Hartman Media

  America has a tendency to claim ownership of anything that dares to touch it.  The United States are a notorious hub for the exploitation and commercialization of genuine art; dubstep is one of its most recent victims. But the traditionally minimalistic, low-end anchored style of sound system music is beginning to thrive in America’s increasingly vibrant underground communities, due largely to the precedent paved by AxH.

The former British colony is home to a fair share of dubstep figureheads, including the pioneer DJ Joe Nice and west coast don Matty G. Still, music and culture share an intimate bond: many of America’s most respected artists are known for the distinct stateside flair they bring to the genre. Given his uncompromisingly minimal aesthetic notably reminiscent of European dance floors, many fans are surprised to learn that AxH resides in the USA. The Boston artist was the first American with a full solo release featured on Tempa, and among the country’s most influential proponents of the proper 140 sound.

Of course, as a hand-picked member of the label famously represented by Youngsta, AxH is not only a US trailblazer – he’s an international staple. His signature sinister style emanates of humanity’s most evil undercurrents. Darkly danceable, AxH’s music celebrates the insidious essence that forms the foundation of dubstep’s twisted aesthetic. His 2015 Tempa EP, Numbskull, is a contagious collection of anthemic sound system tunes; its title track was one of the year’s most played (and emulated) releases. And last year’s “Unsigned Unreleased” mix overflows with the relentless energy that characterizes the premiere airtime of highly anticipated music. The selection prompted a uniformly emphatic response from the worldwide community.
 

The mix contains some departures from the typical 140 template, including hints of the artist’s past life. Before he discovered dubstep, AxH released drum and bass under the alias Prodigal Son. His wicked signature is detectable through the furious, fast-paced aggresion that defines drum and bass. AxH’s musical trajectory mirrors a pattern familiar to the veteran heads whose tastes and preferences evolved alongside dubstep itself. Following years of involvement in the drum and bass community, the style’s demonic cousin incarnation seduced AxH in the late 2000’s. He was inducted as a resident DJ for the iconic BASSic Boston night shortly thereafter.

By the time AxH made his Tempa debut with 2014’s Destroy EP, “dubstep” was already a pervasive – if misunderstood – catchphrase in the US pop culture dictionary. But rather than a travesty, AxH noted the explosive mainstream phenomenon as an opportunity. Prior to the EP’s release, FatKidOnFire asked the artist about his perspective on the momentous trend. AxH replied with a measured assessment: “Now that it’s hit the mainstream, however, my hope is that some fans have taken a step back, and done a little homework.” Nearly three years – and seven releases – later, AxH’s optimism holds true. American dubstep has already come a long way since the inception of “brostep”. The region’s rising visibility and role in the international scene is marked by prominent releases from artists such as Mesck and EshOne; promising young talent emerges from the States with increasing regularity. Proper dubstep is solidified on the country’s underground radar, and we can thank AxH for his role in carving the path.

Stay locked to AxH’s SoundCloud page: there is much to look forward to from the artist, including a forthcoming release on N-Type’s Wheel & Deal Records. AxH will also be featured on the Sub.mission podcast this upcoming Wednesday. Check out his agency page for show dates and more information.