With release after release, GAWTBASS is seemingly unstoppable. Just within a months time, the Chicagoland electronic bass artist dropped about 2 dozen beats if not more! One being a remix of TINCUP‘s COOKIES, with subtle differences in pitch and beat patterns and more bass! Most recently dropping an original mix with DOMINATING at an impressive 7 minutes, the bass tune can be a battle song; really energizing! More than just a couple loosies however, GAWTBASS got busy with a few package projects!
Bringing it back to TINCUP, GAWTBASS this time collaborates rather than remixes! The two bring you an 8 track SPOTLIGHT. The first track, FLOURISH, will instantly get you hooked, with its heavy bass laced sirens, lettin the low end lead the way; STRANGER easily makes top favorites as well, featuring King Tutt. GAWTBASS also had it in him to release a monster LP as well, shortly prior. EMBRACE CONTROL takes the cake at 23 tracks, giving your bass playlist all the tunes you need for a dope set list. With all this, he still tossed in PROSPER and an Imagine Dragons remix, cause he can, and this is just 1 month in 2021. Check out his soundcloud linked below to check out his massive discography, because it just keeps on growing!
Sports and music are heavily intertwined mediums that permeate the fabric of our modern world. Specifically, basketball and hip hop appear to have a more intimate connection than most. In Chicago, we at Ever Evolved have put together a compilation record for your summer listening pleasure called, LEAGUE CHAMPS. A lot of us hit road blocks in our athletic endeavors but now when it comes to Chicago music and beyond, we are the championship team. Ever Evolved and its affiliates have been pushing the forefront of the independent music market for years now. And it is all led up to moments like these, becoming the League Champs.
Fully produced, recorded, engineered and mastered completely in house; much done by the co-founder head engineer RhymSter himself, LEAGUE CHAMPS is a 26 track LP, including a documentary, skits and more special content soon to come, that will surely pique your interest in one facet or another. LEAGUE CHAMPS includes appearances from RhymSter, Keem Singing, Hayward, Ivan L, BeatrixKiddo, CantBuyDeem, C-Mac, Ben Rose, Nate Broskii, Kidd of OTKST Society, Essse, Orlando Coolridge, DJ Hunt, DJ Curt Henny, JaiTheArtist, J-Bose, and William Bolanos.
Track 1 is an introductory record with a sports-like announcer voice over done by William Bolanos promoting the album of LEAGUE CHAMPS. A well done rendition of that vocal style for announcements. Track 2 is HANG UP, which features a voice over from DJ Curt Henny about a situation where someone is getting sent off at the studio. A typical Chicago type of scenario. “Why’d you hang up on me?” And “You didn’t text me back!” are said repeatedly over a dope instrumental containing a sample of a female singer.
BABY LEG is track 3 on the LP, it is a collaboration between CantBuyDeem and Rhymster, with CantBuyDeem on the hook, and then they split two verses. BABY LEG is a vibey track with strong lyrics from the two Chicago rappers. Essse and Keem Singing composed a surprisingly beautiful melody in GO CRAZY track 4 with the refrain lyrics reading, “Baby, can you fly away with me? Maybe, cause we not the same, we go crazy, every night and day my head crazy, but I’ll be OK!!” Track 5 is a Ben Rose production, INCOMPLETE, another surprise on LEAGUE CHAMPS is that you will hear sophisticated, and banging, heavy metal music!
Track 6 is a BeatrixKiddo song called ITS A VIBE, you never heard energy from her like this before on previous kiddo beats, and it is a favoritefrom her so far! Track 7 Interlude 2 is the 1st intermission of the LP featuring another VO from William Bolanos, and the artists who were on the first few records screaming shouts of joy in the background. Track 8 is a trifecta collabos between RhymSter, JaiTheArtist, C-Mac, and Keem Singing. “It’s the way your body moves when the songs on,” sings Jai, with Keem coming in with a complimentary “Shake it for me, shake it for me” and a guest verse in the latter half of the track by RhymSter, referencing Phoenix Suns, Devin Booker, Santana, Dusk Till Dawn, Salma Hayek, Desperados, and Missy Elliot all in one verse.
