Xotix provide you with some 'Cranial Therapy' in newest release on Below

Below · Xotix - Cranial Therapy [Electric Hawk Premier]

 


​Cranial therapy is more then just your average bass track. With the kind of swing that will launch you off the playground, these guys are continuing to bring the heat, and don't seem to be slowing down any time soon. I got the chance to sit down with Xotix and talk a little bit more about their recent release, and themselves.




How did the idea for your track “Cranial Therapy” come to be? 

David: I was going through old starts on my computer and found this rough idea that I had tossed out and ended up fitting the vibe of an idea that I had while beatboxing.

Jake: Cranial therapy was also a working title that we stuck with.


What do you think you would be doing right now if it wasn’t for your music?

Richie: I would probably be doing graphic design or be in another creative industry 

J: I would still be working in music, as that’s what I do for a living anyway (I’m an audio engineer)

D: Who knows. I try not to think about it.   


Was there a moment you knew you wanted to become a producer? Was it a song, an artist or a concert that drove you to it? 
 D: I first heard dubstep in 2009. It was Jahova by Rusko and I was instantly entranced and intrigued. I was blown away by the sound design and groove and had absolutely no idea where to begin but I instantly knew what I wanted to do. 
 
R: I second David on Rusko being the first dubstep artist I ever heard. I was a little more influenced by some of the other OG dubstep artists like Excision, Downlink, Liquid Stranger (when he made that sound), Skrillex, Etc. Those guys are what really got me into producing music.

J: When I first saw Odesza in Portland in 2015 was when I started to want to make beats.
 
Aside from the pandemic this year, what has been the biggest struggle that you have faced so far as an artist, and how did you overcome it?

J: I definitely struggle with social anxiety and worry about how other people perceive me and my music 

D: Finding my voice and trusting my vision.

R: Anxiety is a big one for me. I take it one day at a time and have done a lot of self work to overcome/improve it.
 

If you could change one thing about the industry, off the top of your head, what would it be?

R: I really don’t enjoy the pay to play model, there are a lot of people in the industry who make it just because they have the money to do so. It definitely makes it hard for kids who make dope music, but can’t afford all the extras. 
J: I would make it less clout-oriented. Less about who you know and who you’ve partied with and more about how good your actual music is.

D: Make it less cliquey 


Who’s an artist you look up to that influences your sound, And why? 
 
D: I’m influenced by artists that straddle the line between technically impressive and cultivating a unique and dope vibe. Moore kismet comes to mind as well as Nitepunk. Honestly though a lot of artists are pushing the envelope and I find inspiration in a lot of places.
 
 J: TVBOO for sure. The way he combines his humor and his music is inspiring.
 
 R: My influences are changing from month to month it seems. Right now super into Of the Trees, SØMETHING and have also been listening to UZ’s album Trinity a lot!



Do you have any other hobbies besides producing music?


 J: I live and breathe music. I don’t do much else lol.

 D: Cooking and eating haha

 R: Hiking, graphic design and trying to get back into skating 
 

Lastly, What is something you want your listeners to know about XOTIX? 

R: We have some big releases coming for y’all next year. Look out for a collab EP and an Xotix EP in the next few months!

J: that we work hard and have fun doin it, and we’re looking at a really exciting future in the bass music scene!

D: WE COMING FOR YOU

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