“Dubstep is totally the punk rock of electronic music.” Datsik, AKA Troy Beetles, is one of the most renowned bass music producers in the United States, and has graced some of the largest stages in electronic dance music, including this past summer at EDC Las Vegas. In less than a week, he will pull into Richmond with his new projection mapping Vortex stage display, something never before seen and frankly bizarre, designed specifically for The Firepower Records Tour.
“Dubstep is totally the punk rock of electronic music.” Datsik, AKA Troy Beetles, is one of the most renowned bass music producers in the United States, and has graced some of the largest stages in electronic dance music, including this past summer at EDC Las Vegas. In less than a week, he will pull into Richmond with his new projection mapping Vortex stage display, something never before seen and frankly bizarre, designed specifically for The Firepower Records Tour. Firepower is Datsik’s label, and this is its first curated tour. I could explain the Vortex stage display, or you could just watch this video:
Still wondering what exactly Datsik is? Well, he tends to be a blend of dark and ominous electronic bass that pays homage to hip hop, the roots of his musical childhood. His style of transcendant heavy bass melodies and old school hip hop influences is evident on a number of tracks, including “Double Trouble” and his dubstep rendition of Dead Prez’s “It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop.” A brilliant mind when it comes to rhythm is the only explanation for this creativity.
“It’s important to me to have my own style,” he stresses, citing Method Man as the one artist at the top of his collaboration “bucket list.” “I will always have a strong hip-hop element and be heavy as f—, but it’s always going to sound like the future.”
As a fan who has experienced Datsik live, my suggestion is to drop whatever plans you might have Tuesday night and make it to this show. Along with Bassnectar and Flux Pavilion, Datsik is one of those artists we should feel thankful decided to make a stop in our city. His stage presence and track to track transitions are exponentially unique, and while the whole hip hop aspect isn’t everything, I think it defines his technique as a producer. He’s a hip hop head who loves Wu-Tang, that happens to have a knack for creating heavy, grimey bass. Let’s be honest, Richmond, those are your two favorite things.
Datsik on Facebook
Datsik on Soundcloud
WHAT: Steez Promo and Bass Nation RVA Presents The Firepower Records Tour
WHO: Datsik with Delta Heavy, Bare Noize, AFK
WHERE: The National, 708 E. Broad St.
WHEN: Tuesday, Septemebr 11th, 8 PM
ADMISSION: $24 in advance, plus $3 for under 21. Advance tickets available from The National box office, or online HERE. $30 at the door.
