Q&A with tenacious ‘Stand By Me’ music producer Whales

Taking the bass sphere by storm with their latest collaborative dubstep track ‘Stand By Me’ via Monstercat, musicians Whales, Kompany and Elle Vee are a bass music dream team. The track is an emotional rollercoaster with melodic basslines that have an uplifting tone and Elle Vee’s ethereal vocals melt into your heart instantly with unfiltered sincerity. This track could not come at a better time with society beginning to physically connect with loved ones yet again. Featured act Whales a.k.a. is an Israeli music producer that began producing at the tender age of fifteen. Although battling with an intense form of Tourette’s Syndrome most of his life, the producer continues to dominate the stage and bass world ( watch his latest performance here).

We chatted with tenacious music producer Whales below.

Stream/Download: ‘Stand By Me

Looking back, what were some of your earliest entries into music appreciation? And music production? 

Music has always been a large part of my life. My parents loved music, so I grew up around that stuff. I started creating music on the computer when I was eight years old. Producing music made me feel proud of myself and I enjoyed every second of it.

Give us a sense of the music scene where you are based.

In Israel, the most popular music is hip-hop and pop. For electronic music, you see a lot of trance and techno acts, but not much dubstep. We don’t have massive festivals like EDC or Lost Lands. 

What key pieces of software/gear are you using to define your sound? 

To define my sound, gear and software don’t really matter. I don’t prefer any certain type of software. What does matter is what’s going on inside of my head. When I make music, my mind is focused on myself and my musicality.

What are some of your key musical influences? 

It really varies. I get inspired by all types of music and musicians, but especially the smaller, more underground artists. They’re so unique. I try not to listen to EDM, so I always have a fresh mind while making my music.

What kind of relationship do you have with the internet? How does this inform your artistic expression?

I have a love/hate relationship with the internet. On one side, I wouldn’t be here without it. The internet defined me and I’ve learned so much from it. I’m able to communicate and share things with my fans – no matter the distance. I love being able to involve them in my journey. On the other hand, the internet can make you forget to appreciate what you have. You can have the biggest accomplishment, and then you’ll see someone doing something cooler.

What would you like to achieve with your music? What does success look like to you? 

Everything I’ve ever wanted was to make music production a career. I want to be making music until my last day on Earth. I’ve achieved everything I wanted with my music. I love expressing myself through music. Success is being able to do what I love every day. I feel very privileged to be able to keep doing what I love for the rest of my life.

What has been a memorable highlight of your career so far?

Every time a fan tells me about how my music has helped them in a way. It gives me goosebumps. In my eyes, nothing can beat that.

If you could work with, or perform alongside any artist of your choice, who would it be? *

I would be down to work with anyone because I’m always curious to see how my art can translate alongside another artist’s art. I would be down to make a song with Trippie Red.

If you weren’t a musician what would you be?

I would’ve loved to be a therapist for artists. Because of my autism, I can see things people normally can’t. I know I have the ability to help people, and I would love to help artists like myself.

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about? 

Now that I’m done with the tour, you can expect a lot of music. Collabs, Monstercat releases, a couple of EPs, and a couple of other things I can’t tell you about yet.

Stand By Me features on the Spotify playlist BASS_GROUND

Follow Kompany:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify

Follow Whales:

Facebook |  Twitter |  Instagram |YouTube | Spotify

Follow Elle Vee:

Facebook | Twitter |  Instagram |  YouTube | Spotify

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