PhaseOne Discusses New Single “PULSE” and Upcoming Album ‘TERRANOVA’

“PULSE,” the latest single from Australian bass-metal innovator PhaseOne, is a collaboration with Banks Arcade and is the second single from PhaseOne’s upcoming album, TERRANOVA.

Talking about the album, PhaseOne says, “Lyrically, the theme of renewal is woven throughout the album. A standout example is the opening track, where the monologue, narrated by my wife, features Mother Nature reflecting on humanity’s destruction of the Earth, but affirming that even after we’re gone, she will always find a way to regenerate.”

“PULSE” merges heavy layers of electronic music with harsh, screamed vocals over a menacing soundscape filled with crushing riffs and mechanical beats. The track’s fusion of industrial rock intensity and metal-fueled aggression finds PhaseOne entering new sonic territory – electronic production blended with live instruments.

V13 Media caught up with PhaseOne to discuss the evolution of his sound and the leitmotif of his forthcoming album, TERRANOVA.

Congratulations on the new single “Pulse” with Banks Arcade. You’re considered a pioneer in this unique fusion of bass and metal. What made you decide to pursue this type of sound/style?

PhaseOne: “Throughout my teens, I played guitar in metal bands and engineered/produced for my band and friends’ bands. In 2010, I discovered dubstep and became curious about the production and sound design, so I started PhaseOne and quit my band to experiment with this new genre. By 2013, I began missing metal, which led me to think, ‘Why not combine the two?’ And so began a decade-long journey of tastefully blending the two genres.”

Tell us more about the upcoming album TERRANOVA. A lot of producers love to describe their work as their “most honest work to date.” Would you say that applies to this album? 

“That’s a pretty accurate way to describe how I feel about this album. It feels like 15 years of work, even though it only took a year to create. It’s as if everything on my journey has led to this LP – a quintessential PhaseOne sound, with everything you’d expect, yet something for everyone.”

We love the thematic aspect of the album, with “Pulse” artwork illustrating the damage we’re causing to the planet. What’s next? Rebirth? Evolution?

“The album (and its singles) carries a strong environmental theme. Single #1, ‘SOS,’ represents genesis – the planet as it was intended to be. This leads into single #2, ‘PULSE,’ which depicts the destruction mankind is wreaking on Earth. What comes next is the aftermath of humanity’s devastation of the planet. Will Mother Nature suffer or prevail?”

From Australia to the world, how does it feel to see your music streamed by fans all over? Has to be a bit surreal. 

“It’s been quite the journey! I started my career touring all over the Australasian markets. In 2016, after gaining worldwide recognition from my releases, I got my first US working visa and moved to fully pursue my career. It still feels surreal, despite doing this for so long, but I’m grateful to still be here and relevant after all these years.”

Beyond the obvious, what would you say differentiates you and your music from other similar producers? 

“I believe it’s my production quality and songwriting that set me apart. A lot of EDM and dubstep can be simple and predictable, which is fine, but for me to enjoy something, it needs constant changes or a strong vocal hook. On this album, most songs feature vocalists, and I focused on the songwriting aspect with full verses, choruses, guitar solos, and, of course, drops. I wanted to bring structure back to dubstep, as I feel much of it today lacks that.”

PhaseOne “PULSE” single artwork

Since you began your career, how have you changed as an artist?

“That’s a tough question, but musically, I feel I’ve only just mastered my niche in the past couple of years. While others might disagree, for me, this LP and my last ‘UNFD’ EP best capture the sound that resonates with me and defines my music.”

Where/how do you seek inspiration? Do you draw inspiration from poems, music, or other media?

“Mostly metalcore as a whole, but also the Syzy album was a big inspiration for this record. You might not hear it audibly, but it sparked my drive and passion to finish this album. The whole LP flows seamlessly, with transitions that make it feel like one long song. I’d recommend listening from start to finish. This approach was inspired by the older music I grew up with, but more than anything, it was just a fun, creative choice that only die-hard fans or musicians will likely notice and appreciate.”

Name some artists/music that you think deserves some extra shine (any genre). 

“Syzy, Jiqui, Hydraulix, High Zombie, Sisto, DVEIGHT, Ivory.”