5 Artist Side Projects You Didn’t Know About
As the landscape of electronic dance music continues to evolve, artists often explore their creativity beyond their primary monikers, resulting in captivating side projects that offer fans a glimpse into new sonic realms. From underground techno aliases to experimental bass music monikers, these side projects allow producers to push boundaries and challenge their artistic limits. In this blog post, we unveil five artist side projects that you may have missed, each offering a unique and compelling narrative.
1. Deadmau5 aka Testpilot
Joel Zimmerman, better known as Deadmau5, is an electronic music icon renowned for his cutting-edge productions and larger-than-life stage presence. On top of all this, he unveiled a darker and more underground alter ego: Testpilot. This side project allowed Zimmerman to delve into the realms of techno and tech-house, catering to a more discerning audience craving raw, uncompromising sounds.
Testpilot has only released one official single, “Sunspot (White Space Conflict” and the alias is predominantly used for performing sets at live shows. The project’s enigmatic nature and lack of visual representation added to its mystique, allowing the music to speak for itself.
2. Oliver Heldens aka HI-LO
Dutch DJ and producer Oliver Heldens has carved a niche for himself in the future house and bass house scenes with his infectious grooves and unique sound. However, in 2015, he unveiled a surprising side project that took a drastically different direction: HI-LO.
Under this alias, Heldens explores the captivating world of deep house and techno, crafting hypnotic rhythms and atmospheric soundscapes. HI-LO’s debut EP, “Renegade Skies,” immediately garnered attention from underground enthusiasts, showcasing Heldens’ versatility and ability to transcend genre boundaries.
Interestingly, Heldens initially kept HI-LO’s identity a closely guarded secret, allowing the music to stand on its own merits without the weight of his established reputation.
3. Martin Garrix aka Ytram
At a very young age, Martin Garrix burst onto the scene with his electrifying anthems and became a global sensation. However, as he continued to evolve as an artist, Garrix felt the need to explore a more experimental and underground sound, leading to the creation of his side project, Ytram (Marty spelled backward).
At Tomorrowland 2017, Garrix debuted his Ytram alias and premiered the song “So Far Away” a collaboration with David Guetta. Under this alias, Garrix delves into the realms of progressive house and melodic techno, crafting intricate and emotive productions that showcase his growth as a producer.
4. Porter Robinson aka Virtual Self
Porter Robinson’s meteoric rise to fame as a pioneering figure in the electro and complextro scenes was nothing short of remarkable. However, in 2017, the producer took a bold step and unveiled Virtual Self, a side project that allowed him to explore his love for trance, techno, and early rave music.
Virtual Self’s debut EP, “Virtual Self,” was a captivating fusion of retro-futuristic sounds and cutting-edge production techniques, garnering praise from critics and fans alike. The project’s striking visual aesthetic, complete with a cyberpunk-inspired virtual avatar, added to the immersive experience.
Robinson’s ability to seamlessly transition between his emotionally charged original productions and the high-energy, nostalgic sounds of Virtual Self showcased his incredible versatility as an artist.
5. Above & Beyond aka OceanLab
Above & Beyond, the legendary trance trio, have garnered a massive following for their uplifting and euphoric productions. However, in the early 2000s, they embarked on a captivating side project called OceanLab, a collaboration with vocalist Justine Suissa.
OceanLab allowed Above & Beyond to explore a more downtempo and chilled-out sound, blending elements of trance, ambient, and even pop music. The project’s debut album, “Sirens of the Sea,” was a critically acclaimed masterpiece, featuring stunning vocal performances and intricate production.
What made OceanLab truly special was the seamless fusion of Suissa’s ethereal vocals with Above & Beyond’s signature melodic sensibilities, creating a unique and immersive listening experience. The project’s success paved the way for future collaborations and demonstrated the trio’s versatility beyond their trance roots.
These five artist side projects serve as a testament to the boundless creativity and artistic ambition that drives the electronic dance music scene. From underground techno explorations to nostalgic rave revivals, these aliases offer a refreshing change of pace and showcase the multifaceted talents of their creators. Whether you’re a die-hard fan seeking new sonic adventures or a casual listener exploring the genre’s depths, these side projects are sure to captivate and inspire.
