DeadMau5, Rezz, Pixel Terror, Spag Heddy
DeadMau5, Rezz, Pixel Terror, Spag Heddy

Consisting of team Bentley and Ahrya, bass duo Pixel Terror have shared a new dance gem: ‘Carbonara’ with Spag Heddy via Monstercat. This futuristic dubstep-driven track, calls to mind epic sci-fi video games with its robotic textures. Listening to Pixel Terror does bring up the nostalgia factor for old gamers of yesteryear. The duo have been known to light up festival stages with their danceable sound, events like Kayzo have been immersed in the duo’s sound. They were preparing to perform at Tomorrowland in Belgium this year, but unfortunately, due to government restrictions, the event has been canceled.

We chatted with futuristic bass duo Pixel Terror below.

Looking back, what were some of your earliest entries into music appreciation? And music production? 

As far as electronic music goes, we both enjoyed euro-dance growing up, as that was the main source of dance music we heard. Along with this, we also enjoyed the work of Daft Punk, Guru Josh Project, and Eiffel 65.

Give us a sense of the music scene where you are based.

We are both based in Los Angeles.

What key pieces of software/gear are you using to define your sound? 

We primarily use video-game influenced sound design to define Pixel Terror music – basic shapes and square waves are a go-to for us. We also heavily rely on distorted and auto-tuned vocals in our tracks to give our music humanization. We are starting to integrate more guitar and midi pads into our music as well.

What are some of your key musical influences? 

Our music is influenced by great artists both inside and out of the electronic sphere and includes the obvious Kanye, Travis Scott, Daft Punk, Porter Robinson, and Madeon. Also alternative acts such as Muse, Linkin Park, and Fall Out Boy, Monstercat favorites like Eptic, Pegboard Nerds, and Rogue, as well as tastemakers like Diplo and DJ Snake. Overall, our trajectory is mostly due to our dedication to the craft, and more importantly our desire to take the time and make every song as unique as possible. We are becoming more and more ourselves through our art and at the end of the day always having fun doing what we love.

What kind of relationship do you have with the internet? How does this inform your artistic expression?

We are both pretty internet-savvy. From learning a majority of our music knowledge online to communicating with the artist sphere on the web, we definitely spend quite a bit of time on our computers. Not sure if all that healthy, but it’s definitely integral haha!

What would you like to achieve with your music? What does success look like to you? 

As far as Pixel Terror goes, we are telling the story of two dudes who just like to create good fun music and inspire others not to take things too seriously (while taking our mixdowns very seriously). A Pixel Terror show is an adventure in sound and a lesson in remembering to have a good ole time. Ultimately, we have reached our ideas of success many times over, and we only hope to make our performances more and more epic, and for this career to maintain our livelihoods.

What has been a memorable highlight of your career so far?

Performing EDC and Lost Lands this year were absolute dreams.

If you could work with, or perform alongside any artist of your choice, who would it be?

Skrillex, Zedd, Virtual Riot, Odesza, Illenium.

If you weren’t a musician what would you be?

Ahrya: Video game designer.

Bentley: Actor or graphic designer (technically, I still do quite a bit of graphic design).

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about? 

Aside from a few large Monstercat Flagship artists, we have collaborations in the works and also have an EP coming out on a Monstercat family friend – Seven Lion’s Label – Ophelia dropping in 2022. And more bass bangers on the way. We are also developing more commercial music, including some house heaters we are stoked to show the world!

‘Carbonara’ features on the Spotify Playlist BASS_GROUND

Follow Pixel Terror:

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify