Highlighted Profile: Deadbeats
Deadbeats: A Bass Music Powerhouse Rooted in Toronto's Electronic Scene
Deadbeats, the bass music label founded by the acclaimed electronic duo Zeds Dead in 2016, has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the electronic music world. With a focus on curating and championing high-quality bass, dubstep, and electronic music, Deadbeats has built a reputation for supporting both established artists and emerging talents within this niche.
The label's ethos is centered around fostering creativity and innovation within the genre. This is evident in the diverse range of acts Deadbeats has worked with, including Subtronics, Griz, IMANU, Peekaboo, Blanke, Tape B, Sippy, A Hundred Drums, Chee, Rusko, Caspa, Coki, Emalkay, The Others, Subscape, and many more.
Deadbeats' origin story is deeply tied to Zeds Dead’s own career as pioneers in the electronic and dubstep scenes. Launching the label in 2016 allowed them to have a platform to release their own music and cultivate other artists pushing boundaries in bass music, particularly in dubstep and related styles. This created a home for fresh, deep, and choppy bass sounds that align with Zeds Dead’s artistic vision and sonic identity.
As for the local scene, Deadbeats is deeply connected to the Toronto electronic music community. The label serves as a hub for bass music and supports both local and international artists. Toronto’s vibrant scene for drum & bass, dubstep, and other bass-oriented electronic music is reflected in Deadbeats’ roster and events. The label helps perpetuate Toronto as a significant city for bass music, contributing to the city's rave and electronic dance music culture.
In terms of releases, Deadbeats has a rich discography. The label launched in March 2016 with a single release by Zeds Dead x Freddie Gibbs, "Back Home". This was followed by the first volume of their We Are Deadbeats compilation series in February 2017. More recently, Deadbeats released a 15-track Drum & Bass compilation in partnership with Brownies & Lemonade called "Deadbeats & Brownies".
Deadbeats hosts about 20-25 events per year, with unique lineups for each city, which sets them apart from other labels. The label's A&R process involves keeping an ear to the underground and signing tracks that have potential to grow over the next 6-12 months.
Deadbeats is based in Toronto, a city with a strong underground scene that fosters collaboration between local artists across various genres. The label is run by Harrison Bennett, with decisions being made artist-led. Fans can expect upcoming EPs and albums that are expected to excite.
For more information about Deadbeats, visit their website. The label's primary goal is to release the ultimate version of an artist's project in terms of music and visuals. Deadbeats is a genre-agnostic label, focusing on a broad spectrum of bass music. The label's first artist release after the initial single was Nebbra.
Deadbeats also provides support for the event side of things for artists, such as label showcases, release parties, and promotional support for tours. The label's 3rd largest hot dog eating competition in America takes place every July 4th in Denver.
In summary, Deadbeats is a bass music label founded by Zeds Dead in 2016. The label’s ethos centers around curating and championing high-quality bass, dubstep, and electronic music, supporting both established artists and emerging talents within this niche. It reflects Zeds Dead's passion for the bass-heavy electronic music scene and fosters a community grounded in creativity and innovation within the genre. Deadbeats is deeply connected to the Toronto electronic music community, where it serves as a hub for bass music and supports local and international artists.
The diverse roster of Deadbeats, a Toronto-based bass music label, encompasses acts from various electronic and dance music genres, such as Subtronics, Griz, and IMANU, showcasing the label's focus on fostering creativity and innovation in music. Aside from music, Deadbeats also delves into technology, hosting about 20-25 events per year and adopting an A&R process that keeps an ear to the underground, ensuring their releases have the potential to grow popular over the next 6-12 months. Furthermore, Deadbeats contributes to the entertainment industry with events, artist showcases, release parties, and even hosting the 3rd largest hot dog eating competition in America annually in Denver.
