Basstripper Interview: “I’m incredibly excited for what’s next”

Since his modest beginnings mixing at local Belgian raves as a teenager, Basstripper has quickly risen to become one of drum and bass’ most promising rising stars. Hot off the heels of his breakout single ‘In The City’ and supporting Bou and B-Live's Australian tour at the tail end of 2023, the DnB mastro has been having an unbelievable 2024. 

For Basstripper, the last twelve months have been crammed with remixes, new releases, his busiest summer yet, and an avalanche of events stretching across the UK and Europe, spurred on by the release of his latest crowd favourite ‘Time To Go’ in September. With the screwy synths and lively sounds of the new track garnering widespread recognition and support, we caught up with Basstripper to talk all things ‘Time To Go’ his busy schedule, how he keeps his sound fresh, and much more.

How are you and what have you been up to recently?

"I’m doing really well, thanks! It’s been a hectic time with all the traveling and performing, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Being able to see different parts of the world while doing what I love is incredible, even though it can get exhausting at times.

"The energy from the shows and the connection with the crowd always keeps me going. I’ve been balancing gigs with studio time, trying to stay creative while on the road. It’s a busy life, but I’m grateful for every moment."

We’re here to chat about your new single ‘Time To Go’. How did it come about, and what can you tell us about it?

"‘Time To Go’ came together quickly and naturally, which is always a good sign for me. It has this special groove that I love to bring into my productions.

"I found the vocal online, and it fit perfectly with the vibe I was aiming for. I’ve been playing it a lot in my live sets, and the response has been amazing. It’s one of those tracks that hits differently when you hear it on a big sound system, and the crowd really connects with it."

Having just rounded off your busiest summer ever, what were some of the highlights?

"This summer has been insane! I’ve played more festivals than ever before.

"Performing in the sun is always such a vibe, and I’ve met so many amazing people along the way. It’s hard to pick just one highlight, but Beyond Wonderland at The Gorge in the US really stands out. It was my first festival in the States, and the whole experience left me hungry for more.

"And, of course, the Belgian festivals are close to my heart—nothing beats performing at home with my friends."

Even with summer over, you still have a busy end to the year with nights at DnB All Stars, Urge To Move in Dresden, Fearfest, and Euphoria Weekender in Leeds, to name a few. What are your plans for closing out the year?

"Yeah, my schedule is still packed—it just doesn’t stop! I love the club season as much as the festival season, so I’m excited for what’s to come.

"That said, I’m planning to take it a bit easier show-wise next year to focus more on production, which has been challenging with all the touring. I’ve got a new laptop now, so I can at least start ideas on the road rather than being tied down to my home setup.-

Find tickets for DnB All Stars events featuring Basstripper in Birmingham, London, Bristol, and Amsterdam. 

Which DJs, artists, and producers do you look up to?

"I really look up to my Belgian producer friends. We’ve built a strong bond, and being good mates allows us to inspire each other creatively. It's great to have that support network, and it motivates me to keep evolving as an artist. Their passion for music and unique approaches have definitely influenced my own journey, and I’m grateful to have them in my corner."

Which current and rising DJs, both within drum and bass and outside of it, should we be looking out for?

"First names that come to mind are Maze, El Pablo, Jaybee, and Tian. They’re all pushing boundaries and bringing fresh energy to the scene. These artists aren’t sticking to formulas—they're constantly experimenting, which makes them stand out. They’re definitely ones to keep on your radar!" 

How did you first discover DJing, and what attracted you to the industry?

"It all started about 11-12 years ago. My mates and I were throwing home parties, and they always brought their controller to mix some jump up. I wanted to try it myself and soon after got my own controller, a Hercules. About a year later, I bought my first Pioneer CDJ 850s, which I still own today.

"I’ve always been a big fan of drum and bass since I was around 12, but my mates really introduced me to jump up, and that changed everything. After a year of DJing, I started producing because I wanted to make my own music.

"It took a while to figure things out, but I kept at it every day, and I’m glad I did."

Find tickets for ON A MISSION Halloween 2024 Ft: A.M.C here.

You mentioned that 2023 was a life-changing year (touring Australia with Bou, for example). How has 2024 compared?

"This year has been just as influential as last year but way busier. I took every opportunity that came my way because I really wanted to get myself out there.

"What’s different this year is that I feel more established now. Last year was about making the breakthrough, and this year has been about maintaining that energy, building on it, and refining my sound even further.

"Touring so much has given me a deeper connection with my audience, and I’ve learned a lot from these experiences. Every show and festival has taught me something new, whether it’s about crowd dynamics, my own performance, or just navigating this hectic lifestyle."

Since you blew up with ‘In The City,’ you’ve dropped remixes for Friction’s ‘Supersonic’ and Netsky’s ‘Hell In High Heels,’ as well as the singles ‘Hazmat’ and ‘Deserted’. How have you handled such a packed couple of years?

"It’s definitely been a whirlwind! Since ‘In The City,’ things have moved so fast, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Balancing remixes, singles, and constant touring has been a challenge, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. I’ve had to sharpen my time management skills and stay focused on the music, even while traveling.

"One thing that’s helped is setting up a mobile workflow, so I can start ideas on my laptop while on the road. It’s all about finding ways to adapt and keep pushing forward without burning out.

"It’s intense, but I thrive on that energy—it keeps me motivated to keep creating and growing."

In the wake of your rapid success throughout this year and last, how has your sound changed and developed?

"I wouldn’t say my sound has changed much, but the success has reinforced the importance of staying true to my artistic vision. Producing music is a never-ending learning curve, and I embrace that.

"Every day presents new challenges and opportunities for growth, and I’m constantly discovering new techniques and sounds that inspire me. It’s a process I really enjoy, and it fuels my passion to keep creating. I’m incredibly excited for what’s next."

How do you try to keep your sound fresh?

"I try to evolve with every new track. Instead of reusing the same sounds, I like to manipulate and twist them into something new to keep things interesting.

"Experimentation is key for me—I’m always searching for new textures and influences to incorporate into my music. Whether it’s layering unexpected elements or experimenting with different production techniques, I aim to create something that pushes my sound forward with each release."

Where are some of your favourite music scenes out of the many places you’ve visited?

"Australia and New Zealand are definitely at the top of my list.

"The energy in both places is next level, and the crowds are so passionate and dedicated to drum and bass. There’s also a real sense of community within the scene, which makes performing there special.

"What’s even more exciting is seeing how the drum and bass scene is evolving globally. It’s amazing to witness, and I’m proud to be part of that movement."

You’re hitting a lot of major UK cities like Manchester, Bristol, and Sheffield. How do these varied music scenes compare with your native Belgium, given its reputation for jump-up?

"The UK scenes are incredible. Each city has its own unique vibe, and the energy is always off the charts. The UK is such a hub for bass music, and the connection the crowd has with the sound is something special.

"Belgium, of course, has its own special place in the drum and bass world, especially with jump-up. The Belgian crowd loves high-energy, hard-hitting tunes, and there’s a certain intensity in the way people respond to jump-up here.

"Playing in Belgium feels like home, and the jump-up scene has really shaped me as an artist."

"At the end of the day, the love for the music is universal, but each place has its own flavour, and that keeps things exciting."

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.