JACKNIFE unveils cutting-edge 6-track bass EP, "BLADE ROOM" + Exclusive Interview

BLADE ROOM EP out now via Bladed Black Records

Australian bass producer JACKNIFE makes waves with his hypnotic new EP, BLADE ROOM. The 6-track collection consists of three brand new tracks intertwined with his most recent singles, “NEED2KNOW,” “MOVE,” and “4U.” The project arrives on the heels of his Space Yacht debut at Sound Nightclub last month, where he showcased his “THE BLADE ROOM” concept. The show was part of the first phase of JACKNIFE’s inaugural U.S. tour, which saw him bring the multi-genre concept nationwide. In BLADE ROOM EP, his adept artistry shines through in each dynamic track, culminating in an irresistible body of work. BLADE ROOM EP is out now via Bladed Black Records.

Stream JACKNIFE – BLADE ROOM EP

From the opening notes of the EP, JACKNIFE captivates with “MOVE.” Its dynamic bassline and electrifying synths craft an infectious dance atmosphere. The following track, “4U,” blends laser-like auditory elements with a compelling beat for an energetic feel. The EP’s third track, “GOODBYE,” changes the pace with a slower tempo and a mood of passionate yearning underscored by a symphonic harmony. Continuing with the new, previously unreleased tracks, JACKNIFE impresses with “HIVE MIND,” which sees him delve deeper into a bass-rich sound, producing heavy basslines and dynamic rhythms. “TAKE ME,” another bass-heavy track, follows with resonating kicks and deep bass tones. “NEED2KNOW” concludes the project, maintaining house kicks and skillfully integrating bass within its rhythmic drops.

“For the BLADE ROOM EP I wanted to combine elements from my older sounds with a newer approach of variety. Tracks like ‘NEED2KNOW,’ ‘MOVE,’ and ‘4U,’ I wanted to have the house groove but with a more energetic approach to give the body of work more variety. The other tracks ‘HIVE MIND,’ ‘TAKE ME,’ and ‘GOODBYE,’ represent a new path and vision for the BLADE ROOM project doused with half-time/trap and energetic switch-ups. I also wanted to play around with nostalgic vocals, melodies, and hard-hitting drums.” – JACKNIFE

His debut U.S. tour has proven to be a massive success, boasting several stops across the country and seeing him snag a direct supporting slot for SVDDEN DEATH’s sold-out show at Academy LA. The innovative producer is now gearing up to take his new project and enthralling live show to various additional locations across the country as part of the second phase of his BLADE ROOM Tour commencing on September 15th.

Capturing the essence of both his timeless sounds and fresh creative visions, JACKNIFE’s BLADE ROOM EP showcases an exhilarating blend of house grooves and innovative basslines. With a seamless fusion of older elements and new, energetic switch-ups, the EP stands as a testament to JACKNIFE’s evolving artistry. As he prepares to bring this electrifying compilation to stages nationwide in the next phase of BLADE ROOM Tour, fans and new listeners alike can anticipate an immersive musical experience that cements JACKNIFE’s position at the forefront of the new wave of artists commanding the bass scene.

About JACKNIFE
JACKNIFE, 28 years young from the sunshine coast in Australia. Currently living in Los Angeles, JACKNIFE is a cutting-edge electronic bass music producer & DJ. JACK has a sharp precise performance and release history with tracks like “REVOLT” with Malaa, which dropped on DJ Snake’s label, Premiere Classe, and “JERICHO” with The Bloody Beetroots. His productions have earned support from revered artists such as Skrillex, Alan Walker, Zeds Dead, Steve Aoki, Test, DJ Snake, Dr. Fresch, & BIJOU, just to name a few.

His most recent release, “4U,” is the lead single from his new 6-track EP, BLADE ROOM, which dropped right after he wrapped up the first phase of his debut USA tour. Having garnered multiple sold-out shows and providing direct support for SVDDEN DEATH, JACKNIFE will kick off phase 2 of his USA tour on September 15th, followed by more singles and EPs on the horizon.

Man, thanks for doing this. Let’s start with the name… Where did JACKNIFE come from? And why in all capital letters?
Ricky, my pleasure. Honestly, I dabbled over the years with all sorts of names, and one day my father said, “Why don’t you call yourself ‘JACKNIFE’ and ever since that day I’ve stuck with it. Capital letters look more aggressive, dominant, and more of a stand out than the lower case.

