Complex Sessions 012: Bassboy

Following the release of Bassboy's 'Badboy' EP, we called on the bassline hero for a mix and a quick chat.

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Bassboy's contribution to UKG and bassline is staggering. Over the years, he's worked with a tonne of your favourite MCs—like Skepta, ​Trilla, Kozzie—and is responsible for some of the scene's biggest productions. At this point, it's worth revisiting some of his edits of classic R&B (he even included his refix of SWV's "You're The One" in this very mix).

There's more to Bassboy than R&B edits, though: the Birmingham beatmaker has been praised for his off-kilter beats and exploration of all of UK garage and bassline's myriad strains. This has already seen Bassboy release his long-awaited Badboy EP—a three-track release that shows off his versatility as a producer. First, there's the Frisco-sampling title track with classic UKG synths and a big, wobbly bass drop. Then there's "Loyalty"—​which balances a dark and sinister production with some ultra-sweet vocals from Aria—​and it's closed out by "Move", which sees fellow Brummie Pz Da Architect spray furiously over an 8-bit grime beat.

Following the project's release, we called on Bassboy for a mix and a quick chat about bassline/4x4 and more.


Tell us a bit about your selections in this mix.
I've done this mix as 100% Bassboy music. I did this just to showcase my work-rate, in a way. All of these tracks were made in the last five months and I've used a majority of my original music featuring artists that I've worked with. There's a few unofficial remixes from my sets that I included, as well as two tracks from my recently released Badboy EP.

What was the one track you absolutely had to include?
For me, it was one of the originals I'd done called "Seen In You". It has a vocal sample of my sister Cad on there, so it's already got a deeper meaning to me. This one recaptures a specific moment in my life that I like to be reminded of.

Any tracks that narrowly missed the cut?
Yeah. A few! I was unsure of one of the unofficial remixes, but the feedback from the fans when I posted a clip of it made me change my mind and keep it in.

What's the first single or album you ever bought?
Wooow... I think it was So Solid's album way, way back. I can't even recall the name of it now [laughs].

What's the last physical record you bought?
It was Skepta's Doin' It Again album, back in 2010 or 2011. I produced a song on there so I wanted to support Skepta, and myself [laughs].

What do you want to see happen musically over the next 12 months?
Personally, I just want to see more producers and artists being recognised for their talent and skills. I just want everyone to be happy and have fun! But, most importantly, I would love to see all the producers and DJs supporting each other more in the bass-generated scenes.

What trend or scene absolutely needs to die right now?
I dunno about scene, but I think the trend of people writing bitter tweets about bassline and throwing shade towards other producers needs to stop. It seems like it's becoming a trend, but music is about happy vibes and having fun. Drop the egos and enjoy the moment, however long it may last.

Tracklist:

Bassboy f/ Clariy - He Said
Bassboy vs. SWV - Get With You
Bassboy - Blush
Bassboy - Took Some Time
Bassboy x Sacha - Nightmare
Bassboy f/ Cad - Seen In You
Bassboy vs. Aluna George - If You
Bassboy - Set The Zone
Bassboy - Addiction
Bassboy - Badboy
Baassboy x Trilla - Flow
Bassboy x Bru-C - Definitely
Bassboy f/ Pz Da Architect - Move
Bassboy vs. Blaq Max - Boom
Bassboy f/ Laura Aston - Baby Cakes

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