Atlanta based DJ, producer, and label boss Michael Rathbun, aka DJ Distal, is making serious waves on the international bass scene right now. Embassy Recordings, the label he runs with fellow ATLien Mite, just released EMB005, featuring two tracks from the one like Moldy, and Distal’s own tunes have been featured on Soul Jazz’s recent 'Future Bass' compilation, Sinden's Grizzly label, and Chicago juke stalwart Ghettophiles. Distal’s love for varied tempos is evident in both his production work, and in his sprawling, open-genre approach to dj’ing. The mix he delivered to us starts out in deep dubstep territory, slides towards trippy paranoia before dropping into the original mix of Josh Wink’s seminal ‘Higher States of Consciousness’, then seamlessly launches into a no-holds barred juke workout, with cuts from DJ Rashad, Big Hud, and Machinedrum.

He is also a founding member of the Atlanta Dubstep crew. The group is structured as a non-profit, with all revenues dedicated to expanding dubstep in Atlanta and the southeast; the guys are custom building one of the best sound systems in the country with the shared profits from their events. 2010 saw N Type, Headhunter, Untold, Appleblim and others grace the decks at ATL Dubstep events.

This Friday, Distal joins MattShadetek and Dub War’s Dave Q at the first installment of Twisup, Dave’s first post-Dub War event. The night will focus on a wide-open approach to bass music, from dubstep to garage and everything in between. Check the event at Brooklyn’s Deity Underground; legends will be born.

Distal & HxdB - Untitled
Misk - Olos
Moldy - Hymn of the Plants
Distal - Amphibian
Big Sean - Bullshitin' (Tony Senghorne Remix )
Sam Tiba - Barbie Weed
Josh Wink - Higher State of Consciousness
Distal - Angry Acid
David Lynch - Good Day Today (Boyz Noize Remix)
Clicks & Whistles - Cranberry Goose
Distal & Dj Rashad - Stuck Up Money
Distal - Behold the Jungle Bootleg
Stagga - Gennik Riddim (Distal Remix)
Dj Rashad - Somethin
Machinedrum - The Statue
Distal - Got The Block Hot (Dj Hilti Remix)
Dj Earl - More Than Special
Big Hud - What's Wrong Wit Em (LDFD Remix)
Dj Wheez-ie - All Werked Up