Interview
Modal Nodes Talk ‘Destiny,’ ‘Jawa Dub,’ and Mystery
Modal Nodes Talk ‘Destiny,’ ‘Jawa Dub,’ and Mystery as the bass act discusses Subtronics support, sci-fi influences, and what comes next
Modal Nodes have quickly become one of bass music’s most intriguing emerging projects, pairing a mystery-led identity with a sci-fi visual world and a sound tied to their fictional origin story. Their latest dual release, Destiny and Jawa Dub, gives the project two different entry points, with Destiny connected to their first shows and Jawa Dub rooted in the alien narrative behind Modal Nodes. In this interview, Modal Nodes discuss the concept behind the project, the brutalist architecture that influences their identity, recent support from Subtronics, and what may come next as their presence in bass music continues to grow.
Modal Nodes have quickly become one of the most talked-about emerging names in bass music despite still remaining anonymous. Was the mystery always part of the project from the beginning, or did it evolve naturally alongside the music?
Modal Nodes originally started out as an abstract concept on our home planet. It wasn’t anything serious to begin with, but has since progressed farther than we ever expected.
Your latest dual release, Destiny and Jawa Dub, showcase two very different energies. What inspired the direction behind each track?
We wanted to showcase the duality of what we’re capable of within one musical project. Destiny was inspired by our first shows, and Jawa Dub was inspired by a xenos race we encountered in our travels.
There’s a strong cinematic and sci-fi-inspired feel behind the music and visuals. What are some of the biggest inspirations behind the world of Modal Nodes?
Our sound and appearances come from the far reaches of the galaxy. We’ve taken a lot of inspiration from the brutalist architecture on our home planet, it plays a massive role in our identity and our sound tries to embody this.
You’ve already received support from major names in bass music, including a recent co-sign from Subtronics during Coachella and custom visuals at his sold-out Red Rocks headline. What has it been like watching the project gain traction so quickly?
It’s been incredible to see someone with such influence as Subtronics play our music out. We have never received this type of appreciation where we’re from. It’s been very rewarding seeing it received so well here on Earth.
Your early live appearances at events like Rampage in Belgium and Northern Invasion in Montreal are major milestones for a developing act. How has the live response compared to what you expected when starting this project?
When we first started the project we never considered the idea that we would have mistakenly arrived on this incredible planet. It came as a shock that humans were so receptive to it, and so far it’s been a dream come true. We are incredibly grateful.
Without revealing too much, what can fans expect from Modal Nodes as the project continues to evolve?
A lot more music, shows, collabs with great artists, merch and possibly something considered to be unnatural.
Thanks so much for taking the time to speak to us, is there anything else you’d like to say to our readers?
Thank you for all the support. We’ve only just begun.
As Modal Nodes continue gaining attention in bass music, the project is doing more than relying on anonymity alone. Destiny and Jawa Dub point to two different sides of their sound, while their sci-fi identity gives each release a wider concept to exist within. The references to brutalist architecture, distant planets, xenos races, and “something unnatural” also show that Modal Nodes are treating the project as a full creative world, not just a run of singles. With early support from Subtronics, appearances at Rampage and Northern Invasion, and more music, shows, collaborations, and merch ahead, the project is still in its early stages, but the direction already feels intentional.
