YOOKiE, the New York brother duo, made their debut on WAKAAN in grand fashion with “GRiME SHiT.” The lead single gave insight into their grimey blend of bass and trap that’s ever so apparent in their latest release.
On April 22, 2022, the brothers released their riveting namesake EP, WOOKiE, featuring four brand new tracks, “ENTER THE MACHINE,” “SEESAW,” “KiLLA,” and “iGNiTE,” that serve up minimalistic yet unwavering basslines amongst the trap-inspired atmospheres. The direct and monotone rapping by the brothers adds to the eerie sound design that accompany tracks like “SEESAW” and “KiLLA.” Each component of the EP stands on its own, while featuring the quintessential gritty sound design and wicked energy that captures the essence of YOOKiE.
Stage Hoppers also interviewed the bass brother duo this past month! Here’s what they had to say:
As your careers have taken off, what’s one moment that it became clear to both of you that music is something you can do full time with the success you’ve had thus far?
Music has just been something we always wanted to do and we don’t have a back up plan so this music stuff kinda has to just work.
What gravitated you towards bass music and the sound you’ve developed?
In its purest form bass music is very comforting. It sorta feels like you’re experiencing the world in the womb again, surrounded by amniotic fluid nestled up inside a warm placenta. Bass music feels like home and that’s why we gravitate towards it.
I feel the lines between genres are getting blurred, but are there any other genres you’d want to explore and incorporate into your current sound?
Been heavily influenced by a lot of rock and pop punk stuff that’s happening now. Been trying to find a happy medium between that and our current style.
Working together as siblings surely has its highs and lows. What’s the best and worst thing about working with your sibling?
We’re super comfortable with each other and we’re usually on the same page music wise.
If you had to describe the YOOKiE project’s purpose or goal with one word, what would it be?
Suck.
As a musician myself, do either of you have experience on instruments outside of the DAW/computer? If so, do you think that traditional instrument experience helps or hinders you in electronic music?
Anthony played guitar before the YOOKiE project and it definitely helped.
For our fellow Stage Hoppers and festival goers, what is your favorite festival or show that you have attended?
Each festival is special in its own way but we always have a good time at the Excision festivals (Lost Lands, Bass Canyon etc.)
Dream collaboration and/or dream performance festival/venue?
Dream collab is Skrillex and dream performance would definitely be to be the first DJ’s to play a set on the Moon in a giant bubble.
What’s next to come from YOOKiE, and any future performances you can share with our audience?
Our team is putting together a tour and we’re currently refining our sound so if not by late 2022 then 2023 expect some stylistic changes from ya boys.
Be sure to listen to their EP WOOKiE, released on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, via WAKAAN.
More About YOOKiE
The art within the artificial: instrumentation computed in utter harmony with the brains of those willing to lend themselves, their ears, and their youth to the ends of ecstasy. Bass presence hums through a melody that leaves a gathering bouncing to its pulse; a perfect synergy of careless consequence and pure energy. It all centers around a single name: “YOOKiE.”
New York natives, YOOKiE, have cemented themselves as one of the most exciting up-and-coming acts in all of bass music. Embraced by their contemporaries for their unparalelled sound and production, YOOKiE have collaborated with the likes of Zeds Dead, Slander, Sullivan King, Nitti Gritti, Wooli, Kompany, and Black Tiger Sex Machine. YOOKiE have played some of the biggest bass music stages in North America including EDC Las Vegas, Ever After Music Festival, Lost Lands, and Bass Canyon and have played shows to raucous audiences all over the world in Australia, New Zealand, China, and Japan.
After being the first artist to release an EP on Excison’s Subsidia label and having released a massive collaboration with Zeds Dead, 2020 has been a pivotal year of growth for the duo and there are even more exciting releases on the way in 2021.
Follow YOOKiE:
www.soundcloud.com/yookiemusic