Enigmatic producer and artist 4D4M rises with raw energy and rhythm, standing as a true innovator in the world of EDM. With a relentless pursuit of pounding beats and basslines, this festival DJ commands the attention of ravers and bass music enthusiasts, leading them through exhilarating sonic journeys that takes them to distant landscapes where his music reigns.
From the age of four, 4D4M’s musical adventure began, marked by an insatiable passion for composition which led to his first copyrighted music within two years. Growing up in the underground rave scene of Chicago, he developed his skills as a producer and event organiser, adding to and amplifying the local music sphere and with a self-built computer, as a teenager he dived into the world of EDM production.
Now based in San Francisco, he unveiled the 4D4M moniker last year with the debut single “Get You Off My Mind” and has since been on a whirlwind creative spree, dropping several singles while racking up hundreds of thousands of streams of his music. Continuing the momentum, this year has already seen the prolific producer share multiple tracks and he now brings us one of his latest releases with the new track titled “Meet Me In The Mosh Pit,” a track that’s always fuelled mad circles of ravers at his live sets.
Staking his claim as one of the leading new producers in the modern hardstyle and dubsteps scenes, “Meet Me In The Mosh Pit” delivers a ferocious electronic music experience that has all the synth-driven aggression of dubstep cut with the intensity of metal-style vocal elements. Kicked off with ominous synth textures and rattling tones as the clap builds up the energy, a dark soundscape descends as the pick slide of a distorted guitar ushers in growling vocals.
Launching with a build up, the drop unleashes pure sonic fire in an explosion of stomping beats, scorching synths and belted vocals, resulting in an astonishing burst of energy. Venturing through a raucous musical experience that threads powerful beats, crunching synths and gritty guitars over stuttered rhythms, “Meet Me In The Mosh Pit” sees 4D4M serve up a gripping slice of his original sonic vision as well as lay down a masterclass in sound design.
It’s a face-melting EDM offering from a producer who’s knack for crafting thrilling musical moments results in wildly transportive sounds. As he continues to explore the fringes of experimental electronic music, 4D4M is sure to go from strength to strength with each move he makes.
We caught up with 4D4M to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “Meet Me In The Mosh Pit” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with 4D4M below.
Hey 4D4M, howâs things?
Things are going great, thanks for asking!
Is there a story behind the name?
The name “4D4M” actually stems from my fascination with the concept of the fourth dimension and the idea of transcending traditional boundaries. I wanted a name that reflected my passion for pushing the limits of sound and taking listeners on a journey beyond the ordinary. I guess what really made the name stick for me was that I started songwriting at age four, so I took ADAM and replaced the Aâs with 4âs for 4D4M. I think 4D4M clues listeners into the (4D) 4th dimensionality I bring to festivals with live performance.
Whatâs your earliest memory of making music?
My earliest composition memory is sitting at the piano, looking at the songs I had been assigned to learn by my teacher, and realising I could make songs of my very own. My childhood was so full of rules and rigid expectation, so tinkering with a Casio keyboard in my bedroom was a bit of an escape for me. Even then, on a midi keyboard with a maximum of 8 midi channels to sequence on, I was captivated by the power of music to evoke emotion and create something out of nothing. I literally wore down the rubber buttons on that keyboard from how often I was trying out new sounds and arrangements.
Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?
I like Headhunterz, Atmosfears, Ran-D and Wildstylez, as well as dubstep pioneers like Skrillex and Excision. Their innovative soundscapes and fearless approach to production have always inspired me to push the boundaries of my own creativity.
How else do you find inspiration for your music?
In addition to other artists, I find inspiration in the world around me â from the pulsating energy of a crowded nightclub to the tranquility of nature when I travel. Everyday experiences, emotions, and even dreams can spark new ideas and fuel my creative process, and itâs reflected in my diverse catalog of sounds. Heartbreak, love, and the challenges of the world are all topics I feel good writing about, whatever Iâm feeling at the moment is something that I write songs about.
Whatâs been your highlight of the year so far?
One of the highlights of the year so far has been watching âTaking Overâ light up on Spotify. Itâs my first track to break 200k streams worldwide and Iâm really proud of it. Having the backing of the hardstyle community is electrifying, and it’s moments like those that remind me why I love what I do.
What do you love about the San Francisco music scene?
Three things: The people, the venues, and the vibe. The San Francisco music scene has a unique blend of diversity, creativity, and innovation that I find incredibly inspiring. There’s a palpable sense of community among artists and fans alike, and the city’s long history of supporting electronic music provides endless opportunities for collaboration and experimentation. There are cutting-edge festivals and venues with everything from 3d spacial audio to top-notch lighting setups, making it a raverâs paradise.