The next track cuts in immediately with lyrics from RhymSter saying “I made a milli by lunch, life can be great when you live how you want.” A nice lyrical chop by Rhymster on track 8, LUNCH BREAK, with JaiTheArtist bringing in a solid verse as well. SMELLING LIKE THE UNIVERSE, is another strong collab, featuring C-Mac, Cockykidd, Rhymster, and company. The C-Mac line, “You cant have a life if you not really living,” stands out as the main theme from this record. ESTRELLA is definitely a favorite from League Champs, a house record produced by Orlando Coolridge, featuring lovely ambient vocals from Keem Singing. J-Bose comes in on track 11 GET THE DUCK OUT, a superfluous record with amazing chopping and vocal inflection from the Busta Rhymes, Busdriver-like rapper singer. This track has insane energy and flow, highly recommended.
APOLLO is a powerhouse, 2 rapper collabos between Hayward of B.B.E. and RhymSter of Ever Evolved. You will want to bump this track for the hard lyrics, paired with the flow and the beat. A hype song live as well! Next on the super LP is another Ben Rose production, SABRETOOTH TIGER, which reminds a lot of Dragonforce’s, THROUGH THE FIRE AND FLAMES, speed and instrumentation. CantBuyDeem featuring Essse show up with another record in KEEP A WHISTLE. A really fun, incredibly catchy tune with memorable lyrics from the Chicago heavyweights. CantBuyDeem references queso, pesos, cucumber in the water, no Faygo, in the beginning of the record, and that string of lines hits so hard.
BESOS is the next track on League Champs which is a progressive house record with a high pitched vocal sample that only a few might recognize. MY ENTOURAGE flips the famous Eminem and D12 MY BAND melody brilliantly, with Keem Singing at the helm of that record. LAY UP is a strong collab between CantBuyDeem and BeatrixKiddo, who make multiple appearances on League Champs! A major part of League Champs is the Chicago to South Florida connection, thanks to Ivan L Rhymes Well. This record DIS MY SONG features impeccable verses from Rhymster and Ivan L with a flawless hook from Keem Singing. A video is out to this now on YouTube shot by Hayward of B.B.E.
SKIP A BEAT is another super collab on League Champs between CantBuyDeem and Keem Singing. Hayward shot the video to this joint as well, while the Ever Evolved family traveled to South Florida for shows earlier this year. PAIN OR PLEASURE is a Ben Rose production featuring vocals for Essse, who also doubles as a versatile rock and heavy metal vocalist, incredible song. REPEAT begins hilariously as you can hear Hayward continually tell CantBuyDeem to do the hook on the record. A bumping track that will surely have you giggling from hilarity. The theme of REPEAT has to do with the repetition of the rapper lifestyle, to keep it from becoming monotonous we must make dope tracks about it.
BOOTY CALL ends the LP with a low bass voice over on a house record that will have you dancing and vibing out wherever you are listening to it. DJ Hunt has a special extra exclusive mix attached to League Champs Vol. 1 as well, look out for that during the related content campaigns surrounding League Champs. In the last interlude, William Bolanos explains that there will be a billboard on Cermak and Racine, with all the colorful bobble head characters part of the Leauge Champs compilation record. This was done by graphic designer and artist Amanda MacMillan.
Are there any other independent recording artists that put themselves on a billboard in their own city? It is a special one, and it is encouraged everyone reading this to go see it when it is up and completed. Ever Evolved continues to push the envelope in the indie music market based in Chicago Illinois. Chicago is notorious for negativity and hatred in the hip hop scene and culture, but that is disproven over and over again by the collective of Ever Evolved and all its affiliates. Independent people, creating a true civilian based entertainment industry.
Louis The Child is arguably the champion of good and positive times, and anthemic tunes. Their debut LP release HERE FOR NOW earlier last year is the epitome of all the may represent to their fans followers. Each tune is uplifting in sound, and positive in message, fun and playful enough to dance to, and heavy in bass enough to jump around; a perfect radio formula thats not dull or repetitive. Spanning multiple genres from drum n’ bass, future bass, hip hop, pop music, and more, Louis The Child decides to add 4 more tunes to the package. What is more is they decided to say SO WHAT, and released another tune 2 weeks following, but the message is too powerful to just brush off! SO WHAT of little problems, there is a life to live, cannot control anything, you are powerful regardless, so dance!
