Both the worlds of rap and EDM are highly anticipating the release of OMNI, an upcoming collaborative EP from producer LEViT∆TE and vocalist Macntaj. Following the release of singles "War Ready" and "Pins & Needles," the frequent Bassnectar-collaborators have now shared "Lightwaves Remix," a track given a sharp rap edge courtesy of Maybach Music-signee Gunplay and Seattle's Raz Simone. Listen to its world premiere below.
Ahead of this latest release, we spoke to LEViT∆TE and Macntaj to discuss the upcoming EP:
How did you two first link up?
LEViT∆TE: Kwabe (Macntaj) and I had a mutual friend who produces under the moniker Qreepz out here in Seattle. At the time, (circa 2014) Jay (Qreepz) was DJing for a group Kwabe was in. Long story short, they had been booked to play a side stage at summer jam, and Jay wasn't available on that date, so they asked if I could slide in after hearing from Jay that I could scratch records, or something like that. After that we clicked, and I could tell Kwabe was a good dude who was extremely talented.
Macntaj: Through a mutual friend, Qreepz. (One of the dopest cross over producers out here I may add).
What was the song that first got you into electronic music?
L: It's hard to pin that one down. Theres a lot that comes to mind, but looking back I think probably "Waters of Nazareth" by Justice or that entire Cross album. But being the generation I was, I was consistently subliminally fed electronic music my whole life. I think I got really obsessed with it around high school though, after hearing a cut from Noisia Radio in a ski video, or Mt. Eden's "Sierra Leone" flip in my homie's snowboard video.
M: The first song that got me into electronic music was probably the first one that I was featured on with Bassnectar, and LEViT∆TE. Until then I wasn't too hip to the scene.
When did you first start making beats?
L: I started DJing in 2008, but I started producing seriously around maybe 2011.
M: I have been seriously recording music since 14 but my career really began to take off about 16 months ago.
What's Seattle's electronic music scene like?
L: It's fun! But not necessarily popping on a grassroots level, with a few exceptions. I don't think anyone's at fault for that, it just is what it is. Q Nightclub is a personal favorite though, Molly Brooks and Sean Majors do an amazing job at curating one of my favorite nights in the city over there.
M: I don't really consider myself a part of that scene so I wouldn't know. Now a days I'm everywhere but Seattle to be one hunid' with you.
What's next for you?
L: I guess now would be a good time as ever to semi-announce that we're in the process of booking a US tour with me and Macntaj in celebration of this EP. So I think that's what is going to consume the better half of the rest of this year. After that I have an EP set to release on DIVISION records.
M: More music, more touring, and hopefully more success.
Stay tuned for the release of 'OMNI.' For more of our premieres, take a listen to elusive producer SAINTS' latest track "Blind, I."
