Dirt Monkey and Smoakland join forces on their latest single, “HIGHER,” a high-energy dubstep track that brings together both artists’ unique sounds into one dynamic collaboration, out December 6 on Bassrush Records.
Known for consistently pushing the boundaries of bass music over his decade-spanning career, Dirt Monkey’s robust sound design combines seamlessly with Smoakland’s signature West Coast dubstep style, bringing an electrifying energy with precise, expert production.
“HIGHER” maintains a relentless momentum through shifting basslines and intricate soundscapes. Packed with growling sub-bass, chopped vocal snippets, and sharp, pulsing synths, the track evolves with call-and-response sequences that keep the energy at peak levels. This is a track that capitalizes on both artists’ unique aesthetics: Dirt Monkey’s flair for experimental grit and Smoakland’s homage to the roots of dubstep. Together, they deliver a sound that’s fresh, unpredictable, and perfectly suited for Bassrush’s forward-thinking catalog.
Dirt Monkey shows his appreciation of working alongside the pair with a cheeky bit of praise: “I’ve loved all the music the Smoakland boys have put out over the years, so I was stoked to get to combine styles with them. This tune pretty much nails both of our sounds and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out! Great guys, too—real sound c***s, those guys (a little New Zealand flair at the end for ya).”
Adding onto the shared adoration, Smoakland says, “Pat [Dirt Monkey] has been one of our biggest inspirations over the last 13 years of listening to electronic music - so to play shows and create music with him has been one of the coolest experiences thus far on our journey.”
This release continues Dirt Monkey’s history with Bassrush Records, following his breakout 2018 single, “Peanut Butter Jelly Time,” and the celebrated 2023 collaboration “Kooks of Hazard” with Shank Aaron—which was supported by outlets like Electronica UK and This Song Slaps, Dirt Monkey is also gearing up for a co-headlining tour with Friction in 2025, hot off his successful ‘MYCELIUM SOUND’ Tour earlier this year.
Smoakland has been unstoppable in 2024, dominating stages at pivotal festivals like Lost Lands, Breakaway, and Deadbeats Jamboree. With more high-profile appearances at the recent Apocalypse: Zombieland, as well as Cyclops Dome and To Future Fest, they’re anchoring their status as one of the bass scene’s most compelling acts. Their recent collaborations with trailblazers like Big Gigantic, Sippy, Mersiv, and TVBOO spotlight Smoakland’s adaptability and deep-rooted commitment to pushing boundaries within bass music.
With momentum surging from a lineup of standout releases and tours, Dirt Monkey and Smoakland’s “HIGHER” is set to become an anthem for dubstep fans and a milestone in both artists’ journeys. Blending grit with nostalgia, “HIGHER” marks a pivotal step in the evolution of bass music as these artists forge ahead into 2025.
Dirt Monkey and Smoakland’s new release “HIGHER” is available on all platforms via Bassrush Records