Dirt Monkey and Smoakland join forces on their latest single, “HIGHER,” a high-energy dubstep track that brings together both artists’ unique sounds into one dynamic collaboration, out December 6 on Bassrush Records.
Stream here : https://bassrush.ffm.to/higher
Known for consistently pushing the boundaries of bass music over his decade-spanning career, Dirt Monkey’s robust sound design combines seamlessly with Smoakland’s signature West Coast dubstep style, bringing an electrifying energy with precise, expert production.
“HIGHER” maintains a relentless momentum through shifting basslines and intricate soundscapes. Packed with growling sub-bass, chopped vocal snippets, and sharp, pulsing synths, the track evolves with call-and-response sequences that keep the energy at peak levels. This is a track that capitalizes on both artists’ unique aesthetics: Dirt Monkey’s flair for experimental grit and Smoakland’s homage to the roots of dubstep. Together, they deliver a sound that’s fresh, unpredictable, and perfectly suited for Bassrush’s forward-thinking catalog.
Dirt Monkey shows his appreciation of working alongside the pair with a cheeky bit of praise: “I’ve loved all the music the Smoakland boys have put out over the years, so I was stoked to get to combine styles with them. This tune pretty much nails both of our sounds and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out! Great guys, too—real sound c***s, those guys (a little New Zealand flair at the end for ya).”
Adding onto the shared adoration, Smoakland says, “Pat [Dirt Monkey] has been one of our biggest inspirations over the last 13 years of listening to electronic music – so to play shows and create music with him has been one of the coolest experiences thus far on our journey.”
This release continues Dirt Monkey’s history with Bassrush Records, following his breakout 2018 single, “Peanut Butter Jelly Time,” and the celebrated 2023 collaboration “Kooks of Hazard” with Shank Aaron—which was supported by outlets like Electronica UK and This Song Slaps, Dirt Monkey is also gearing up for a co-headlining tour with Friction in 2025, hot off his successful ‘MYCELIUM SOUND’ Tour earlier this year.
Smoakland has been unstoppable in 2024, dominating stages at pivotal festivals like Lost Lands, Breakaway, and Deadbeats Jamboree. With more high-profile appearances at the recent Apocalypse: Zombieland, as well as Cyclops Dome and To Future Fest, they’re anchoring their status as one of the bass scene’s most compelling acts. Their recent collaborations with trailblazers like Big Gigantic, Sippy, Mersiv, and TVBOO spotlight Smoakland’s adaptability and deep-rooted commitment to pushing boundaries within bass music.
With momentum surging from a lineup of standout releases and tours, Dirt Monkey and Smoakland’s “HIGHER” is set to become an anthem for dubstep fans and a milestone in both artists’ journeys. Blending grit with nostalgia, “HIGHER” marks a pivotal step in the evolution of bass music as these artists forge ahead into 2025.
Dirt Monkey and Smoakland’s new release “HIGHER” is available on all platforms via Bassrush Records.
More About Dirt Monkey
Dirt Monkey, the alias of Patrick Megeath, embodies the identity of a forward-thinking electronic music artist in every sense. Cutting-edge sound design is the name of his game, proven by his constant releases that span a broad spectrum of genres. From dubstep, to house, to drum & bass and beyond – it’s no surprise that Dirt Monkey is regarded as a producer’s producer and a fan-favorite performer in the electronic music world. Since unleashing his first full-length record in 2012, Dirt Monkey has consistently bestowed his fans with countless singles, collaborations, remixes, and albums throughout the past decade. Listeners can find Dirt Monkey’s tunes on a plethora of notable labels including Bassrush, Deadbeats, SubCarbon, Wakaan, Disciple Round Table, Circus Records, and more. 2019 saw the rise of Dirt Monkey’s own imprint label, 19K, with the mission to cultivate the next generation of experimental electronic music by showcasing the talents of artists both revered and up-and-coming. Dirt Monkey took full advantage of 2021 with a packed festival season, a headline Mission Ballroom play and the release of his sixth full length album, Depolarize. He zoomed directly from festival season into the Depolarize Tour, his 40+ stop headline bus tour across the United States. Dirt Monkey rang in 2022 with a headline b2b with Boogie T at Countdown NYE, followed by multiple appearances as special guest on Subtronics’ Fractal Tour. Dirt Monkey kicked off 2023 with his second Mission Ballroom headline, returning with an even more thrilling set and mind-blowing production, performed to a packed house. Over the next six months, he and Jantsen embarked on their 50-stop co-headline Full Circle Tour across North America. Throughout the summer, he scored prime slots at massive festivals including Lost Lands, EDC Las Vegas, Electric Forest, Bonnaroo, and more. Dirt Monkey closed out 2023 with one of the biggest endeavors of his career thus far: the release of his ambitious double album MYCELIUM SOUND. Consisting of the up-tempo and highly energetic PT. 1 and the deep and hypnotic PT. 2, the two halves of his double album together showcase the duality of his musical palate and the dynamism of his skills as a producer. Charging forward into 2024, Dirt Monkey set out on his 4-month headline MYCELIUM SOUND TOUR across the United States and is now excitedly gearing up to headline two nights at Colorado’s legendary Mishawaka Amphitheatre on July 25th and 26th. Endlessly honing his craft as a producer and a performer with an ever-growing repertoire of new music and an extensive touring schedule on the horizon, Dirt Monkey heads into 2025 at the top of his game.
More About Smoakland
Smoakland is a West Coast bass music project started by Anthony Battaglia and Harrison Hays. With over 7 years collectively of producing under their belts, they strive to bring a new and refreshing sound, while keeping the nostalgic “old school” vibes of early dubstep.
More About Bassrush Records
Built around the legacy it has created since its earliest days in the underground back in 2002, Bassrush has established itself as a pillar within the bass music scene. Over the years, the crew has cultivated a movement that has taken on many forms, from its massive festival stages around the world to their more intimate nights on the dancefloor. In 2016, Bassrush Records materialized as a means to take their barrier-breaking mentality into the label world, pushing boundaries in dubstep, trap, drum & bass, and everything in between. With a catalog that banks on both heavyweights and up-and-coming talent alike, Bassrush Records has put its stamp on artists including Subtronics, ATLiens, Caspa, Borgore, Hekler, AFK, Svdden Death, Spag Heddy, Herobust, The Prototypes, JEANIE, Teddy Killerz, Saka, REAPER, and more.