Coming to U Street Music Hall in January 12th 2017, ill.Gates and KJ Sawka are set to take the stage together for a performance that is sure to be a rare and formidable combustion of raw sound and energy. The two teamed up in September of 2015 to create the Unsung Heroes EP, followed by their subsequent tour, demonstrating seamless fusion of their two distinct styles. Most recently, Gates released his Bounce EP with Stephan Jacobs while Sawka put out his Blood Drums EP. 2017 is sure to be an ambitious year for them both as these Unsung Heroes begin their Bass Invaders Tour.
Gates has spent the past two decades creating a global network of fans while developing a dynamic sound that ranges from melty dubstep to glitched out bass music. In addition to creating a personalized body of work, Gates has teamed up with artists such as Minnesota, Bassnectar, Datsik, and G Jones. Furthering his contribution to the electronic music scene, Gates created his online music course, The ill.Methodology. His work as a producer and DJ over the most crucial years of the electronic music scene has certified him as influential technician of sound.
In a league of his own, Sawka has also found a major foothold in his career making a name himself as the human drum machine of electronic music. Sawka, a heavy hitter in drum n’ bass music, stands out by crushing it on the drums entirely live. In addition to being an expert drummer, Sawka also layers in synthesized basslines showcasing his skill in electronic music composition. Not only is Sawka a solo act, but he is also a member of the platinum selling and award winning electronic rock band Pendulum, as well as a drummer for the musical trio Destroid, consisting of himself, and the notorious bass artists Downlink and Excision.
Together, Gates and Sawka merge two distinct sounds showcasing the range of possibilities for bass music; while Gates lays down the more fluid and funky side of the spectrum, Sawka marches in with an aggressive artillery quality of beats. Be sure to check them out at U Street this January which also feature support from talented local favorites: Nolweez, Rabat, and Nazariff.