Artist Profile: Tape B

“Yo Tape B, show ’em how it’s done!” 

Tape B, also known as Kemal Alkanat, is a DJ/producer from South Florida who is bridging the gap between old school and new school in the realm of bass music. He skillfully blends bass music with hip-hop to create a vibrant, mind-blowing experience that is both nostalgic and refreshing at the same time. 

Tape B’s rise to prominence in the bass music scene is a testament to his dedication and relentless work ethic. He has become one of the fastest-rising artists in the bass scene, captivating listeners with his genre-bending sound and high-energy performances. 

Early Beginnings and Massive Recognition 

Kemal Alkanat, also known as Tape B, is a first-generation child born in Istanbul, Turkey. He started mixing seven years ago in his UCF (University of Central Florida) bedroom. There, he honed his creative skills and developed a unique sound that blends cutting-edge flips and classic OG dubstep hits. Tape B’s sheer determination and countless hours of perfecting his craft have paid off, catching the attention of the industry’s biggest names. 

Despite being a newcomer to the music scene, Tape B’s talent has not gone unnoticed. Prominent artists, including Zed’s Dead, Excision, Liquid Stranger, and GRiZ, have recognized his exceptional abilities. These industry heavyweights appreciate Tape B’s distinctive sound and his potential to impact the bass music landscape significantly. 

While the world was on pause, Tape B would press ‘play’ and spend the entirety of 2020 at home making and releasing music. 

Noteworthy Remixes and Festival Domination

In addition to his musical endeavors, Tape B has made a name for himself as a dynamic performer. His live sets are a spectacle filled with vibrant beats and infectious energy that captivate the audience from start to finish. Whether performing at a festival or playing an intimate show, Tape B’s stage presence is electrifying, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness his performances. 

Tape B’s remixes have become a signature aspect of this artistry. Dive into his remixes of Blue Foundation’s “Eyes on Fire,” La Roux’s “In for the Kill,” and Flux Pavillion’s remix of DJ Fresh’s “Gold Dust” to witness this genius at work. These flips masterfully blend the elements of deep and dirty bass, capturing listeners’ attention nationwide. One notable moment in Tape B’s career is having the iconic duo Zeds Dead play his unreleased (at the time) flip of their song “Collapse” at various shows and festivals throughout 2021 and 2022; this left bass heads yearning for more of his remarkable style of music. 

Labels such as Deadbeats, Subsidia, Wakaan, and Wubaholics have wholeheartedly supported Tape B, providing with him the platform to showcase his talent. He has graced the stages of renowned festivals, including Lost Lands, Electric Forest, Wakaan, and Hulaween, where his exhilarating performances garnered rave reviews and ever-growing fan base. 

Staying True to Sound and Recent Releases 

One of the critical factors behind Tape B’s success is his commitment to staying true to his unique sound. His original beats with a classic dubstep feel have resonated with fans, earning him well over five million plays on SoundCloud. Legendary flips on A$AP Rocky’s “Goldie and Mac Miller’s “Clubhouse” have solidified his reputation for transforming popular tracks into trippy, bass-driven experiences. 

You can listen to Tape B’s debut EP, “Over Saturated,” released under Zed’s Dead’s renowned label, Deadbeats. Exploring this EP will take listeners on a thrilling journey through Tape B’s diverse range of sounds and styles, showcasing his versatility as an artist. 

In August of 2023, Tape B delighted the bass community by releasing the fourth volume of his popular mixtape series, “Drip Tapes.” These hip-hop flips exhibit his ability to flawlessly blend different genres, with each track having its own distinct mix of classic hits with a Tape B touch. 

https://soundcloud.com/tape-b-official/sets/driptapes-vol-4-1?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Most recently, in January of 2024, Tape B blessed fans with the long-waited and highly anticipated “Car Tunes Vol: 3.” This latest release has further intensified his position in the bass music scene, ensuring his trajectory continues to rise. 

https://soundcloud.com/tape-b-official/tape-b-cartunes-vol-3?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Beyond his musical talent, Tape B has gained recognition for his genuine connection with his fanbase. He acknowledges the significance of forming a solid and supportive community around his music and actively engages with his fans through social media and live streams. Every interaction with his fans reflects his humility and appreciation for their support, creating a bond that goes beyond the music itself. 

During his OLD SCHOOL X NEW SCHOOL Tour of Fall 2023, Tape B included an exclusive scavenger hunt for his fans to uncover the hidden cassette tapes located near the venue each night. The fortunate fans who found the hidden tapes would be granted guest-list access that night and receive a USB filled with three random IDs he’s been cooking up. This approach was a perfect way to express appreciation to his loyal supporters. 

Future Plans 

Looking ahead, we are eager to hear more from Tape B and what he’ll bring to the scene. He is constantly pushing the boundaries of his sound, experimenting with new genres and collaborations that showcase his creativity as an artist. With each release, he brings a fresh perspective to the ever-evolving landscape of bass music, solidifying his influence in the industry. 

As Tape B continues to push the envelope and redefine the limitations of bass music, one thing is clear: he is here to stay. His innovative approach, unwavering authenticity, and undeniable talent have made him a rising star in the EDM world. With a devoted following and a steadfast ambition, Tape B is positioned to leave a lasting impact on the music industry for years to come. 

Tape B’s genre-bending, experimental approach breathes new life into the bass scene and electronic music as a whole. His ability to revive the old-school dubstep sound with a fresh flair showcases his uniqueness as an artist. With an unwavering commitment to authenticity and uplifting beats, Tape B has become a prominent figure in the ever-changing EDM landscape. 

His success story inspires aspiring musicians and artists, proving that with enough perseverance, they, too, can carve their path in the industry. 

I highly recommend exploring Tape B’s music, catching him at a show, and immersing yourself in the intoxicating world he creates. With every performance, release, and remix, Tape B is undoubtedly an artist to watch as he continues to shape the future of bass music. 

– Rachel Richter; IG: @rachelrichter

References: 

https://tapebbeats.com/

https://www.insomniac.com/music/artists/tape-b/

https://mp3-mag.com/from-istanbul-to-stardom-the-rise-of-bass-producer-tape-b/

https://relentlessbeats.com/2022/10/artist-spotlight-tape-b/

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