Speaking of capital letters, your new EP and every song on the EP are in all caps! Tell me more about BLADE ROOM EP.
I wanted to create a diverse EP with a mixture of genres that would catch people by surprise, blending my new sound with the old.

There are 6 songs on the new EP. Why only 6 and is it possible to pick a favorite?
I feel six tracks is the perfect amount to express an EP. We originally had seven but the seventh I am keeping for another project. My favorite track is definitely “MOVE.” Big build-ups, energetic drops, and catchy vocals.

BLADE ROOM is out now via Bladed Black Records. Tell me more about that label and your experience working with them.
Bladed Black is a label run by myself and my team at Pinnacle Collective. We have been pushing music there for the last few years.

By the way, I am listening to BLADE ROOM right now. SO good! What is your songwriting process like? Do you sit down with a yellow pad or do lyrics and sounds just come to you in your sleep?
Honestly, it’s how I’m feeling on the day and the samples and sounds I want to use. I normally get inspired by other music which helps the process a bunch. Just from years of producing, there are always ideas floating around in my head.

Any plans for a tour this fall/winter? And what can fans expect from seeing you live? I can’t wait to see you perform!
I am heading back to the USA September 15th to kick off the second leg of the tour starting with Tallahassee, FL then working my way to Seattle, Arizona, Vegas, Chico, and more on the cards.

You are originally from the sunshine coast in Australia. Do you get back home much?
Yes, I originally lived in Australia, currently I’ve been living in LA for the last few months and I’ll just be coming back and forth to the USA over the next few years for shows and festivals.

There are a lot of great clubs in Los Angeles. Where is your favorite place to see a show in the City of Angels?
Space Yacht, Academy LA, and Exchange LA have been dope!

You’ve seen support from names like Skrillex, Zeds Dead, and Steve Aoki. That is great, man. What does it mean to have some of the biggest and best spinning your music?
Honestly, sometimes it’s a trip out! Overall super grateful to have the body of support that I do.

I like “NEED2KNOW” but “MOVE” might be my favorite single on the EP. Not really a question. Just letting you know!
I back this, thank you.

You’re young, but you’ve released a lot of music. How has your sound changed over the years and how do you see it evolving now that you’ve released BLADE ROOM?
I’ve made a lot of different stuff over the years experimenting with all sorts of genres.

I feel as though all producers go through this as they evolve, chop change until they find a genre they like and works. It’s all about finding that sound, it’s a never-ending cycle.

This EP is fresh off the heels of your Space Yacht debut at Sound Nightclub. Tell me more about that and your experience working with Space Yacht.
Shout out to the Space Yacht fam, I’ve been watching their events for years as I have worked my way up through the industry and to finally play my own headline there was a massive goal.

We also have the whole set recorded that we will release soon.

Your single “Revolt” has over 12 million Spotify streams. That is incredible. What does that kind of support mean to you as a DJ? And what was your experience working with Malaa on that release?
Extremely grateful to have the opportunity to work with people like Malaa and DJ Snake as it came out via his label. The support on the track has been absolutely insane, the numbers are crazy and I couldn’t be more happy!

I’m partial to Bose, but I’m not a DJ! What headphones are around your neck?
So for DJing, I use the Sennheiser HD 25s and for production, I use Beyerdynamic DT 770 PROs.

How was the SVDDEN DEATH show? Academy LA is such a great venue!
Sold-out and super energetic crowds, has been one of the highlights of the tour.

When releasing a new single or working on an EP, when does the label get involved? And how much support do they give you to finish the release? Is someone at Bladed Black calling you asking for an update, or do they trust you as the artist?
I’m my own boss so I just have to push myself. (Laughs.) However, I do work with other labels and normally we have the tracks done and finished and ready to send.

We’ve talked about a lot today. But what else can you tell me? What have we missed?
It’s been great! I’m also an ex-professional surfer from age 18-21. I still try to get in the water as much as possible but not so much here in LA at the moment.

What’s next for JACKNIFE? I know you just released an EP, but I’m hoping for some new music.
I’ve got a few remixes, and a few singles and I’m also working on another EP with the first track, “Breathless” with NEOTEK featuring Bella Renee which will be released through LOWLY in October.

Thanks for doing this, man. That was fun. In all of the interviews I do I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Appreciate it, Ricky! Absolute pleasure doing the interview. I hope to catch you for future releases. You can grab any show info and new music from my Linktree.