Zeds Dead Unveils ‘Deadbeats Compilation Volume 3’ and Discuss Their Plans for Deadbeats in 2019

Back in 2016, dubstep pioneers Zeds Dead changed the bass scene with the announcement of their label Deadbeats. Two years later, the iconic duo’s imprint Deadbeats has emerged as one of today’s leading labels that continues to redefine and shape the future of bass and dubstep music with each release. Through their compilations, radio show, curated festival stages, tours, and events, Zeds Dead and the Deadbeats crew have continued to set an incredibly high standard for the bass and dubstep community.

As the end of the year approaches, Zeds Dead is ready to end the year with a bang by releasing their next label collection Deadbeats Compilation Vol. 3. A well-defined collection of artists and tracks that are pushing bass and dubstep music forward, Deadbeats Compilation Vol. 3 is a 12-track blueprint of the evolving sounds that Deadbeats plans on pushing over the next year.

Featuring tracks from Gentlemens Club, Um.., Ducky, Blunts & Blondes, Jaenga, Holly, SIPPY, SoDown, Klutch, Mersiv, Cozway & BONNEMA and Rome In Silver, Deadbeats Compilation Vol. 3 offers a wide range of diversity, creativity, and talent.

We tried to find tracks from each of these artists that gave listeners a good taste of what these producers are working on just to wet the appetite so to speak. Our hope with this compilation and really anything we release will make listeners want to hear more from these artists, dive into their catalogue, and become fans of the acts.”

To celebrate the compilation and their impending third-year anniversary, we caught up with the duo to see what Deadbeats has in store for us in 2019. Listen to Deadbeats Compilation Vol. 3 and read on to see our full Q&A.

Deadbeats Compilation Vol. 3 | Stream

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What events does Deadbeats have lined up in the near future?

Our 2018 tour wraps up on 12/28 in Brooklyn. Between now and then we’re playing Seattle on Nov. 30th and Detroit on Dec. 8th. Totally different lineups for each show but still bringing that same Deadbeats flavour. So you can expect to see some new merch, new artists, the Deadbeats Arcade, and maybe a few celebrities or celebrity lookalikes…who knows! Anything can happen.

Are there any plans for another Deadbeats tour in 2019 and is there anything special planned for your 3 year anniversary.

Deadbeats Tour 2019 is already in the planning stages. 2 shows have been announced so far with a lot more on the way. We’re playing in Texas in April at Ubbi Dubbi Festival and we’re returning to Red Rocks for the 6th Annual Dead Rocks for 2 nights in July. We’ve got some special merch drops planned for next year to celebrate the 3 year anniversary, along with a few other surprises. Can’t reveal too much right now but we’ve got a massive release schedule for 2019 featuring artists that you’ve seen on the label before as well as a whole crop of new acts plus a few legends making their debut on the label.

How are artists picked for the compilations?

The compilations are a way for us to introduce new artists to the Deadbeats audience. These are acts we’ll be working on releases with and playing at our events over the next year. We tried to find tracks from each of these artists that gave listeners a good taste of what these producers are working on just to wet the appetite so to speak. Our hope with this compilation and really anything we release will make listeners want to hear more from these artists, dive into their catalogue, and become fans of the acts. These tracks are meant to be a bit more experimental and left of centre when compared the what the artists may normally release. The compilation format gives us a bit more freedom with the track selection since we’re able to release them all together as a cohesive package while still letting each track and artists do its own thing.

Is there something specific that the team looks for when considering an artist?

We like artists and projects that are pushing the boundaries of what people might expect to hear from a certain genre. While we’ve tried to avoid being pigeonholed as a genre specific label, it’s our love of all types of bass music that has been the main driver behind the label and our signings. At the heart of it, Deadbeats is a family. There’s no specific thread that really ties everything together aside from the fact that we are working with artists that we genuinely care about and supporting the sounds we enjoy.