Ekali

As seasoned connoisseurs of the electronic dance music (EDM) world, we’ve seen many artists come and go, but few have made waves as big as Ekali. Ekali has taken the EDM scene by storm with his genre-blending tracks and emotionally charged performances. 

Known for his ability to seamlessly merge future bass, trap, and ambient elements, Ekali has crafted a unique sound that resonates with fans across the globe. With a knack for creating lush, atmospheric soundscapes and bone-rattling drops, he’s captured the hearts of both festival-goers and late-night drive enthusiasts. 

Early Life & Background

Ekali, born Nathan Shaw, hails from the vibrant city of Vancouver, Canada. Growing up, Nathan was a bit of a musical prodigy, showing an early interest in all things melodic. He didn’t just stick to one instrument—he dabbled in everything from the violin to the guitar, and even some piano for good measure. 

This eclectic musical upbringing laid the foundation for his future as an EDM maestro. As a teenager, Nathan was involved in various bands, but it wasn’t until he discovered electronic music production that he found his true calling.

Raised amid the stunning landscapes of Vancouver, Nathan’s early life was a symphony of musical exploration. Whether it was the soothing strings of a violin or the strumming of a guitar, he was always in search of new sounds. His parents probably wondered if there was any instrument their son wouldn’t try. Spoiler: there wasn’t.

In high school, Nathan’s love for music saw him joining various bands, but it was the discovery of electronic music that truly lit the fuse. The idea of crafting entire worlds of sound from his computer fascinated him. 

And thus, the journey of Ekali began—a journey marked by relentless creativity and the pursuit of the perfect beat. So, if you’ve ever found yourself lost in one of his lush, atmospheric tracks, you have a curious kid from Vancouver and his love for all things melodic to thank.

Breakthrough in the EDM Scene

Ekali’s big break in the EDM scene came when he caught the attention of none other than Skrillex with his remix of Denzel Curry’s “Threatz” in 2014. This remix wasn’t just a track; it was a statement. The bass-heavy, intricately produced remix showcased Ekali’s unique sound and landed him a spot on the prestigious OWSLA label. 

From there, he didn’t just climb the ladder—he rocketed up it. His remixes for artists like Flume and his original productions quickly amassed millions of streams, establishing him as a rising star in the electronic music world.

The “Threatz” remix was Ekali’s mic drop moment, a bold declaration that he was here to shake things up. Skrillex’s endorsement was like handing him a golden ticket to the big leagues. 

Suddenly, everyone wanted a piece of Ekali’s signature sound—a fusion of emotive melodies and bone-rattling bass that could make any festival crowd lose their minds.

From remixing Flume’s tracks to releasing his own bangers, Ekali’s rise was meteoric. Each release seemed to gather more momentum than the last, racking up streams faster than you can say “drop the bass.” 

His knack for blending emotional depth with high-energy beats quickly set him apart from the crowd, turning him into a must-see act on the festival circuit. So next time you’re vibing to one of his tracks, remember: it all started with a killer remix that caught Skrillex’s ear and launched Ekali into EDM stardom.

Signature Sound & Production Techniques

Ekali’s signature sound is a lush blend of emotive melodies, intricate soundscapes, and bass-heavy drops. Imagine if a symphony orchestra had a baby with a dubstep DJ—that’s Ekali for you. His tracks are known for their deep, atmospheric vibes that pull you in and keep you hooked.

What Type of EDM is Ekali?

Trying to categorize Ekali’s music under one EDM sub-genre is like trying to put a wild stallion in a stable. His ability to blend future bass, trap, and even some ambient elements makes his sound unique and versatile.

One minute you’re floating on a cloud of ethereal melodies, the next you’re dropping into a bass-filled abyss. This genre-fluid approach allows Ekali to appeal to a wide audience, from festival-goers to those who just need a soundtrack for a late-night drive.

Ekali’s music is the ultimate chameleon, effortlessly shifting between genres and moods. It’s like he’s got a musical toolkit that can build anything from serene, atmospheric landscapes to thunderous, ground-shaking drops. 

Imagine dancing under the stars at a festival, feeling every beat resonate through your body, and then later winding down with the same artist’s soothing, melodic tunes during a calm drive home. That’s the magic of Ekali.

His tracks offer something for everyone. Festival-goers love the explosive energy and massive drops that define his live sets, while late-night chillers appreciate the deeper, more introspective side of his music. 

This versatility not only sets Ekali apart but also ensures he remains a favorite across diverse listener groups. So whether you’re looking to get lost in the music on a crowded dance floor or unwind with some ethereal vibes, Ekali’s got you covered.

Similar Artists to Ekali

If you’re a fan of Ekali, you’ll likely enjoy the works of other genre-blending artists in the EDM scene. Here are a few who share a similar vibe and energy:

1. Flume: Known for his innovative production and unique soundscapes, Flume’s music shares Ekali’s emotive and experimental edge. His tracks are a journey through lush, atmospheric layers and unexpected drops that keep listeners on their toes.

2. RL Grime: Another heavyweight in the trap and future bass scenes, RL Grime’s music resonates with the same powerful drops and atmospheric elements. His ability to blend dark, moody beats with intense, high-energy moments makes him a perfect match for Ekali fans.

3. Illenium: With his melodic bass tracks and emotional hooks, Illenium’s music is a perfect match for fans of Ekali’s heartfelt productions. His tracks often explore deep, emotive themes while delivering bass-heavy beats that are impossible to resist.

4. San Holo: Known for his blend of future bass and electronic beats, San Holo’s tracks offer a similar mix of melodic and bass-heavy sounds. His music often features uplifting melodies and powerful drops that create an emotional and euphoric experience.

5. Medasin: His smooth, genre-blending tracks are perfect for fans of Ekali’s innovative approach to EDM. Medasin’s ability to seamlessly blend different styles and sounds results in tracks that are both relaxing and invigorating, making him a great addition to any Ekali fan’s playlist.

Discography

Ekali’s discography is a testament to his versatility and innovative approach to music production. Here are some of his most notable releases:

Singles:

• “Unfaith” (2015): The track that introduced many to Ekali’s unique blend of emotive melodies and bass-heavy drops, setting the stage for his rise in the EDM scene.

• “Babylon” (feat. Denzel Curry) (2017): A powerhouse collaboration that combines Ekali’s atmospheric production with Denzel Curry’s intense vocal delivery, making it a standout anthem.

• “Forever” (with Medasin feat. Elohim) (2018): This track showcases Ekali’s ability to create lush soundscapes, blending seamlessly with Medasin’s smooth production and Elohim’s haunting vocals.

• “Leaving” (2019): A track that perfectly captures Ekali’s talent for crafting emotionally charged music, featuring ethereal melodies and deeply resonant basslines.

• “Runaway” (feat. Reo Cragun) (2020): An emotive track that pairs Ekali’s signature production with Reo Cragun’s compelling vocals, creating a song that’s both introspective and anthemic.

Collaborations:

• “Truth” (with Louis the Child): A collaboration that merges Ekali’s atmospheric style with Louis the Child’s upbeat, melodic vibes, resulting in a track that’s both energetic and introspective.

• “Blame” (with ZHU): This dark, moody track combines Ekali’s intricate production with ZHU’s sultry vocals, creating a deep, immersive listening experience.

• “Ruin” (with 1788-L): A heavy-hitting collaboration that pushes the boundaries of bass music, blending Ekali’s emotive elements with 1788-L’s futuristic production.

• “Be Fine” (with Wafia): A beautifully crafted track that pairs Ekali’s lush production with Wafia’s soothing vocals, creating a song that’s both uplifting and emotionally resonant.

• “Hard to Say Goodbye” (with Illenium feat. Chloe Angelides): An emotional powerhouse of a track that combines Ekali’s and Illenium’s melodic strengths, topped with Chloe Angelides’ poignant vocals.

EPs:

• Crystal Eyes (2018): This EP is a journey through Ekali’s diverse sonic landscape, featuring tracks that range from bass-heavy bangers to ethereal, melodic tunes, showcasing his multifaceted talent.

• Throwback Thursdays (2019): A collection of tracks that highlight Ekali’s evolution as an artist, blending past influences with his current sound to create something truly unique.

• A World Away (2020): An EP that pushes the boundaries of electronic music, blending ambient elements with powerful drops and intricate production, cementing Ekali’s status as an innovative force in the EDM scene.

Tours & Live Performances

Ekali is known for his mesmerizing live performances, which have taken him to some of the biggest stages around the globe. He’s played at major festivals like Coachella, EDC Las Vegas, and Lollapalooza, where his sets are an electrifying blend of his original tracks, remixes, and unreleased gems. 

His ability to connect with the audience and take them on a musical journey is unmatched. Whether he’s playing to a massive festival crowd or a more intimate club setting, Ekali’s shows are a dynamic mix of energy, emotion, and straight-up bangers.

Imagine the sun setting at Coachella as Ekali takes the stage, the crowd buzzing with anticipation. The first notes hit, and suddenly you’re swept away on a wave of lush melodies and bone-rattling drops. His seamless transitions and impeccable track selection keep the energy soaring from start to finish, making every moment a highlight.

At EDC Las Vegas, Ekali’s set is a sensory overload in the best possible way. The lights, the visuals, the music—it all comes together to create an unforgettable experience. 

Each track builds on the last, blending his signature emotive melodies with powerful bass drops that get the whole crowd moving. It’s not just a set; it’s a journey through Ekali’s world of sound.

Lollapalooza attendees can attest to the magic of an Ekali performance. His ability to read the crowd and deliver exactly what they need at any given moment is a testament to his skill as a live performer. 

Whether it’s an intimate club gig or a massive festival stage, Ekali’s shows are a rollercoaster of emotions and energy, leaving fans exhilarated and craving more.

Personal Life & Off-stage Persona

Off-stage, Nathan Shaw is as down-to-earth as they come. He frequently interacts with fans on social media, sharing snippets of his personal life, his creative process, and even his adorable dog, Luna. Despite his busy schedule, Nathan values time with family and friends, often expressing gratitude for their support throughout his career. 

Whether he’s posting pictures of Luna’s latest antics or sharing insights into his studio sessions, Nathan’s social media presence is genuine and engaging. Nathan isn’t just a musical genius; he’s also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness. 

He uses his platform to speak openly about his own struggles, encouraging others to seek help when needed. His honesty and vulnerability resonate with fans, making him not just a favorite artist, but also an inspiring figure. 

By discussing his own experiences, Nathan aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues and provide support to those who need it.

Follow Ekali

To stay updated with Ekali’s latest releases, tours, and personal updates, follow him on his official social media accounts:

• Instagram: @ekalimusic

• Twitter: @EkaliMusic

• Facebook: Ekali

• YouTube: Ekali