SLUMCUTS · Interview
Introducing Bahns
Bahns
The Listen To Me producer on 160, footwork and the Aotearoa underground.
Listen To Me
A 160 BPM bass attack. It nods to Chicago footwork, jungle, and drum and bass, putting it in familiar territory for UK-inspired uptempo bass music. The dirty south vocal chops lend a naughty attitude, still the track remains a percussive bass workout at its core.
Open on SoundCloudInterview
A Lil’ Q&A with Bahns — the Ōtautahi producer behind “Listen To Me” on Undercuts Vol.1.
You’ve been active in the scene for a while now — particularly 160, footwork, techno. How did you find your way into it, and how have you watched it change over that time?
“Initially, I was mainly playing & making garage. I then started falling in love with techno thanks to Keanu Raves being my music tutor, and then becoming obsessed with 160 via Swiggs & The Big Fresh Collective. I think the Aotearoa underground has sonically diversified quite a lot — when I first started going to clubs/festivals & gigs, garage & jungle were rarities which are now commonalities. It’s good to see more variance in sounds & tones. I’m always quite hungry to hear new styles.”
What’s your read on the underground right now?
“My read on the underground right now is: sonically healthy, but needing support to continue & expand.”
Who are your NZ / Aotearoa inspirations?
“As I mentioned, Keanu Raves and Swiggs have been big factors in influencing the music I make. Other established artists like Jousey, Caru, Ebb & Paige Julia definitely stand out. If I were to watch any artists right now, it’d be Wren & Guzzy, & Redbin.”
Finally, where is your sound going?
“I’m going to keep running at the uptempo bass thing. The intersections & deconstructions of footwork, techno, and wider UK bass really excite me.”