullett Arena in Tempe, AZ, on September 6.
The Beat Intelligence Network (BIN) is back on the grind. Powered by Dubstep FBI, BIN has greenlit its second high-priority mission: Audio Surveillance 002. This 14-track international compilation was activated on July 18, delivering bass artillery from every corner of the map.
Spanning Brazil, Mexico, Hungary, France, the UK, and beyond, this release sends a clear message—dubstep is a global language. Each track was handpicked to spotlight rising producers and push the next wave of dubstep. Curated with intent, the compilation amplifies the underground’s raw energy and global reach.
Artist Intel
Versa launches the mission with “Shield Dance,” a chaotic yoi-driven opener fueled by game-inspired energy. Sanzu and PROXXXY follow with “HACKBLADE,” slicing through with raw, syncopated aggression. Jub turns a cheeky DJ tool into a certified floor weapon, while Skxlvtor and Lev3l soundtrack the apocalypse on “ENDGAME.” Goat Dubz unleashes “Bloodline,” merging orchestral grandeur with unhinged sound design. IITYX channels emotional heaviness into “heartsick,” while JETFAZE returns with “KUKAN,” his most surgical strike yet.
WARLORD shakes the system with “JOUNCE [FLOWSEIDON’S LAIR],” a minimal slapper built for movement. Sythyst and Motar conjure an audio battleground with “Final Fight,” and NGHTKLR x Soul Valient detonate with “IGNITION,” a Latin America-powered anthem with euphoric grit. Midroll draws from Call of Duty Zombies lore on the haunting “AFTERLIFE,” while JG Dubz delivers “Lurker,” drenched in paranoia and smoke. Jonter warps timelines with “Dystopian,” and VEXUS closes the compilation with “RUPTURE”—a cathartic blast born from silence and recovery.
Tracklist
Audio Surveillance 002 is a global broadcast from the trenches of the underground—connecting continents through subwoofers and uniting styles through sonic warfare. Now operating as a label through Beat Intelligence Network (BIN), Dubstep FBI’s focus is tighter, darker, and louder than ever. This isn’t just a compilation—it’s an international operation. Whether you’re a rail-breaking maniac or a late-night SoundCloud sleuth, these fourteen tracks were built for you. One mission. Zero skips. Maximum impact.
Tune in, turn it up—and surrender to the underground!
Phoenix-based producer and electronic artist Ward Andrews dropped his latest single, “All I Want,” today via Deep V Records, an imprint of Vivifier Records. Known for weaving cinematic textures with dancefloor energy, Andrews delivers a track that fuses progressive house, melodic techno, and a custom-built bass instrument. All of these combine to create something both emotionally gripping and danceable.
Blending his background in storytelling and design with a unique melodic sensibility, Ward Andrews is carving out a distinct lane in the electronic space. With “All I Want,” he invites listeners into an environment where longing becomes movement and every beat pulls you closer to what you’re meant to find.
“‘All I Want’ is about that focused emotional tension we feel when we’re deeply drawn to something. A connection, a goal, a moment we’re ready to pursue.” Andrews explains.
That tension pulses throughout the track, starting with a slow, magnetic build. In the background, symphonic instruments can be heard before haunting vocals and intricate breakbeat drum patterns give way to glitches and sweeping synths. A standout element of the song is a hand-built bass instrument Andrews crafted specifically for this production. This gives the low end a resonant energy that you’ll definitely be able to feel throughout your body on a large sound system.
“It was a bit of an alchemy experiment. I built a custom bass instrument just for this song, something that could carry warmth, depth, and weight.”
“All I Want“ follows a breakout year for Andrews. Just over a year ago, he released his first original single, “Do You Hear Me Now.” Since then, he has released an EP, The Decoration of Time, and performed at EDC Las Vegas. He also started hosting his own radio show on Insomniac Radio, Creation Park.
Hear “All I Want” live at one of Ward Andrews’ upcoming shows. He will be performing at Off The Grid Campout and will be direct support for EMBRZ at Sunbar this August. Stay up to date with what Ward Andrews has coming up next by using the links below.
After an extended hiatus that recently ended this past March with a festival announcement, GRiZ is back in the music news. From announcing and selling out his inaugural Seven Stars Festival in Arrington, Virginia, in October and dropping his surprise GEMINI EP, to selling out two nights at Wintrust Arena in Chicago and Cow Palace in Daly City, he has taken his return to the next level. Thankfully, the good news continues to build as Griz dropped his long-awaited track with UK grime legend Flowdan, “Coast 2 Coast.”
This hard-hitting new single may sound familiar, as it was played out as an unreleased ID by Griz’s peers during his hiatus, including Subtronics, Tape B, Wooli, and Levity. The original track featured Flowdan’s sample vocal in Sammy Virji’s “Shellaverse,” but due to the track’s rapid rise in popularity, he recorded a brand new topline for the release. Check it out below to hear this never-before-heard version of “Coast 2 Coast.”
Rooted in grime-infused attitude and bass-heavy production, this track serves as yet another testament to Griz’s talents as a multi-faceted musician and producer. Whether he’s leaning into the heavier side of bass music or switching from glitch-hop to upbeat future funk, any GRiZ track is the perfect soundtrack to fuel a serotonin escape, and this single is no different. A custom visual directed by Zach Okami will debut alongside the release, reimagining Flowdan’s performance through vivid, stylized storytelling.
Photo Courtesy: GRiZ
Every event GRiZ has announced since his return has sold out within minutes, so it’s a good idea to keep up with his socials below. You don’t want to miss the chance to experience his dynamic performances, and he might be coming to a stop near you soon!
Were you able to guess the location of Alison Wonderland‘s secret pop-up? If not, we’ve got you covered. For those living in the Detroit area, your Friday night just got a whole lot more exciting. For those not in that area, you’d better get your ride organized! Tickets are on sale now for her set at a secret venue this Friday, July 18. If you can’t make it to this show, fear not. Keep playing along to see if Alison Wonderland will be playing a surprise set near you. Six lucky people from each city who play the game will be in the running to win a guest list spot!
Following the announcement of her new album, which she boldly claims to be “the best thing [she’s] ever made,” this rave pop-up series is yet another out-of-the-box way that Wonderland is engaging with her fans. As seen in her announcement earlier this week, she is teaming up with GeoGuessr, an interactive map game, to bring a custom Alison Wonderland edition to uncover details on the secret locations she will be playing at.
Keep playing along to uncover the secret locations. Follow Alison Wonderland on her socials below to stay in the loop. If you’re in Detroit, grab your tickets for this Friday’s show here. It’s one you definitely won’t want to miss.
