Los Angeles, CA – Trailblazing through the drum and bass domain, REAPER announces his eagerly anticipated sophomore album, CHALLENGER, set for release on March 8th, 2024, through Bassrush Records. This project not only showcases REAPER's resilience and creativity but also marks a significant chapter in the ongoing narrative of drum and bass in the U.S., affirming his role as a leading figure in the genre's current renaissance.
Smartlink: https://bassrush.ffm.to/challenger
Since his emergence in 2018 with captivating bootleg remixes, REAPER has become a central figure in the U.S. drum and bass scene. His debut EP, RAPTURE (2019), and album, DISRUPTOR (2022), have been instrumental in enhancing the genre's accessibility and appeal. Today, REAPER is recognized as a leading ambassador of the genre, bringing drum and bass to major festivals and venues worldwide.
REAPER's global impact since 2021 is undeniable, with sold-out headline shows and festival appearances in 12 countries. His touring highlights include sold-out performances in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, and Japan, alongside major North American festivals like EDC, Lost Lands, and Bass Canyon. He has sold over 15,000 tickets worldwide. Notable international festival slots include Rampage Open Air and Sonnemondesterne, marking REAPER as a drum and bass force across the globe.
REAPER has been a testament to innovation, breaking down barriers and uniting a diverse audience with his bass-heavy beats and electrifying melodies. His journey from viral sensation to a linchpin of the genre's resurgence is a story of relentless pursuit and passion for the music that defines him. CHALLENGER is a reflection of this journey, embodying the spirit of resilience, rebirth, and resurgence, and inviting listeners to join him in this revolutionary sonic voyage.
The album opens with the tracks "BALANCE" and "CALL MY NAME," setting an epic atmosphere for a deeply personal narrative. CHALLENGER showcases vocal talents such as Bella Renee, returning from the first album after their hit "IMY" amassed over 19 million streams. It also features Josh Rubin on "MONSTER," which has already surpassed 1,070,000+ streams on Spotify, and Calivania on "BLACK FIRES," quickly catching up with 614k+ streams. Bertie Scott's contribution on "BREATHLESS" further enriches the album's diverse vocal range. The inclusion of "CROSSING LINES" with AMAGII highlights REAPER's genre versatility, demonstrating his ability to blend and innovate within the drum and bass landscape.
2023 presented challenges for REAPER, including a hip injury that led to a two-month hiatus. This period of recovery allowed him to finalize CHALLENGER, symbolizing his triumphant return and setting new standards for American drum and bass. The album delves into themes of facing adversity, emphasizing the importance of self-care, and the transformative power of music.
As REAPER embarks on the CHALLENGER tour, he's not merely showcasing his latest work but also marking a pivotal moment in his career and the broader dance music landscape. This global tour, embodying the ethos of "ALL GAS, NO BRAKES" and "DNB 'TIL I DIE," represents REAPER's commitment to the North American DNB community and his role in the genre's ongoing evolution.
Drum and Bass in America has navigated its unique path, buoyed by homegrown pioneers and cultural movements that have distinctly shaped its evolution. The contributions of American artists like Dieselboy, AK1200, and DJ Dara, who have been instrumental in popularizing the genre through their relentless touring and innovative productions, cannot be overstated. Labels such as Planet of the Drums and events like the World of Drum & Bass tour have played pivotal roles in fostering a vibrant DnB community stateside.
The genre's journey in the U.S. also saw the rise of influential venues and club nights dedicated to Drum and Bass, from Konkrete Jungle in New York City, one of the longest-running DnB nights in the U.S., to Respect Drum & Bass in Los Angeles, which has been a staple for enthusiasts on the West Coast. These spaces have not only provided a platform for local talent but have also welcomed international acts, facilitating a cultural exchange that has enriched the American DnB scene.
CHALLENGER Tracklist:
REAPER - BALANCE
REAPER - CALL MY NAME
REAPER & Bella Renee - COLD CASE
REAPER & Josh Rubin - MONSTER
REAPER & Calivania - BLACK FIRES
REAPER & Bertie Scott - BREATHLESS
REAPER & AMAGII - CROSSING LINES
Today, REAPER is at the vanguard of the genre's latest resurgence, echoing the pioneering spirit of those who came before him. By headlining major festivals across North America and selling out venues from coast to coast, REAPER is both a product of and a contributor to the rich legacy of American Drum and Bass. His work, characterized by a blend of high-energy performances and genre-blending productions, serves as a bridge between the genre's roots and its future, ensuring Drum and Bass's place in the broader tapestry of American electronic music.
