California-based producer Slippy has been staying true to his name with an impossible-to-pin-down sound that moves between trap, dubstep, drum & bass, and beyond. Rebel Scum is a Seattle-based producer who is quickly becoming one of the frontrunners in the North American drum & bass scene. The pair are joining forces alongside anonymous singer/songwriter MEDYK for a stunning, emotion-fueled DnB ripper. “Don’t Go” arrives on NIGHTMODE and builds off the success of Slippy’s previous releases ‘Nobody / White Noise,’ ‘Lone / Feel Alive,’ and his “Youth” collaboration alongside Ghost In Real Life on the label—while serving as Rebel Scum’s debut appearance on the burgeoning label. It’s the latest offering from NIGHTMODE’s 14th season of releases.
“Don’t Go” is a truly evocative drum & bass anthem that brings out the best from the trifecta of talents. Haunting vocals lead the track, setting the tone with ghostly beauty that’s punched up by the energetic drums, giving listeners a hint of what to expect. As the drums are stripped away MEDYK’s raw emotion takes center stage, delivering a captivating pull that drifts between sultry and a distinct sense of yearning. A moody string build intensifies the impact before it bursts wide open into an eruption of rugged synth riffs, ballistic sub-bass call-and-response, and intricate percussive drive. Just when it appears as though the first drop maxed out the peak energy, the producers manage to ratchet it off the charts in the back half with a hard dance-inspired assault of rapid kicks and blistering bass. Moving between an expressive ballad and floor-filling drum & bass weapon, the trio of artists find an astonishing equilibrium.
“‘Don’t Go’ is yet another entry into my ‘emotional songs that still rip’ collection, capturing both Rebel Scum and my sound into one banger.”–Slippy
“Slippy created the initial track and after hearing it for the first time it felt like the perfect time for us to finally team up. This was one where I finished my end in a day or two because it was easy to connect with what he had already done. I think that comes through in the cohesiveness of our different parts throughout the track and we're so stoked to get it out into the world.” – Rebel Scum
Alex Swartwout –better known by his stage name Slippy– is an EDM producer and DJ hailing from California. He began releasing music with Monstercat in 2015 and has quickly grown to become a widely recognized figure in the bass music scene, known for his distinguished take on trap and dubstep, alongside other styles. Slippy’s signature sound can best be described as a riveting hybrid of genres with dark, sinister, orchestral-influenced undertones. Many of Swartwout’s originals lure listeners in with rich atmospheres and eerie melodies, but quickly shift things into high gear with fiery, energetic bass drops. Swartwout has worked with acts such as Dirty Audio, Ace Aura, TYNAN, and Heimanu, with his productions receiving support from notable names like ILLENIUM, Steve Aoki, Seven Lions, NGHTMRE, Yellow Claw, Kayzo, Koven, Diplo, Adventure Club, and many more. He has also had music featured in Rocket League and Beat Saber (currently the best-selling VR game in the world), done official remixes for the likes of Gryffin, Dabin, Krewella, and REAPER, and performed at premier festivals and venues such as Lost Lands, EDC Las Vegas, Avalon Hollywood, and Academy Los Angeles.
Seattle-based producer Rebel Scum has been bridging the American DnB scene with his Dutch and UK contemporaries. He’s hot off of a 20+ date tour as direct support for REAPER and is on a run of high-profile shows at Forbidden Kingdom, Bass Canyon, and Lost Lands. He has also become a favorite amongst tastemakers gaining support from Pendulum, Netsky, Illenium, Krewella, and many more.