Meet EQUAL2: The Uptempo Prodigy from America

EQUAL2 stopped by to discuss his explosive rise in the uptempo scene and spin a deadly guest mix for his Paradigm Shift debut!

EQUAL2 is an American hardcore and uptempo producer from Southern California rising through the scene’s ranks. While the genre isn’t on a mainstream level in the States, he found his footing by catering to the European scene with obnoxious kickdrums fit for hardcore festival mainstages.

He didn’t become a producer to watch overnight, though. EQUAL2 was introduced to the harder styles in 2017 when YouTube auto-played “Show Me Your Warface 2.0.” He ventured down this rabbit hole, discovering artists like Venom, Dr. Peacock, and Sefa until he stumbled upon uptempo records and immediately fell in love. “I started producing on GarageBand with my school iPad. I was interested in it when I got bored, but I had to turn it in at the end of the year,” he said. “I switched to FL studio, kept making stuff, and I never really stopped.”

In the early stages of his career, EQUAL2 posted detailed production tutorials on YouTube where he showcased his technical precision when creating music. Of course, the scene was quick to notice that a new uptempo prodigy was being molded right under their noses. Soon enough, his releases like “Krunk” were being played all over Europe, leading to epic collaborations with Partyraiser and Lil Texas.

Today, EQUAL2 is signed to the newly-created True Identity record label and booking agency as he champions the uptempo sound. With this great team behind him, he has many plans for his project, beginning with his first international gigs. Tickets sold out quickly for his debut at the iconic Bootshaus in Germany on April 5 for The Golden Myth by Inurfase. For those who missed out, he has a second booking for IXTREM by Inurfase on April 20. He told us he’s been working on new tracks for both sets.

While focusing on expanding his sound in Europe, he never forgets his roots in American Hard Dance. He’s aware that uptempo isn’t as popular in the States as overseas, but he’s ecstatic at the resurgence it’s experiencing after getting lost in American dance history.

Uptempo is starting to be heard by more Americans than ever. I understand those who don’t enjoy it, but those people are the minority – at least at events like EDC. If people like Skrillex and Porter Robinson enjoy hardstyle, you know you’re doing something right.
EQUAL2

With everything coming for the EQUAL2 project, there’s no doubt you need to keep an ear on this young producer, as he will be dotting lineups worldwide very soon. Before he sets off into stardom, he was kind enough to grace the Paradigm Shift mix series with a blistering guest mix featuring his greatest records and favorite tunes. Warm up for EQUAL2’s international debut, or get to know a new homegrown American Hard Dance artist by tuning into his debut guest mix for Paradigm Shift!

I’m creating the future. It’s crazy to think about, but it’s why I love innovating and making crazy kicks. Even if I ever stopped producing music, I feel many artists would still feel this way and keep working more outside of the box than we ever have before! I think American Hard Dance is going to be one hell of a ride.
EQUAL2

Crank up the volume and get to know the chaotic sounds of EQUAL2 with his debut guest mix for Paradigm Shift on SoundCloud!