CharlestheFirst is a fast-rising force in the bass music scene. His experimental production blends elements of bass, downtempo and hip-hop into tracks guaranteed to get your head bobbing. He hopped on our radar in 2017 with his ominous EP The Reach, which received heavy support from REZZ as she played out his bass banger “Mercy Falls” on tour. His impressive debut album The Ascent saw his sound crystalize into a a smooth mix of melodic low-end and hard-hitting drops, and more recently he’s linked up with bass scene upstart Tiedye Ky and to deliver the hard-hitting track “Love & Enemies”.
Today we get a first taste of CharlestheFirst’s next project with the track “Room to Breathe”. His downtempo-influenced sound remains intact as the production shifts between gentle bass-laden chords and harsh, distorted synths throughout the track. This contrast is on full display as the soothing first verse cuts out and is replaced by a roaring lead synth, only to cut back and forth between the two, showcasing CharlestheFirst’s production versatility.
The full EP is called no dimmer and it comes out on October 15. You can also catch Charles on a west coast tour this fall – peep tour dates here. Enjoy!