Kiwi-born DJ and producer 33 Below is set to captivate audiences with the release of his highly anticipated ‘PUSHER’ EP as he explores rich textures, intricate melodies and innovative production techniques. Guiding listeners through a mesmerising sonic journey over six tracks all of which showcase 33 Below’s ability to push limits and transcend expectations of genre. He has gone from strength to strength in 2023, from being selected as the support act for Fred Again.. at his only show in New Zealand, to gracing the stage alongside RL Grime for an 18 date tour across the US.
33 Below discusses his inspiration behind the EP, “With ‘PUSHER,’ I tried to make a collection of sounds taking in influences from the different countries the tracks were created in. I have been working on the project for the most part of 2023, and was lucky enough to work with some dream collaborators in LA, London, and back home in New Zealand. The whole project is inspired by travelling and I wanted to do something to push myself from not only a song-writing standpoint, but my production as well – and not be limited by specific genres.”
‘PUSHER’ encapsulates many elements that make up the signature 33 Below sound, whilst simultaneously exploring new and adventurous soundscapes. 33 Below‘s production style is remarkably seamless and distinctive, as it intricately weaves vocals in and out of instrumental elements while skillfully altering the pitch of vocals to establish and sustain a cohesive and recognizable theme throughout the EP. Opening the EP is previously released single ‘PROTECTA’ which earnt a triple j addition and support from George FM, KISS FM UK and more. The second track ‘LIVE IT UP’ has 33 Below showing off his craftiness with sound design, as a dynamic bassline evolves nicely on the drop. The EP then proceeds with his latest single ‘LOYAL’, a collaboration featuring UK based singer-songwriter and producer DRIIA, whose graceful vocals provide a striking contrast to the subsequent hard-hitting drop.
Picking up the pace is ‘JUMPER’ with glitch-laden synths and metallic percussion as the driving force. Another previously released single ‘HOLD TIGHT’ features GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Chrystel, who earned songwriting credits on Dreamville’s Hip-Hop compilation ‘Revenge of the Dreamers’. The last track of the EP ‘BLINDED’ explores elements of house, changing it up with a four-to-the-floor beat which is bound to have listeners captivated until the final seconds of the EP.
Growing up in small-town New Zealand, electronic producer Jack Laven, known as 33 Below, started playing around with music software as a means of self-expression. Fast forward a couple of years and 33 Belowis quickly becoming a familiar name in the vocabulary of electronic music fans around the world. From Drum and Bass to House to emotional UK Garage, he has been pushing the envelope and developing his sound, which has most recently been presented in the form of his debut EP ‘Motions’. His first release of 2023 was his UK Garage remix of Odd Mob’s club hit ‘LEFT TO RIGHT’, catching the attention of Disclosure, What So Not, DJ EZ, and AC Slater. This was quickly followed by official remixes of venbee and Rudimental’s ‘die young’ and SILK’s breakout single ‘Quiver’.
33 Below has not only graced the stage as a supporting act for Fred Again.., but has also sold out headline shows in New Zealand and London, expanding his audience through distinctive live performances. He is currently supporting RL Grime on an 18-date tour around the US, before heading home to New Zealand for a summer festival run, including a performance at Hidden Valley Festival. The star was recently signed to Naarm-based booking agency Four Tone Artists, alongside esteemed Australian acts Death By Denim, DICE, The Delta Riggs, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, The Vanns and Urthboy. The ‘PUSHER’ EP showcases Jack’s artistic evolution as he continues to collaborate with his dream partners around the globe, marking only the beginning of his creative journey.
‘PUSHER’ EP by 33 Below is out on the 8th December 2023 via October Records.