Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with BASSLIFTER x Hitman Ceon
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
It has to be the Smurfs on vinyl! As a kid, I was obsessed with those pitched-up, funny voices and the pure happiness in the tunes. It’s actually quite ironic that, despite that early love for ‘chipmunk’ vocals, I never actually got into that trend as a producer later on. I guess I got my fill of high-pitched vocals before I turned ten!
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I was born into a musical family, so I didn’t really have a choice! My parents actually met while working at CBS Records, which meant our house was always overflowing with music. My dad used to bring home these big cardboard boxes filled with returned LPs and cassettes, stuff with minor scratches or cover faults, and it felt like Christmas every single time for my brother and me.
The real turning point was the day I picked up KISS – Unmasked. It hit me from the very first second. I remember staring at that iconic cover, grabbing a couple of forks from the kitchen, and announcing right then and there that I wanted to play the drums. I started out in a marching band, eventually moved into rock bands for about 12 years, but I always kept a guitar on the side. There was always this underlying urge to step out and write my own material, which eventually led me to where I am today.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
My journey has been a bit of a rollercoaster. I was a drummer, and during my first year at Paul McCartney’s school (LIPA) in Liverpool, my tinnitus became so severe that I had to stop playing entirely. I dropped out and took a couple of years off to let my ears recover. Eventually, I went back and finished my degree, but I pivoted from the drums to the producer’s chair. Since touring and loud concerts are off the table for me, this studio project has become my ultimate outlet for joy and creativity.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I’d describe it as infectious, high-energy house music with a serious ‘oomph’ factor and a pop touch. It’s built on a foundation of cool grooves and undeniable hooks that you can’t help but sing along to. I want my tracks to feel like a celebration, polished, punchy and impossible to sit still to.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
The transition from hardware to software was the big turning point. At LIPA, I learned on massive vintage consoles and outboard gear, but I didn’t truly master the ‘art of the effect’ until I went deeper into the digital world. YouTube actually became my greatest teacher for modern mixing. It allowed me to translate those classic hardware concepts into the ‘in-the-box’ workflow I use today, giving me way more creative control.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
Logic Pro is my creative headquarters, and my UAD plugins are the secret sauce for getting that warm, analog feel. That said, my most essential ‘tool’ is actually my flexibility. I try to avoid rigid templates and instead adapt my workflow to whatever the specific song needs. Each track has its own soul, so I treat the process differently every time.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I’ve been really into ‘Smile’ by A.M.R lately. It’s not technically indie, it’s an organic house song on a larger label but it has that warm, independent, melodic vibe that I love. It feels intimate and uplifting in a way that reminds me of what I look for in indie music.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Living in different countries has definitely widened my lens. Being exposed to so many different cultures and musical subgenres over the years has given me a huge palette to draw from. My vision is a reflection of that journey, taking all those diverse influences and distilling them into a sound that feels global and inclusive.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
Pure, unadulterated joy. If my music provides even just a few minutes of relief or an escape from the daily grind, then I’ve succeeded. I want people to feel it in their bodies, to have it add a spark of energy to their day and leave them feeling better than when the track started.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
That the process is the reward. Music is first and foremost about the passion for creation and the ‘flow state.’ If you create from a place of genuine excitement, that energy translates to the listener. Having people connect with my work is an incredible bonus, but the primary fuel will always be the love for the craft itself.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Honestly? A virtual takeover in Fortnite! I’m a huge fan and love the idea of reaching people in these new digital spaces, plus I really want Team Rumble back! Since traditional gigs aren’t an option for me because of my ears, I’m focused on innovating how an artist can exist and ‘perform’ in the digital realm. It would have to be a ‘sky-falling-up’ kind of event for me to step on a physical stage again.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Becky Hill is at the top of my list, her voice is just one of the most powerful and iconic in modern dance music. And Madonna, of course. Working with a legend like her would be the ultimate mountaintop moment; her influence on pop and dance culture is unparalleled. At the same time, I’m always genuinely energized by the artists I’m collaborating with right now. Each has their own distinct flavor and perspective, and it’s that unique chemistry in the studio that keeps the creative process so rewarding. For me, it’s all about finding that specific magic each vocalist brings to a track.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Basslifter.com
https://www.instagram.com/bassliftermusic
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I just want to keep pushing my boundaries and releasing music that genuinely excites me. The goal is to keep building momentum, evolving my sound, and proving that you can be a successful, impactful artist even if you’re not standing on a traditional stage every night.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope they discover the versatility behind the name. I’m not just staying in one lane; I love exploring different vibes and textures. I want them to see that there’s a lot of depth and diversity in what I do, and that there’s always something fresh around the corner.