The doctor is in with another heavy dose of music. Footwork and juke artist emcee and producter, Splash DR comes through with an EP to follow up on his debut LP, THE KID LABOR. One big leap after another, the DR follows through with a whole 5 track footwork and juke instrumental. Bringing you DA CHI GUY, a cheeky spinoff to Super Marios Shy Guys antagonists, to reference the city of Chicago. Even more so is Splash DR’s move up to Zona Music for this release, these bigs steps are anything but shy, my guy! Talking with Splash DR for his debut LP release, he noted an inspiration into footwork culture to be in part to artists like Traxman. With the move to Zona Music, the DR now shares recognition under the same label.
Keeping similar qualities from his LP, Splash DR sticks to his jazz and soul inspired juke style on tracks like FASHO. A whole different energy from the introductory track, ironically named LAST PLACE, a personal favorite with its dark bassline and hip hop style. Giving off a fast paced urban, concrete jungle energy, mixed with some synth pop, juke style is ANOTHER DAY, which is coupled with a visualizer music video. CHILD holds title for most creative track with its vocal samples and cross genre inspired beat. The Splash DR Finishes off DA CHI GUY on a high note with HOLE, another jazzy, hip hop influenced footwork track. The whole EP keeps your mind and legs occupied at every hi hat, beat, snare and bassline, laced in classic and hip hop sounds. Check the full CHI GUY release on Zona Music Bandcamp and the visualizer below!
Agent O has been on replay in our playlist with his latest remix! Coming across this Chicago electronic music artist through local channels, and his sound is instantly intoxicating. Taking aim at a Chomppa tune called DEVIL DANCE, a tune reminiscent to RENEGADE by Mustard Pimp. Agent O perfectly balances the manic high end sounds with a dirty bassline that you cant help but move your body to. A perfect tune for an end of the year playlist to get a party jumpin’.
A teacher and a producer of music, Professor Fox would undoubtedly have a diverse playlist. From working solo to within the duo Vesper, to producing with big name artists like the late Mac Miller, Curren$y, Ab Soul, and popular Chicago artists Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa and Sidewalk Chalk to name a few, Professor Fox has more than enough experience to spread knowledge. From his vast network you would assume P. Fox has an inclination toward more hip hop beat work, R&B and the likes, but this man sits in no box! His latest upload onto his soundcloud account hits closer to the dubstep and bass community with dark and nasty bass lines. Named BASS FACE, for the obvious reaction you would get when you hear that low end rumble.
Every Chicagoan prizes certain parts of this great city, and we can all agree that LSD, the abbreviation for Lake Shore Drive, is one of the most iconic. With its breath taking scenery of the Chicago skyline, following Lake Michigan‘s shoreline, it makes for some of the most satisfying smoke sessions. Recently Chicago’s Manic Focus releases a remix of LAKE SHORE DRIVE by Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah, an ode to the city, following in Probcause‘s footsteps, who used a slowed sample of the LSD lyrics about 5 years ago after WAVES. But Manic Focus choosing to keep the original sound, chop it up a bit and add a little bit of bass. Topping it off with two samples of iconic Chicago hip hop artists, Vic Mensa and the legendary Common. Packed with dope lyricism, balanced perfectly with Manics production, ending on a strong note lyrically and sonically, “It ain’t easy but we making it work ’cause we are children of the greatest nation on earth, are we not?“
There are a fearless few that look at timelessly iconic songs and have the courage to remake an original. Cofresi passed that boundary many times with ease, and never seems to spoil the authenticity of the original. From taking up Led Zeppelin to Daft Punk,Gotye to Bon Iver, the Chicago drummer has the confidence and skill to take on any tune with success. Most recently, Cofresi remixes the iconic Disney movie soundtrack song of Lion King, one of the most recognized jungle orchestras ever, arguably. CIRCLE OF LIFE is flawlessly transformed into an electro future bass track that respectfully, yet wildly, balances the cinematic aspect of the chants with live drumming on his signature midi-pad drum setup, and some vocal chops as well. All appropriately in the setting of a sand beach in front of nature.
