With a first-time feature on Stage Hoppers, iQoniK unveils his brand single new, “Shakedown,” alongside lonGtime collaborator and friend FAZE X. The new single follows their previous joint release “The Flow,” a magnetic introduction into the collaborative duo’s sound.
In “Shakedown,” the Canadian producer delivers a true dancefloor ignite. The track is introduced with a minimalistic and eerie melodic fragment. Even from the onset, their is underlying tone of infectious energy that builds into momentum until the tension perfectly releases. Their expertly crafted chaos unfolds into a rampant atmosphere of heavy bass hits, wonky synth work, and commanding vocals. “Shakedown” gives off a raw and unrelenting sound that will have the whole crowd bouncing.
Love this release and want to learn more about iQonik? Check out the full interview and more about the artist below!
Interview with iQoniK
For those just discovering you, can you introduce yourself and share your journey in electronic music?
“Absolutely! I’m iQoniK— Sean — and I’ve been into EDM since I found it as a teenager. It’s been part of my life pretty much forever. About 10–12 years ago, something reignited in me and I dove right back in. I started DJing, playing some shows, and producing — something I hadn’t done in 15–20 years — which was exciting. For me, it’s a passion: I love the music, the scene, the community, everything about it. I just really want to give back to that.”
Over the years, how has your sound and creative approach changed?
“That’s the wild part. I went from house/techno/trance into hardstyle and hardcore. The higher BPMs just grabbed me. I stuck around and started socializing with that community. Everyone knew each other; it brought me back to the deep core of the rave, the PLUR mentality — it reignited my love for that side of things.
“From there I focused on being a hardstyle/hardcore DJ and chased that for a while, but in North America it didn’t have a big following. Over the last three or four years I fell in love with the jump-up drum & bass sound — coming out of England and Europe, and now North America too. Something about it stuck with me. That’s what I want to chase. I’m obsessed.”
How did the collaboration “Shakedown” with FAZE X come about, and what sparked the track?
“Mike (FAZE X) and I have been friends for a decade-plus and made alot of different music together. I always bugged him to make drum & bass with me, and he said he wasn’t into it. One night we were listening to hip hop records and said, “Let’s give it a shot.” We spent the night laying down the base and it grew from there.”
“For us, this collab works because we can say anything to each other. If something’s trash, we say it — and it doesn’t matter. With people you don’t know as well, you have to be more tactful. But that honesty makes it fun and leads to a better final product after we’ve played around with it a lot”
How does “Shakedown” reflect the next chapter of iQONiK’s music, and what can fans look forward to next?
“I’m aiming for something not fully melodic but leaning into liquid drum & bass with powerful vocals. I want to capture as much emotion as possible. There are incredible tracks — like Andy C’s “Ricochet” and a few others recently — where if you like drum & bass, you fall in love on the first listen because the vocals hit so beautifully. I’d love to make something that impactful.”
Outside of music, what inspires you creatively; and is there a dream collaboration inside or outside D&B?
“Getting out into nature. Camping festivals sneak a bit of that in, but it’s not the same. Just being outside and seeing the beauty of the world — like music and festivals — reminds you there’s so much beauty out there. It’s nice to escape and forget the day-to-day madness.”
“The UK D&B heavyweights: Dimension, the WORSHIP crew, Hedex — and the ultimate dream, Chase & Status.”
For fellow Stage Hoppers and festivalgoers: favorite festival, show, or venue you’ve attended or performed at?
“If I had to pick a festival I love most, for community, vibe, and experience, it’s Shambhala in BC.”
More about iQoniK
iQoniK is a Canadian drum and bass producer and DJ based out of the nation’s capital, Ottawa. From an early start, his musical journey laid the foundations for deep emotional investment in the music scene. After a decade long hiatus, his passion was reignited with he returned to DJing, producing, and performing with a new vision — iQoniK.
iQoniK
Over the years, iQONiK’s creative journey has ventured taken him through tech house, minimal, deep house, trance, and hardstyle; ultimately finding his home in the drum & bass scene. His musical style balances the intensity and intimacy of the rave. High-energy BPM and emotional soundscapes are the name of the game with iQoniK. The Canadian artist is heavily inspired by the UK drum and bass greats like Dimension, Andy C, Hedex, and Chase & Status, while pushing the genre in the North American scene.
For iQONiK, community is the centerpiece of his music. Whether at local clubs or international festivals, he aims to craft music that unites. With upcoming releases, iQONiK is set to make his mark in the drum & bass scene.
Connect with iQONiK
Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Soundcloud | YouTube