Bassnectar feeds on audience frenzy

Inspiration is never short for these eclectic beats.

By Maura Howard

Published Nov. 17, 2009

Bassnectar is the creation of DJ Lorin Ashton, who began what he calls his "social experiment," back in the mid-'90s. He describes his sound as "omni-tempo maximalism," which basically means this indescribable sound is generated by fusing the familiar with the strange or classic with the cutting edge. The latest album, Cozza Frenzy, is full of collaborations and remixes, creating a sound many people might have never heard before.

Bassnectar started playing across the California area. But after nights of wall-to-wall shows and an ever-growing fan base of loyal bass freaks, the underground project quickly became a phenomenon complete with national tours and frequently released iTunes podcasts.

Ashton said the inspiration to start Bassnectar came from studying politics and community at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

"I read some thoughts of Hannah Arendt about an individual's 'Space of Appearance' or their sphere of influence, how one can expand the network of other humans with whom they can interact and influence," Ashton said. "Since I was a child I have felt an impulse to not only give back to the world but more specifically to help. I think music is a great way to do this."

Bassnectar draws influences from almost every type of sound out there to create a fusion of unexpected, yet ear-pleasing sounds.

"Let me say that everything I have ever done is a direct result of influence from other people and the world around me," Ashton said. "I do not think I am original, but I do think I am honest."

Bassnectar was the type of endeavor that grew bigger as Ashton continued to social network, luring fans across the country with his mind-blowing sounds. When Ashton first thought up Bassnectar, he said he didn't really worry about how big it would become.

"I think you can basically make anything happen that you want in life or die trying," Ashton said. "I have daydreamed of many things that later came into reality, but Bassnectar is at a point where I am watching it in slight disbelief. Not because I doubted it, but more because it has become such a group effort, and it is so grassroots, that it has a life of its own."

Ashton said his inspiration to come up with heart-pounding bass and rhythms of synthesized riffs artfully mixed with anything from experimental to hip-hop is pretty much nonstop.

"I have difficulty sleeping because of it," Ashton said. "It's relentless, it's like my mind has a mind of its own. But it's also a nice thing."

Cozza Frenzy was released this fall. It's complete with what Bassnectar calls a "mega-bass remix, a straightforward dub-step version perfect for ripping any dance floor into complete frenzy."

With the album also comes a tour. Bassnectar has been touring since Oct. 1. This maverick of sound will land in Columbia on Nov. 20 at The Blue Note and will put on a show your ears have never experienced before.

Ashton called the impact his project has had on his listeners his "Sphere of Influence," and it is a sphere he wants to keep expanding.

"Bassnectar is an incredible creative outlet for me," Ashton said. "And as long as it continues bringing people together, I will continue giving my all."