Benasis Makes His Worldwide Debut With “Bounce That” Via Dim Mak Records
Chicago-based producer Benasis recently won Guitar Center’s national Your Next Record competition, in which the music retail giant partnered with Steve Aoki and his Dim Mak Records crew to find the best rising production talent across the US. More than 7,000 DJs and producers from all over the nation entered the competition over a two-month period and were challenged to submit their best remixes of Aoki’s track “Delirious,” with Aoki himself handpicking the winner. For winning the contest with his remix, Benasis received a multitude of prizes and accolades, including $10,000 in cash, tons of new production goodies, and an official track executive-produced by Aoki to be released via Dim Mak, plus more.
For the forthcoming track, Benasis presents “Bounce That,” which is defined by its bold buildups, deep drops, and wobbly basslines. The Chicago resident digs deep and wide into the Windy City’s history as the birthplace of both jacking house and double-time juke and finds the tie that binds the booming yet distinct genres.
“Bounce That” is out tomorrow, October 30, via Dim Mak, but we’ve got the exclusive premiere for your ears only here.
There’s a certain swagger that’s apparent in all of your work, this remix included: classic Chicago house meets modern Chicago juke. Who and what were the sonic influences that inspired your sound in this direction?
Being from Chicago, I’ve always loved electronic dance music. Ever since I was really young, I can recall being in the car and truly hearing the difference between standard pop music and the diverse synthesized sounds the DJs would play on their radio mixes.
My first influences were most definitely the local DJs, who played around Chicago. As I got a little older, I wanted to start making the music DJs played. With electro house music exploding around 2004, I began studying Robbie Rivera, Tocadisco, Steve Angello, David Guetta, Benny Benassi, etc. I would go on FL Studio and try to make the same sounds the biggest producers were making. Then when I saw Skrillex opening for deadmau5, it gave me drive like never before. The impact of his drops was completely face-melting. This is truly what inspired me to make the most of my drops. My sound is heavily influenced by Chicago DJ history, a great love for house music, and the whole evolution of “the drop.”
What hardware had you been purchasing from Guitar Center prior to making this remix? How has having a major retail store that has accepted EDM and the future of music aided in your process?
Guitar Center is every producer’s dream store. Prior to making my winning remix for the Your Next Record With Steve Aoki competition, I actually purchased my whole studio at Guitar Center. They have everything you need, and it’s right in town.
During this time, I had been producing using two computer speakers. My music was starting to take off, so I knew I needed to upgrade my system to take my music career to the next level. I went to Guitar Center and purchased two Yamaha HS8-powered monitors, one 10-inch KRK subwoofer, stands, and Native Instruments Komplete 9.
I love my setup, and thankfully the awesome people at Guitar Center offer such programs to help up-and-coming artists. I think many other music companies could learn a lot from what Guitar Center is doing. They’re showing that they’re not only in the music business for the money, but for the future, culture, and true love of music.
In regard to Dim Mak, what about Steve Aoki or the label itself have you found to be things you have mirrored in your own work and/or live sets?
Steve Aoki is one hell of an inspiration. I don’t know where he finds the energy to manage so much. From being a music icon to a successful entrepreneur, the man is living life to the fullest. I think that is one of the things I admire most about him and strive to bring out in myself. His passion for everything he does influences me to give everything I do all that I can. I hope to one day run and manage a label just like him and possibly dip my hands into a little of everything this amazing music industry has to offer.
I’m preparing the launch of my own label, Captivation Records. We already have tracks set to be released by 8Er$, Yook!e, $unday $ervice, Born I, and Heart Broke. I’m really excited to see where that goes. I’d love to see it one day be at the status of Dim Mak.
You’ve pushed out a high volume of original work and remixes as of late via SoundCloud. What have been some of the key lessons you’ve learned so far regarding maintaining and growing your fanbase via social media?
For me, it’s always been about the music, 110 percent. I’m not the most interesting person, but my passion for music is out of this world. I can literally work on music from one morning all the way to the next morning. I tend to focus the most on SoundCloud, Spotify, and all other music platforms because I feel that is truly where the love for music exists; everything else is just secondary. You can meet a bunch of awesome producers on SoundCloud. I often get inspired to make new songs just by listening to the SoundCloud feed.
If a producer were to ask you about the value of entering a contest like this, why would you suggest it as a solid idea worth considering? As well, are there any bonus tips you’d want to pass along to other producers aspiring to win a major competition as you did?
To any producer looking to enter remix programs, such as the one Guitar Center puts together, I would say go for it. The sky is the limit. Give it your all, and share your work as much as you possibly can. Just being in the remix program itself will teach you so much and even introduce you to other up-and-coming producers. It’s a win/win for everyone. Entering this program gave me a shot at working with one of my biggest inspirations. Not a lot of programs offer such an opportunity. So go for it, and make the best track you can possibly make!
Follow Benasis on Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud
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