Win and Woo have released a few new tracks showing off their diverse music pallet. The Chicago electronic music duo typically experiment with their sound, offering their fans a mixed playlist! Their latest being a remix of INSIDE OUT, featuring Griff, by Zedd, an original mix with Łaszewo titled ANOTHER TIME AROUND, and a VIP of an earlier release of BEAM ME UP with Cosmos & Creature. Each track varies between electronic genres but Win and Woo balance it well to their own familiar sound, giving almost a bit of everything for the open mind.
Their most recent being their ZEDD remix where the original touches on pop hip hop beat work intro into electro house, Win and Woo turns it into a drum and bass dance track. A bit more fast paced beatwork lead by a progressive buildup, and ANOTHER TIME AROUND keeps that trance-like energy on the intro and buildup as well, coupled with vocals, before it gives way to a dark down tempo bass line. Their earliest tracks and most significant turn around in terms of sound is their BEAM ME UP VIP, which is originally a tropical-electro reggae styled beat and vocals, turning the feel good tune into an uplifting future bass mix for a dance floor. Lots of different sounds to experiment but thats how Win and Woo keep it fresh!
Everyone has an idea of the music culture of their favorite genres and the artists that make them up. Talking to the artists that make it up highlights more of the details of the foundation of the culture! Having a few moments with Splash DR for an interview, Ever Evolved gets a little first hand perspective of an artist within hip hop, footwork and production. Having experienced a bit of a couple different cultures himself, Splash DR is a multi talented artist, hip hop writer, emcee, DJ and producer, with a bit of ambition, adventure and a whole lot of music. With his most recent debut LP THE KID LABOR, and his experiences with footwork and juke music in Chicago, LA and other places, he broadened our perspective on the genre itself.
Started out producing in the first hand, Splash DR grew up around musically inclined parents who toted all sorts of genres; jazz, rock, hip hop. At school he would be influenced by house and hip hop, as well as his brother, who was was an emcee in a hip hop group as well. A perfect recipe to inspire his own group he called Big Splashes, where he would rap over his own production. As well as his current name, all is a reference to, and a brand spinoff of, Sharkula and one of his songs lyrics. Splash DR then notes to us that is was also one of his brothers songs that got him hooked on footwork and juke music, eventually transitioning into production exclusively once more.
Video Credit to M1N6U5
While all this is happening the junior Splash DR would be witness to the culture, making his way to specific events around the states. If you thought footwork was exclusive to Chicago, you would be pleased to know it has made its way to Americas coasts, and even abroad over seas. During his stays in LA, Splash DR would frequent Cafe Mustache for juke & footwork events, as well as events like Rock Steady and Low End Theory; New York will be hosting events for juke & footwork as well. Fast forward to today, and Splash DR can find fans of his music, footwork and juke in Oakland and even as far as Paraguay, England and Poland.
When it comes to his music, it clearly has some pull. Splash DR was recently signed to label Icy Palms, where he released his first full length LP THE KID LABOR. Splash Dr noted to us some of his influences which include TEKLIFE, GhettoHouse Bangaz, Beatdown House Productions, Juke Bounce Werk, Traxman and Polish Juke. You can have an idea from the list of what Splash DR would produce, however upon pressing play you get a whole different world for footwork and juke. It has a diverse array of melodies and beats where he blends jazz, R&B, hip hop breaks, and hype footwork beats and rhythms. It gives almost a lounge or future classic vibe to juke music but maintaining the energy for a dance floor or party.
Starting with EDGE OUT, we are introduced to THE KID LABOR with some violin thats operatic and vocal loops, right before it dives into beat work. BUSY sounds more contemporary and energetic, with a higher tempo, emphasizing the mellow synth work that follows the beat patterns, similar to Soulection style. YOU CONTROL dives into future classic style under its beat work and BRO BRO brings you into classic deep R&B energy balanced nicely with some bass. Then you get the jazz infused footwork with SNOW WAVE and CHILL YO, a couple of personal favorites, the rest of THE KID LABOR followers this sort of playthrough.
