Late last night, Mickman treated his fans to a brand-new surprise album called You Have To Start Somewhere, which features ten unique tracks.
Cameron Ingraham is better known to niche bass music fans as the elusive and talented halftime producer Mickman. A true artist who thrives in solitude, he typically spends more time working on the farm in rural Illinois than performing, making his rare appearances extra special when he takes the stage.
As an audio technician who has worked alongside Funktion-One, it’s easy to understand why Mickman has a uniquely keen ear and magic touch regarding sound system music. From lush textures of ambient music to head-bopping dubstep and halftime, he’s crafted a signature sound that is always recognizable in every tune, no matter the style. Another aspect of his project that isn’t typical is that he doesn’t do much promotion when it comes to his music or shows, and you’ll be unable to find his tunes on major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
That hasn’t stopped Mickman from developing a dedicated fanbase, and last night, he dropped a brand-new ten-track album, You Have To Start Somewhere, via Bandcamp by surprise. Two stunning downtempo tracks kick off the album with a warm and nostalgic feel, “Lost & Loved” and “Supposed To Be.” Fans will surely recognize the opening tune from Mickman’s most recent mini mix on SoundCloud.
From there, everything starts to pick up to a bright, head-nodding pace in the third track, “One Way Out,” before taking off full speed into an easy favorite, “You’re Gonna Make It.” Fitting with its title, this cinematic tune is one of the most vibrant and uplifting on You Have To Start Somewhere. It’s been a crowd favorite at Mickman sets, and it’s easy to see why, as the beat makes it impossible to sit still.
“Almost There” marches on through Mickman’s otherworldly realm with another infectious head-nod groove, filled with crispy sonic detail and nuance. A surprise switch-up is in store on the next track, “Feathered In Rough.” Lush, dreamy xylophone notes introduce the tune to put on an ambient facade before delving into unexpected experimental wobbles in the second half.
It wouldn’t be a proper Mickman release without a little drum and bass, and he throws some high-energy drum and bass into the mix with “Comms.” The beat then slows to some satisfying jungle sounds in one of the most unique tunes on the album, “Stated.” This gem is a must-listen that captures elements of jungle, halftime, and dubstep in one.
Things keep getting weirder as You Have To Start Somewhere comes to a close. More high-energy experimental womps are found on “Ready Up” before Mickman closes the masterpiece with a huge bang on “Bound.” This super-charged dubstep bop is sure to be met with whoops and hollers on every dancefloor it hits.
You Have To Start Somewhere is available now on Bandcamp, so be sure to head there to support Mickman and hear this wonderful collection for yourself.
Purchase/Stream Mickman – You Have To Start Somewhere on Bandcamp:
Mickman – You Have To Start Somewhere – Tracklist:
- Lost & Loved
- Supposed To Be
- One Way Out
- You’re Gonna Make It
- Almost There
- Feathered In Rough
- Comms
- Stated
- Ready Up
- Bound
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