What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?
There’s something magical about the energy of a live crowd and the shared experience of music under the open sky. The perfect setting for listeners to enjoy my sound would be at a massive outdoor festival, surrounded by towering speakers and a sea of enthusiastic ravers.
How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?
Whoah, so much. Since I started out, my style and sound have evolved a lot as I’ve honed my skills and experimented with new techniques. My first DJ act was all complextro, then I got into a house and glitch project, and later dubstep. While I still draw from my roots, I’ve incorporated elements from other genres to create more dynamic hardstyle and dubstep sounds that are anything but cookie-cutter.
Has your production process changed much too?
Iâm ride or die with FL Studio! All my songs start there, even though I use other DAWs in my production process sometimes. As far as changing, I’ve learned new techniques and invested in better equipment, synths and plugins and now I am much more curated about what tracks I finish and release. From improving my vocal chain to synth production and kickdrums, I’m constantly experimenting with different sounds and textures, striving to push the boundaries of my own creativity.
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?
In which genre? I mean, the list is a million miles long! For general EDM, one of my dream artists to collaborate with would be Rezz. Her dark, hypnotic soundscapes and innovative production style resonate with me on a deep level, and I think our combined energies could create something truly groundbreaking. On the dubstep side, Iâd love to collab with heavyweights Ray Volpe and Svdden Death, they go so hard, and rock the metal influence I have on tracks like âMeet Me In The Mosh Pitâ. In hardstyle Iâd love to collab with the melodic Sub Zero Project duo, or the brutal drop master Noisecontrollers, all of whom I respect for their furthering of the genres popularity.
Speaking of, how did you find making your new single âMeet Me In The Mosh Pitâ?
It was exhilarating but also incredibly lonesome – I think over 300 hours in the studio to get everything right. I wanted to capture the raw energy and excitement of a live show mosh pit circle forming – the experience of being right there as elbows are about to be thrown – and channel it into a high-octane track that would get people moving on the dancefloor. So the songwriting portion can be a bit much, but the feeling I get once the track is done and Iâm happy with it is indescribable, itâs an incredible high knowing the track is ready for the world to hear.
What message did you want to get across with this release?
The message here is that youâre a badass and you own it… Youâre an original person, authentic, and real, and donât take sh*t from anyone. Listening to this track youâre literally challenging anyone that is trying to take away from your individuality and awesomeness to shut up and meet you in the mosh pit where you and the crowd might just mess them up.
What artist have you been listening to most recently?
For my daytime listening, I have been listening to a ton of Bring Me The Horizon, and I have Home – Hold on repeat. Not exactly what youâd expect but I have a wide appreciation that doesnât always line up genre-wise with what I produce.
Whatâs the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?
I want them to feel ALIVE. I write music for the best experiences youâll have with your friends – dancing together under the lights as one, so I want to convey in that moment the whole range of human emotions possible before, during and after the drop of each track.
Whatâs been your favorite live performance so far?
Having played live alongside favorite artists like Flux Pavilion, Koan Sound, Designer Drugs, Mount Blood and others, itâs tough to mention which would be my favorite. Looking at it all, headlining Third Rail Music Festival was amazing, because it was my first time as festival headliner, plus being literally 15-20 feet away from a sea of fans raving as hard as they could gave me a feeling of unmatched euphoria.
Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?
Ok, well the location is easy, but just three headliners??? For my dream festival, let’s transport it to the beautiful Caribbean. The warm sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere would provide the perfect backdrop for a one-of-a-kind music experience.
So, my dream festival lineup in the Caribbean would feature:
Excision
Zeds Dead
Sub Zero Project
Imagine the massive stage set up against the backdrop of palm trees swaying in the ocean breeze, with the sunset painting the sky in hues of orange and pink as the music fills the air and the lasers fire off. It would be an unforgettable fusion of music, culture, and natures beauty looking as stunning as the crowd.
Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?
Dedication and avoiding the depression cycle go a long way. Try to stay positive, its going to be 20x more work than you thought to even get your first fans. Persevere, network, and be selfless – take feedback to heart and self improve continually. Get to a point where you understand that not every track is going to resonate with your desired audience, but the ones that do will become a part of your fanâs lives forever.
Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?
For the rest of 2024, I have a lot in store. I’ll be releasing new music every month, collaborating with other artists in the scene, and embarking on a world tour to bring the 4D4M experience to fans across the globe. I’ll also be focusing on refining my sound and pushing the boundaries of both hardstyle and riddim/tearout dubstep, constantly striving to innovate and captivate ravers with my performances. It’s going to be an epic year filled with music, adventure, and unforgettable moments on stage.
Listen to Meet Me In The Mosh Pit below
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