It is interesting to hear where footwork has traveled, talking with Splash DR. From where its influences land, to his own spin on it with his enigmatic style, bouncing between jazz and hip hop and contemporary bass styles. Following on his bandcamp you can see his transformation through music from a hip hop emcee, with WEAPONS, MEDICINES & TEXTILES to his first footwork and juke produtions, like his self titled ep, and TIME REALEASE VOL 1. He noted to Ever Evolved his intent with his music is inspire and challenge the listeners while creating a good atmosphere, and pushing what he thinks is an interesting sound to the fore front of Chicago’s music scene; he does just that with this new record.
Now Splash DR deals with the new adventure of being signed with ICY PALMS, where you can hear THE KID LABOR LP on bandcamp, or you can also get it on cassette! He has already a compilation collaboration scheduled in Paraguay as his sales hit with IP Recores and another project in the works. Already looking to make connections in Englad, Poland and getting back into LA, NY and Oakland, it should be interesting keeping up with this Splash DR! Click THE KID LABOR LP Cover photo below to listen on bandcamp!
New EZY Era is a Chicago born artist with an enigmatic sound. Raised in the multicultural suburbs of Chicago his sound blends as much as his surroundings.
Gridlock Andy
GridLockAndy is a 22 yr old Music Producer from Chicago. He started his music career at 17 making beats in his spare time from home. Eventually moving to his first music studio in 2013. In the beginning of 2014, he moved to his second music studio which was in the back of a cellphone store where he learned how to audio engineer. Later that same yr he teamed up with Rhymster, Frekwenzy, Z3ndoctor, and Will Balonos to rent I studio room in the highly acclaimed Fort Knox studios where they currently house the Ever Evolved headquarters. A could of yrs later in the the spring of 2016 he release his first beat tape “Is Andy Real?” sporting neo-jazz hip hop tracks that defines his sound.
RhymSter
RhymSter
Julian Rodriguez, aka RhymSter, was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. The interest to take on music didnt catch on until he graduated high school in 2010. Looking back on his past, he realized that all his life his family had exposed him to different genres of music such as 80s-90s Hip Hop, Jazz, Rock, Oldies, Soul, House, R&B, & various types of Spanish music. In a way, he was already preparing himself for what was to come.
Julian was a solo artist for some years building his skills and relationship with fellow partners/producers Frekwenzy & GridLockAndy. After some time Julian linked with William Bolanos, Founder of Ever Evolved, to establish a vision that both of them shared musically and creatively. During the time of building the company Julian expanded his creativity into production as well as taking on the business side of Ever Evolved. A jack of all trades is what you can call him.
William Bolanos
EverEvolved Owner
Born and raised in Chicago, Il. I started EverEvolved as a music blog to promote conscious creative music from Chicago. Throughout my life i have been entertained by music of all genres. Music is my one consistent love and seeing it promoted in mainstream television networks in such negative and lazy form, i decided to take matters into my own hands. Making it a mission to open minds to the underground and artists who create original music out of passion rather than greed.
Working along side Rhymster and Frekwenzy at Fort Knox Studios, we quickly transformed EverEvolved into a music studio, event and promotion company. With this platform we not only promote music, we create it and bring it to an audience directly. Hoping to inspire and bring talented individuals together. We aim to create a future of music with class, soul and original style.
Frekwenzy
My name is Ken and I am an engineer/ producer/ and graphic designer out of EverEvolved Studios located near Montrose Blue Line train station in Chicago, IL.
I specialize in EDM and trap based production. I tend to enjoy creating beats from scratch with the people I work with just because I believe in the artistry. It’s always fun to create something organic from scratch. What usually happens in one of my sessions is I would start working on a beat with a lyricist and we would bounce off ideas and give each other critiques.
Xandr
I started gaining an interest in music from a young age. Eventually taking guitar lessons when I was in 6th and 7th grade. Then later into highschool I was musically involved with some friends in a band for a while which just brought me closer and closer to music. Which ultimately lead to me picking up Ableton which completely changed my outlook on music altogether.
As far as to why I do it….well it’s just a part of me. Sitting down to compose and edit music always gives me a really calming rush. Especially knowing that I came from dreaming about as a kid to being here right now.
