The Releases that have shaped GROOVMNT
OH2 Records starts the new year by continuing to shape its new unique and distinctive garage sound. The American duo Let's Karpool & Cougar Pit (together known as GROOVMNT) have brought to life a hidden gem full of mixed emotions - called WON’T GET THIS BACK. To get to know the duo better OH2 Records asked them for some releases from other artists that have influenced their own productions and writing.
I'm starting it off with the first producer/musician who truly got me into the beautiful world of future bass music. After hearing Flume for the first time in my early years of high school, I immediately installed FL Studio onto my old, worn-down laptop and tried to emulate Flume (as much as humanly possible). The synthesis between his otherworldly sound design and distorted, erratic drums showed me a whole new realm of possibility with music. I have a soft spot for "Never Be Like You" because of its more 'commercial' pop melodies coupled with hard hitting, crispy drums. Our track 'Won't Get This Back' tries to draw inspiration from that very track so definitely one of the most memorable songs of all time for me. Let's Karpool
I vividly remember hearing this track for the first time when I was also in high school and falling in love with the synth groove in the drop. This remix has the same pumping energy as a lot of Strow and I's house tunes as of late with the 4 on the floor kick pattern and emphasis on groove. This is definitely a track that stands the test of time and can easily be thrown into a modern day house set and still sound fresh. Let's Karpool
Duskus is hands down one of my biggest inspirations in the edm scene right now. This is a super underrated melodic house producer who has started to gain some traction after a recent release with Fred Again and this is my favorite track of his to this date. The combination of warm, sine-heavy synths and an almost nostalgic chord structure with crispy house drums makes for a match made in heaven for my brain. Our recent track 'Won't Get This Back' is very reminiscent of this nostalgic house style which you can listen to in the comfort of your own home when you're feeling sad or even when you're trying to dance your ass off at the club. Let's Karpool
Another huge inspiration for me at the moment is Nimino who has really taken the melodic/future house scene by storm. 'I Only Smoke When I Drink' makes use of a female vocal sample with some beautifully designed synth stabs and powerful drums to make a modern-day anthem. Likewise, Strow and I tried to emulate this style into our current production with our track 'Won't Get This Back' as well as a new unreleased track also dropping on Heldeep called 'FOREVER.' Nimino continues to be a huge inspiration and this track is his most legendary to date. Let's Karpool
While studying to be an Information Systems major at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I recall listening to French future bass producer, Petit Biscuit, all throughout college. He's one of my biggest inspirations for taking my music to the next level and playing live at various parties/events in SLO and I would be remiss to say that he hasn't been the biggest inspiration in me taking music seriously. This track is the culmination of everything I find beautiful about EDM as a whole as it's the perfect blend of strong lyrical melodies paired with a tremendous amount of sound design on the synths. The topline in this track is amazing and will forever be in all of my playlists! Let's Karpool
When I was in my childhood/early teens I never really considered myself to be creative. I had always played instruments but never with intention...it was just something that I was associated with through school. I recall driving to school one day and my friend showing me "You Know." It was a really pivotal moment for me as I had heard electronic music many times but it never inspired me enough to immerse myself in the scene. "You Know" just had such a full, energetic and smooth sound that I had never heard before. I had to know how it was made, and so began my introduction into music production. To be releasing songs of my own/with Josh on Oliver Helden's label is a huge full circle moment for me.
I've always loved Flume's sound design/euphoric chords. It inspired me to create an organic listening experience for the audience which commands energy and emotion. While Flume got me into future bass, House/UKG have always had my heart. Incorporating the key elements of future bass into my songs is always a top priority, and I believe that really shines through our release of "Won't Get This Back" and "Forever" on Heldeep Records.
Sebastian Ingrosso's "Flood" is an example of why I love vocal chops so much. They preserve the humanity of a vocalist while creating limitless possibilities for their role in the track. Having the ability to splice up little sections of a vocal track and rearrange them however you like opens up the door for unexpected sonic surprises, which in music, are generally what takes a song to the next level. Hearing the vocal chops come in on the drop of "Flood" mixed with the heavy kick feels so primal that it's really hard not to dance... You can hear vocal chops in our track "Forever" at the drop. They aren't at the forefront of the track, but rather support the lead melody in order to create a greater sense of movement throughout the song
I always love the depth of tech house/ UKG basslines, but often come back to "Better Not" to remind myself of the importance of harmonic/melodic content. The song feels so uplifting, joyful, and kind which is something that the world really needs right now. The main melody of our upcoming song "Forever" is energetic, dynamic and bright. Although it is unique, I think you can guess which song the melody pulls inspiration from.
