My Musical Influences: MUZZ
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MUZZ is rapidly rising to the very highest tier of British dance acts. Whether it’s online with his inventive virtual reality worlds and extremely loyal fanbase, or live as one of the new wave of dance music headliners across the world’s largest festivals and hard-ticket clubs across the globe – all without deliberately taming his intense energy. The sound of MUZZ is clearly defined by rich, thought-provoking, and compelling storytelling and futuristic world-building with both his music and his visuals.
Despite the world in turmoil, 2020 was a phenomenal year for MUZZ. His critically acclaimed debut album ‘The Promised Land’ peaked at number 2 on the US Dance Album Charts, and reached the Top 40 in the UK, as well as several nominations in British music awards including ‘Best Album’ & ‘Best Track’. The album was debuted with a massive live audiovisual spectacle with a full band and guest performances, making its way on the front page of Twitch and gathering over half a million viewers on the same night.
Since the genesis of his career, MUZZ has released over 70 tracks across 9 different record labels (including Monstercat & BMG), collaborated with dance music icons Pendulum and Celldweller, toured extensively across 18 different countries, including hard ticket tours in Australia, New Zealand and Asia and has been featured on several AAA video game and movie titles including Fortnite, Fast & Furious, Watch Dogs, Need For Speed, Rocket League and Beat Sabre.
Today MUZZ tells us about 10 tracks that have influenced his taste in music and propelled him to be the artist he is today…
Pendulum ‘Slam’
I first heard this track in 2006 on Motorstorm when I got my Playstation 3 on launch day – it was the first time I remember hearing Drum & Bass. I was an angsty metal and grunge fan, and this had all the right energy to get me hooked and begin my journey into exploring the genre further.
Benga ’26 Basslines’
I was getting into the early London Dubstep sound around the same time I was getting into Drum & Bass – I think ‘Night’ by Benga and Coki was the first time I remember listening to Dubstep, but this was the tune that got me intrigued – even today, there’s nothing really out there that sounds like ’26 Basslines’. This whole album is amazing by the way, definitely go check out ‘Diary Of an Afro Warrior’ for a crash course on the OG Dubstep sound.
Spor ‘The Resistance’
As I was diving deeper into electronic music, particularly more attention steered towards Drum & Bass, I was finding great stuff but nothing really matched what Pendulum was doing at the time until I heard this belter. Big slamming drums and crazy basslines, this was one of my earliest memories of Neurofunk music.
1991 ‘Out Of My Head’
1991 has consistently been one of my favourite newcomer artists – always putting out amazing music. This is a cut from his new album, which I absolutely love. So much attitude and groove!
Buunshin ‘Sterven’
This has been one of the most important tracks in my DJ sets for the past year or so. This track is so evil and madly inspiring, hypnotizing percussion and “warehousey” soundscapes.
Dimension ‘Altar’
Another weapon that I always draw for in my DJ sets – the temptation to play this tune out remains far too high. In my opinion, it’s the best track from Dimensions ‘Organ’ album.
Caster ‘Shadowblade’
Caster is an artist I only heard about recently – when I got this in my inbox I was blown away. Original and trancey, with an air of early 2000s sonic aesthetics.
Linkin Park ‘Lying From You’ (Protostar Remix)
I’ve got to hand it to Protostar for remixing this classic from my childhood into a tearout Drum & Bass banger. Gritty and angsty, just the way we like it.
T95 & DRS ‘On Site’
T95 is a childhood friend of mine who was recently getting into production more seriously at the time. When he sent me this, I thought it was a game-changer. Dark basslines with bars on top of rolling breaks is a very common formula in Drum & Bass, but this one hits the sweet spot perfectly.
The Weeknd ‘Sacrifice’
I wanted to keep my track selection focused on Drum & Bass, but I cannot resist mentioning this tune. The production is unreal, the music video is stellar, the top line, the drums, I mean outside of Drum & Bass this has got to be one of my favourite pop tracks in the past 5 years. Shoutout to Swedish House Mafia as well!
And there we have it. 10 tracks that have inspired and influenced MUZZ going from way back when right up to the present day!
MUZZ returns to Monstercat after a year hiatus on 3rd February, with a double release from his forthcoming remix album including VIPs of his 2020 single with Koven, ‘Catharsis X‘ and his 2016 single, ‘Children of Hell X‘.
This double release arrives ahead of a full album of reimagined favourites, launching on Monstercat later this year. Staying true to his signature hard-hitting sound, the VIPs feature resounding basses, cinematic drums, and energetic synths. The euphoric melodies and bright chord stabs in ‘Catharsis X’ mix perfectly with Koven’s powerful vocals, transforming the original emotive soundscape into a high-octane adrenaline rush. Championing the next generation of drum and bass tastemakers, the reworks are a testament to the resounding impact artists like MUZZ and Koven have on the ever-evolving scene.
MUZZ said, “The original track was a really different path for me, telling the tale of a journey’s end. It felt right to take “Catharsis” to a different place.”
Katie from Koven adds, “For me the song is about new beginnings, coming through something tough but coming out stronger.”
The tracks will be available via Monstercat on 3rd February, grab them from here