About REAPER:
Since bursting onto the scene in 2018, the enigmatic REAPER has electrified the dance music world, becoming a pivotal force in the American Drum and Bass scene. His unique sound has garnered over 150 million streams, showcasing his significant impact on the genre's growth and accessibility both domestically and internationally. REAPER's mysterious persona adds to the allure, with his music speaking volumes about the potential for innovation within DNB. His live performances, beginning with a notable debut at Brownies and Lemonade in Downtown Los Angeles in January 2020, have only bolstered his reputation. An extensive touring schedule, including appearances with Kayzo and at major festivals like EDC Las Vegas and Lost Lands, plus sold-out international shows, have cemented his status as a global DNB sensation.
REAPER's influence extends beyond mere performance; he represents a gateway to the new era of Drum and Bass for fans around the globe. With a relentless drive to push the boundaries of DNB and champion its ascendance in the American music landscape, REAPER is not just an artist but a movement. His continued success on the global stage promises to propel the DNB renaissance well into the 2020s, making him an essential figure for journalists seeking to capture the pulse of contemporary dance music. REAPER's distinctive mask serves as a visual hallmark that separates the music from the person behind it. Dark, mysterious, and thought-provoking, it underscores the music's precedence and complements REAPER's persona, which, despite the project's ominous aesthetics, reveals an approachable and engaging artist dedicated to connecting with fans.
About Bassrush Records:
Built around the legacy it has created since its earliest days in the underground back in 2002, Bassrush has established itself as a pillar within the bass music scene. Over the years, the crew has cultivated a movement that has taken on many forms, from its massive festival stages around the world to their more intimate nights on the dancefloor. In 2016, Bassrush Records materialized as a means to take their barrier-breaking mentality into the label world, pushing boundaries in dubstep, trap, drum & bass, and everything in between. With a catalog that banks on both heavyweights and up-and-coming talent alike, Bassrush Records has put its stamp on artists including Caspa, BARELY ALIVE, REAPER, Jessica Audiffred, Hamdi, DC Breaks, ATLiens, Hekler, Borgore, Tisoki, AFK, SVDDEN DEATH, Spag Heddy, JEANIE, sumthin sumthin, Calcium, Herobust, Saka, and more.
[PRESS PHOTOS COURTESY OF REAPER]
FOLLOW REAPER: SPOTIFY I SOUNDCLOUD I INSTAGRAM I X I TIK TOK I YOUTUBE
CHALLENGER TOUR (Additional Dates To Be Announced):
Sun, Feb 18: Washington, DC - Echostage w/ Sullivan King
Fri, Feb 23: Tampa, FL - TK Lounge
Sat, Mar 2: San Francisco, CA - DNA
Sat, Mar 9: Salt Lake City, UT - Get Lucky
Sun, Mar 10: Austin, TX - IllFest
Wed, Mar 13: Austin, TX - Let it Roll SXSW
Thu, Mar 14: Charleston, SC - Trio
Sat, Mar 16: Kansas City, MO - Aura 'Road To Dancefestopia'
Fri, Mar 22: Chicago, IL - Sound Bar
Sat, Mar 23: Madison, WI - Liquid
Thu, Mar 28: Calgary, AB - Commonwealth
Fri, Mar 29: Vancouver, BC - Village Studios
Sat, Mar 30: Edmonton, AB - Double Dragon
Thu, Apr 4: Bellingham, WA - Wild Buffalo
Fri, Apr 5: Portland, OR - 45 East
Sat, Apr 6: Los Angeles, CA - Avalon
Thu, Apr 11: Charlotte, NC - Trio
Fri, Apr 12: Toronto, ON - Nomad
Sat, Apr 13: San Diego, CA - Bloom
Sat, Apr 27: Seattle, WA - Q Nightclub
Sun, Apr 28: Denver, CO - Red Rocks w/ Sullivan King
Fri, May 3: Nashville, TN - The Office
Sat, May 4: Albuquerque, NM - Electric Playhouse
Fri, May 10: Atlanta, GA - Wish