Enigmatic producer and artist 4D4M continues to innovate in the world of EDM with his latest release, "I Feel Nothing (Higher Hardstyle VIP)." We caught up with the San Francisco-based artist to discuss this new track, his evolving sound, and his plans for the future.
Q: 4D4M, it's great to speak with you again. Your new track "I Feel Nothing (Higher Hardstyle VIP)" seems to push your sound into even more extreme territory. What inspired this intense sonic journey?
A: Thanks for having me back! With "I Feel Nothing," I wanted to push my sound to its absolute limits. The inspiration came from my desire to create something that would completely overwhelm the senses and transport listeners to a different dimension of sound. I've always been fascinated by the idea of transcending traditional boundaries, and this track is a manifestation of that concept. Part of the way to do that is to take the best and favorite elements of hardstyle, dubstep, riddim and metal and put those into one cohesive track where the sound design is uniquely 4D4M.
Q: The title "I Feel Nothing" is quite striking for an EDM song. Can you elaborate on the emotions or experiences you were trying to capture with this track?
A: "I Feel Nothing" is about reaching a state of sensory overload where your emotions become so intense that you paradoxically feel numb. It's that moment in a rave when the music, lights, and energy are so overwhelming that you lose yourself completely. I wanted to capture that feeling of being pushed to your limits and then breaking through to a new level of experience. You know what that’s like right?
Q: Of course, it’s a good feeling. So you've combined elements of hardstyle, brutal dubstep, deathstep, metalstep, frenchcore, and uptempo in this release. How did you approach blending these genres to create such a hard-hitting sound?
A: It was a challenging but exhilarating process. I started with a hardstyle foundation and then layered in elements from the other genres, constantly pushing each component to its extreme. The key was finding the right balance where each genre's signature sounds could shine through without overpowering the others. It took hundreds of hours in the studio to get it right, but I'm thrilled with the result…I’m smiling.
Q: In our last chat, you mentioned growing up in Chicago's underground rave scene and now being based in San Francisco. How have these different musical environments influenced the creation of "I Feel Nothing"?
A: Both cities have played a huge role in shaping my sound. Chicago's raw, underground energy is definitely present in the track's intensity, while San Francisco's innovative spirit pushed me to experiment with new production techniques. The diversity of both scenes has taught me to appreciate and incorporate a wide range of influences, which I think comes through in the multi-genre approach of "I Feel Nothing". I feel like all the metal shows and acts I love from the midwest really contribute to the angry and raw sound in the builds and base of this track.
Q: Your fascination with the fourth dimension was a key part of your artist name. How does this concept play into your latest release?
A: The fourth dimension concept is all about transcending the limits of our perceived reality, and that's exactly what I aimed for with "I Feel Nothing." The track's complex layers and intense energy are designed to create a sonic experience that feels almost tangible, like you could step into another dimension through the music. It's about pushing past the boundaries of what we think is possible in electronic music.
Q: Is there more to the story behind your name?
A: For sure! The name “4D4M” comes from my fascination with the concept of the fourth dimension and transcending traditional boundaries. I wanted a name that reflected my passion for pushing limits in sound. Plus, I started songwriting at age four, so I took "ADAM" and replaced the A’s with 4’s. It’s a nod to both my age when I began, and the dimensionality I aim to bring to my performances. The sound is a mix of emotion and bass brutality that envelops you completely.
Q: Last time, you talked about wearing down the buttons on your childhood Casio keyboard. What's the most intense piece of gear you used in producing "I Feel Nothing"?
A: While I've come a long way from that Casio, I still have a soft spot for it or hardware synths in general. That being said since I’m on the go a lot, For "I Feel Nothing," I pushed my entire setup to the limit, but the real star was my custom-built virtual synthesizer that I've been developing for years. It allowed me to create some of the most brutal and unique sounds you'll hear in the track. I literally had to upgrade my cooling system because of how hard I was pushing the hardware, and how unoptimized this VSTi is still.
Q: How do you envision this track fitting into your live sets? I imagine it could create quite a stir and start the mosh pits!
A: Oh, absolutely! "I Feel Nothing" is designed explicitly to be a peak moment in my live sets. I can already imagine the energy in the crowd when those first hardstyle kicks hit, and then the absolute chaos that'll ensue during the dubstep and frenchcore sections. It's going to be a true test of the audience's stamina, but I know the ravers are up for it.
Q: You've always pushed genre boundaries. How would you describe "I Feel Nothing" to someone who's never heard your work before?
A: I'd tell them to imagine the most intense rave they've ever experienced, multiply that energy by ten, and then add a dash of metal concert aggression. "I Feel Nothing" is a sonic assault that blends the relentless rhythm of hardstyle with the raw power of dubstep and the speed of frenchcore. It's not for the faint of heart, but for those who want to experience the absolute limits of electronic music. Its music for bass music purists and those with great taste in that carefully applied, delectable distortion.
Q: Previously, you mentioned Rezz, Ray Volpe, Cyclops, Svdden Death and Oliverse as dream collaborators. Has working on this track inspired any new potential collaborations?
A: Definitely! While those artists are still high on my collaboration wishlist, "I Feel Nothing" has opened up new possibilities. I'd love to work with some of the pioneers in the frenchcore and uptempo scenes now. Artists like Sefa or Sub Zero Project could bring some incredible energy to a collaboration. And on the metalstep side, Sullivan King would be an amazing partner to further explore that metal-EDM fusion.
Q: With "I Feel Nothing (Higher Hardstyle VIP)," what do you hope listeners will experience or take away from the track?
A: I want listeners to feel ALIVE. This track is about pushing yourself to the limit and then breaking through to something even more intense. I hope it gives people the courage to be their most authentic selves, to embrace their individuality, and to challenge anyone who tries to hold them back. When you listen to "I Feel Nothing," I want you to feel like you can conquer anything, because you can.
Q: Looking ahead, how does this release fit into your plans for the rest of 2024? Does it signal a new direction for your sound?
A: "I Feel Nothing" is definitely a statement piece for me. It's setting the tone for what's to come in 2024. I'll be releasing new music every month, each track pushing the boundaries even further. This year is all about innovation and taking risks with my sound. I'm embarking on a world tour to bring this new, more extreme 4D4M experience to fans globally. Expect more genre-bending tracks, more collaborations, and live performances that will test the limits of what's possible in electronic music.
As our interview with 4D4M comes to a close, it's clear that with his release of "I Feel Nothing (Higher Hardstyle VIP)" 4D4M is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for this innovative artist. With his unique blend of genres and unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, 4D4M has made a significant impact on the electronic music scene in 2024 and beyond.