American DJ and producer 4B has spent the latter half of his 29 years on a resolute journey pursuing his signature sound and vision. He began turning heads in the dance music industry in 2015 with his breakout trap anthem “Pop Dat.” Although he’s known for making an impact with Jersey Club, he’s proven over the years that he’s a deft musical shapeshifter. His recent release titled “Drum” is no exception.
Teaming up with newcomer Damian Avila, “Drum” takes a break from 4B’s Jersey Club domain, and plunges it into tribal house territory. Throwing it back to 4B’s original sound, this track is minimalistic in nature, supported by a bare, steady backbeat and a punching bassline. The catchy monologue of an alluring female voice guides you along the track’s sonic journey. As the intensity and anticipation builds, so does the vocal as she repeats “the sound of the beating drum” until it culminates to a pulsating tribal drum beat.
4B has a stacked summer tour ahead, hitting major cities across the US and Canada. Most notably, he’s bringing his 4B & Friends concept to the world famous Hollywood Palladium on July 15th. We sat down with 4B to discuss the inner-workings of “Drum” and his upcoming 4B & Friends show at the acclaimed Hollywood Palladium.
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What inspired you to step away from your signature Jersey Club sound, and enter the realm of tribal house?
I make all types of music every day, but lately, I've really been getting inspired by these old jungle terror demos I've been finding, so I just decided to produce and release one.
“Drum” is a throwback to your original sound. How did it feel going back to your roots?
It's dope, and people really seem to love it too. I think music always tends to come full circle, so maybe these tribal-type records will start to come back, and we'll hear them at festivals and clubs more often.
What do you like about producing tribal house?
I really love drums. This song is super simplistic. I wanted the drums to be the focus of this track, hence the title. It describes what it is about sonically and highlights its simplicity.
How did you discover Damian Avila? What about him appealed to you as a potential collaborator?
He actually released on my label years ago. We were sharing songs with each other, and one day I ended up playing one of his previous releases. We DMed on Instagram a bit, which eventually resulted in me sending him this demo.
Can you walk us through on how this project came to life?
We finished the song super quickly. We did it all together last year, and the longest part of the entire process was probably getting the vocal part legally cleared.
Did you learn anything new during the production phase?
I really spent some extra time working the drums. And going back and forth, stripping the project down to make it more simplistic was something I don't get to do with most of my other tracks.
Over the course of your career, how has your sound evolved? Where do you see it going in the future?
I have always made all types of music and will continue to do so. I think in the future, you're definitely going to see and hear more of these types of records from me.
Out of all the different subgenres you dabble with, do you have a favorite genre to produce?
Jersey Club definitely has to be my favorite, hands down.
What is one subgenre you think doesn't get the attention it deserves?
Again, Jersey Club Music. But now, maybe it will get some more shine with this new album from Drake.
How & when did you come up with the 4B & Friends concept?
I came up with this idea I believe around 2016. I wanted to do one party with all of my DJ homies on one lineup in Jersey. It went over so well that we decided to run with it. After I brought the concept to Los Angeles and then to Miami, we have been doing them almost yearly now since 2016.
Who are some “Friends” that have played at these before?
I've had everyone from Gordo, Flosstradamus, Good Times Ahead, Dombresky, and the list goes on and on. Too many great artists to list them all.
What can one expect at a 4B & Friends show if they’ve never been before?
Amazing sets from beginning to end. Pure energy all night long.
What do you see for the future of 4B & Friends?
Definitely 4B & Friends in more cities!
