Explore the Journey of Drum and Bass Sensation, Skellytn, Ahead of Apocalypse Zombieland!
As a prominent figure in the North American drum and bass scene, Skellytn has firmly established herself as a must-watch artist in recent years. After completing her studies at Icon Collective, she has captivated audiences and made a significant mark in the dance music landscape. Drawing inspiration from heavyweights like Skrillex and Noisia, she showcases her distinctive cyberpunk-inspired Neurofunk style that has garnered a loyal fanbase.
With an impressive discography, Skellytn burst onto the scene in 2022 as the first female producer to release a drum and bass album in North America through Reid Speed’s Play Me Records, as well as being the first female artist to release on EATBRAIN. She has maintained her momentum, collaborating with renowned labels such as Space Yacht, Emengy, and Drama Club. Her recent MegacorporationEP on Bassrush Records elevated her status, earning her recognition throughout the dance music community.
Recently, Skellytn unveiled her Cyberspace EP, a masterfully crafted collection of cyber-inspired drum and bass tracks. As she prepares for her performance at Insomniac‘s Apocalypse Zombieland, we had the opportunity to chat with her in anticipation of the festival next weekend. Read on to discover what to expect and don’t miss her set!
Listen to Skellytn – Cyberspace EP on Spotify:
Hi Skellytn, thank you for sitting down with us! We’re excited to share your story with our readers. You’re scheduled to perform at Apocalypse Zombieland for its second edition next weekend. What does it mean to you to be part of this lineup?
It’s a privilege to perform at Apocalypse Zombieland! The festival is rapidly becoming a cornerstone for Drum & Bass in North America, featuring incredible bass-heavy lineups and vibrant energy. I’m thrilled to share my sound at such a distinguished festival and contribute to its evolution.
What can attendees expect from your set at this festival? How will it differ from your past performances?
I have a plethora of new music that I’m eager to debut, and I’ll be joined by two vocalists as special guests. Expect an hour filled with high-energy Drum & Bass tracks, so get ready to bring out those gun fingers!
You’re one of just 11 women among a lineup of 100 artists and groups. How does it feel to represent women in this industry, and what steps can be taken to create more opportunities for female artists?
Representation is crucial in our field, and it’s encouraging to see more women stepping into the limelight. Being one of the few on the lineup is a privilege, but it also highlights the work still needed. Advocating for female artists through mentorship and diverse lineups is essential. I’m optimistic that we’ll continue to see advancements as the industry strives for greater inclusivity.
Your Cyberspace EP was just released on Cyclops Recordings this month. What was the creative process behind this body of work?
I have a specific vision for my branding, artwork, videos, and everything that contributes to a project like the Cyberspace EP. Initially, I collaborated with talented artists who resonated with that vision through the music. From there, I worked closely with creative minds to enhance that vision further through art and visuals. After months of dedication, it all came together into a thematically cohesive project that I’m incredibly proud of.
What do you hope listeners take away from the EP?
The Cyberspace EP showcases various DnB styles, from 4×4 to halftime and jungle, guiding listeners on a dynamic sonic journey. For me, it represents the versatility of DnB, and I hope that listeners engage with its diverse soundscape from beginning to end.
We hear you have a collaboration with Boogie T set for next month. What was the creative process behind that collaboration?
Yes! It’s been tough to keep this under wraps. Brock (Boogie T) has been a fantastic friend since he invited me on his Outbreak Tour in 2023. We had discussed collaborating several times, but it clicked when I produced a 140 breaks track. It felt like the perfect fusion of his 140 dub vibe and my sound, so we collaborated, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with what we created. Stay tuned!
What legacy do you hope to establish with the Skellytn project?
I aspire to inspire the burgeoning wave of American Drum & Bass and to help expand the scene across the States. Neurofunk DnB is my passion, and I want to be recognized as someone who championed it and emerged as one of the top producers in the genre.
What advice can you offer to aspiring female artists in drum and bass or dance music?
Persevere through challenges and distractions – let your passion and talent shine. Stay committed, work diligently, and surround yourself with individuals who genuinely want to see you succeed. The effort you invest will be worthwhile.
Lastly, just for fun, what are some of your pre-show rituals to get in the right mindset for a performance?
Before a major festival performance like Apocalypse, one of my favorite things to do is play some music in the trailer or green room and just dance. It helps release nerves and pre-show jitters!
