Exclusive Interview: SUBSHIFT on His Explosive Rise and….

SUBSHIFT is redefining tech house in his own way—infusing relentless energy with a gritty edge that leaves a lasting mark on every dancefloor he touches. From releases on influential labels like Insomniac Records and Confession to playing at iconic venues like Ushuaia Ibiza and Ministry of Sound, he’s making waves that are impossible to ignore. His recent performances, including headline shows in Italy and an explosive debut at Tomorrowland Belgium, reflect his unstoppable rise, with over 10 million Spotify streams proving that fans are all in.

“Disco Demon,” the latest collaboration between SUBSHIFT and Basura Boyz, delivers a dark, high-energy vibe. The track pulses with heavy basslines that create an eerie but magnetic feel. The memorable vocal hook, The track’s energy comes from SUBSHIFT’s relentless bassline mixed with Basura Boyz’s gritty acid tones and raw vocal elements – a combination clearly hard to beat.

Both artists bring their unique flair, but their chemistry feels completely natural. SUBSHIFT, known for his punchy tech house style, teamed up with Nick from Basura Boyz during Miami Music Week, where they first shared “Disco Demon” in a lively studio session. This spontaneous partnership sparked a creative flow, resulting in a raw, club-ready anthem that hints at even more projects down the line.

To dive deeper into SUBSHIFT’s creative process, his inspirations, and what lies ahead, don’t miss our exclusive interview—it’s a conversation that reveals so much more about the artist behind the music.

Exclusive Interview

EDMJ: “Disco Demon” feels dark and gritty but still totally hits with energy. What vibe were you going for when you first laid down that heavy bassline?

SS: I really wanted something for those after hours spots and sets, but whilst also keeping that mainstage feel too. These 16th note acid basses are perfect for that, and I knew exactly what I wanted as I released tracks with a similar vibe in the past such as ‘Is It Me’ and my remix for Malaa’s ‘How It Is’.

EDMJ: You and Nick wrapped up the track in about a week—does working that fast light a fire under your creativity, or do you think it added pressure to nail it quickly?

SS: The whole process was so smooth with Nick! I initially paid the idea down with the full arrangement, it was a drum groove and bass at that point. Nick is an absolute wizard and within a few days he sent back what is now the final version with those crazy donk sounds and that great vocal hook.

EDMJ: The chemistry with Basura Boyz is undeniable. What was it like to work with Nick in the studio, and how did his vocal style push the track in a new direction?

SS: The whole track was made online just sending stems back and forth, but whilst in the US for Miami Music Week earlier this year, I managed to meet Nick in person for the first time at a studio session and he’s so quick getting ideas down. I think his vocal fits perfectly in the track, and due to the track being quite simple it drives the record nicely.

EDMJ: The line, “I met her at the after’s / She’s my disco demon,” is just stuck in my head. What’s the story behind that hook, and how did you know it was the perfect fit?

SS: I honestly have no idea myself, Nick seems to have a habit of writing extremely catchy hooks! I knew it was the perfect fit as soon as I heard it, but just before release day we had a girl on Instagram tag us with a screenshot of her bio saying ‘Disco Demon’ and we knew we were onto a winner.

EDMJ: How important is it for you to have a signature moment in each track that grabs people right away, and how do you craft that?

SS: I think it is super important, especially how things are going with short-form content and TikTok, everyone’s attention span seems to be getting smaller by the day. That’s why for the Spotify version of the track we go straight into the pre-drop vocal and then the drop. It’s the first time I have done this but I think it works well!

EDMJ: How does releasing “Disco Demon” on Strangelove reflect where you’re at right now as an artist? Do you see this as a turning point in your sound?

SS: I have been loving the label and the releases they have been dropping this year, and the label manager Mike has been super supportive with our projects too, so we are really grateful. I think it’s one more step in the direction of me moving away from that Bass House sound I was maybe known for a couple of years ago and more so me trying to cement myself in the tech house scene, especially in the US!