If you don’t already know who Smokestax is, he’ll be on your radar soon enough. He released his new album called “Slime EP” on Halloween. Ethan Uellendahl (Smokestax) is an alien bass producer out of Long Beach, Long Island. I got the chance to ask him a few questions and was able to learn about his past and future endeavors in to the world of bass music and alien sounds. Ethan started learning piano from a young age and played drums for most of his life in various punk, jazz and marching bands. His knowledge of drums is clear in his songs, as the kicks are tight and the hi-hats are always on point. He was first introduced to dubstep music through artists Skream, Benga and Datsik, and eventually started to produce his own music. Ethan currently attends SUNY Oneonta, majoring in the Music Industry with a minor in Audio Engineering.
Through Smokestax, Ethan has developed and released a new genre called alien bounce. If I had to find a comparison I’d liken it to the type of music Yheti produces, but not too much like it, as it is it’s own unique genre. If you haven’t heard it before check it out here. With its spacey melodies and gritty bass it definitely creates some heavy sounds. Ethan’s alternate alias, rsrch chmcls boasts chill, head-nodding, upbeat music fit to play for all ages. Be sure to check it out this project here, especially if you want to kick back and relax.
As for Smokestax’s new album, make sure to have some nice speakers laying around, and a bit of room to dance. At the minimum have enough space to head nod to it, as it will make you want to move in some manner. The release is full of energy, grimey bass, and precise drum beats.
The first track on the EP, “We Are One” is a Glitch Hop inspired tune. It features a quote from Neil Degrasse Tyson discussing our connection to the stars. The tune is very easy to dance to and sports some trippy synths. The next track, “Take Cover” is a Slim Bass track with an awesome flow. You might find yourself involuntary head nodding to this one. It has a tribal bass undertone to it with lots of spacey drip-droppy sounds. The third track, “Not The One” is a Weird Grim Tune sure to blow you away. With expert drums and a filthy bass this one really impresses. The altered vocal is pleasant to the ears and the temporary bpm shift mid song makes his talent with the drums even more evident. The final song, “Ya They Like Dat” is a Bass Inspired Trap Tune sure to have you swaying back and forth. The fat bass and trippy hi sounds make this song very reminiscent of a Yheti track. With effortless melody changes and precise drumming, this song has you thinking on your feet the whole time.
Along with Slime EP he is set to release a remix EP featuring Beardthug, Deerskin, Dropkick, Chark, Tygris, Jizzy Fra, Peek Levels and Indo Beats. This goes along with something Ethan was talking about in his interview, bringing people together through music. Combining all these different forward thinking up and coming artists into one album produces a friendly aura among the friends he has made during his time producing and playing music.
One of Ethan’s goals is to connect people through music and sound. If you ever see him around before or after one of his sets, be sure to say hi. He is down to earth and easy to talk to. Smokestax played Nightmare Festival the weekend before Halloween in Maryland. He’s also set to play Sacred Wellness festival Feb 8th in Illinois featuring The Trifinity (Yheti, Toadface, Mt Analogue) and tour with Beardthug on their Smokey the Beard Tour, dates to be released soon. Make sure to buy tickets when the schedule is released, you are sure to have a good time.
Check out my full interview with Ethan here.
“Would like to thank anyone who has every listened to my music or come out to a show. Any support really means a lot to me. Also, much love to my ThazDope Records family especially Kevin Moore, without the support I wouldn’t be where I am today being able to share my tunes with so many people. <3”
– Ethan Uellendahl (“Smokestax”)
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