WiddFam and Defy Culture Recognized with DUPLOC Awards

In December 2021, our community members and industry peers – WiddFam and Defy Culture – were recognized for their DUPLOC nominations. The DUPLOC record label annually recognizes a cohort of standout releases, artists, and collectives to celebrate the past year in dubstep and 140bpm culture. Read onward for insights into WiddFam and Defy Culture’s aspirations for 2022.

WiddFam

Our friends at WiddFam were nominated for ‘Best VA compilation release 2021’ with their enchanting collection: ‘Fresh Blood Vol. 1.’ The breakthrough album features TJ Hannon aka SerpentEyes, a member of the Background Noise (BGN) roster and a curator with the WiddFam label, rides the wave of this milestone into the 2022 year.

“I think 2022 is going to be an extremely strong year for us,” says SerpentEyes. “We have streams and takeovers planned for forthcoming #Tunesdays, featuring VEIL, Oxossi, Caidance, fabdot, Onhell, and more.”

SerpentEyes is particularly stoked for the abundance of livestreams and label takeovers queued up for 2022. Such bold plans align with his broader vision for the WiddFam experience. He hopes to be part of expanding the label into an artistic movement that inspires the next generation of sound designers and electronic producers.

“I foresee WiddFam growing into something that could truly make a mark on the world,” says SerpentEyes. “Using the power of unity, I think we can manifest positivity for future generations – we can uplift and empower artists.”

“My main goal for next year is to curate more live events under the WiddFam banner, and I hope to accomplish that with my other fam at BGN, Undergrowth, EMP, Sub.FM and more.”

For now, he remains focused on ensuring 2022 keeps looking bright for our WiddFam companions. Co-led by the likes of LitaLotus, Sutehx, ZiEK, and The Widdler, this label has released with more than 100 artists, curated a Sunday Swerve takeover, and hosts a weekly mixing workshop.

“I'm so excited that DUPLOC nominated our Fresh Blood album, and looking back on last year, it's insane how much music we put out on top of our expansion into shows and streaming,” says SerpentEyes, who joined BGN in June 2021. “I feel as if I've been watching the caterpillar that is our dubstep community blossom into a wonderful butterfly; it's been amazing to see all my friends grow as producers and as people.”

Defy Culture

In communal spirit, we’re equally proud of our peers at Defy Culture for receiving a nomination under the same category with their album ‘Hieroglyphics Vol. 2.’ The compilation features a tune from BGN artist Die By The Sword, as well as heaters from three BGN alumni in Teffa, Chief Kaya, and DALEK ONE. Harry Whittington aka King Shotta, a renowned producer, curator, and MC with Defy Culture, is leveraging his collective’s achievements in 2021 as creative fuel for 2022.

“I plan to focus on releasing more content. Be on the lookout for more EPs, mixes, and shows from Defy Culture,” says King Shotta.

In addition to playing Ronin Sound shows for their local scene, Defy Culture is building a Danley Sound Labs rig system. They intend to increase their show bookings and curate a range of indoor and outdoor events. King Shotta reflects on the collective’s two Denver Black Box takeovers as promising steps forward for the Defy Culture movement.

“Pushing the sounds of influential artists has been surreal as we continue to help build the vision of the underground bass music scene,” says King Shotta. “Both visits to the Black Box in Denver were definitely milestones for us.”

As Defy Culture plans for the rest of this year, bringing self- and community-expression into the fold will be at the forefront of all they do.

“The core base of 'DEFY' is to make something from nothing,” says King Shotta. “To define what you want to see – and create it.”

This article was originally published through Background Noise.