HEX Fest: A Lineup So Good It’s Haunting
Got any Halloween plans? Well if you do, CANCEL THEM. Because if you haven’t heard yet, Arizona is about to get a whole lot spookier this Halloween. HEX Festival is bringing two days of absolute madness with a lineup that’s scary good, featuring headliners Subtronics, Excision, INZO, and ATLiens.
And the supporting lineup? Just as stacked. With Badklaat, Decimate, Dennett, Hurtbox, Inaktiv, Izzy Vadim, Layz, Modal Nodes, Nikademis, Onara, Proxxxy, Riot Ten b2b PhaseOne, Softest Hard, Sora, XaeboR, YVM3, DeathBeat, and Linz, there is no shortage of heavy hitters ready to bring the heat.
If you live for the wubz, the bass, and the nastiest riddim drops, this is one Halloween weekend you do NOT want to sleep on. Of course, there are the obvious must-see sets like Subtronics, who never fails to blow me away every time I see him live. But with a lineup this stacked, why limit yourself to the names you already know? Some of the best festival memories come from discovering an artist you’ve never seen before and leaving their set wondering why you weren’t listening sooner. Whether you’re a seasoned bass music lover, or just looking to expand your music rotation, here are three artists you should absolutely have on your HEX Festival schedule.
Izzy Vadim:
If your ideal set consists of disgusting basslines, nasty sound design, and drops that make you question what you just heard, Izzy Vadim needs to be on your list. This Montreal-based DJ and producer has built a sound around gritty, underground dubstep with a bounce that makes it nearly impossible to stand still. Tracks like “Sleep Paralysis” and “Pop Lock & Drop It” showcase his ability to bring both heavy-hitting bass and infectious rhythms to the dance floor. This isn’t just music for headbanging; it’s music that makes you want to throw your entire body into the beat. If you’re looking for a set that balances straight-up filth with a groove that keeps the crowd moving, Izzy Vadim is one you won’t want to miss. There’s going to be high knees all around during this set, and I’m absolutely here for it.
Modal Nodes:
If you haven’t gotten familiar with Modal Nodes yet, HEX Festival is the perfect place to change that. This masked duo has been making waves in the riddim scene with a sound that feels as mysterious as their identity. Their music is packed with intricate sound design, crushing bass, and unpredictable switches that keep you guessing about what’s coming next. Their Alone EP, helped put them on the radar, and they gained even more traction recently when they played with The Resistance at Lost Lands. With appearances like this at major bass festivals, they’re quickly becoming a name worth knowing. What makes Modal Nodes especially exciting is that they don’t need to rely on a recognizable face to make an impression; their music does the talking. If you love riddim that gets weird, heavy, and downright chaotic, make room in your schedule for this set. You might just walk away with a new favorite duo.
XaeboR:
Ready for some downright disrespectful bass and riddim? XaeboR has you covered. He brings a sound built on gnarly synths, infectious rhythms, and drops that hit with absolutely no mercy. His releases on Never Say Die Black Label helped establish his place in the underground bass scene, and tracks like “Proper” and “Protocol” are a solid introduction to the wonky, relentless energy he brings to his production. I absolutely love his unique sound, and it truly has that perfect balance of hypnotic repetition and some bangin’ bass. If you’re the type of person who lives for those filthy riddim patterns, XaeboR should be high on your list. Don’t be surprised if you leave his set with some sore legs, but absolutely zero regrets.
With headliners like Subtronics, Excision, INZO, and ATLiens, I understand how easy it is to get caught up in the excitement surrounding the biggest names on the lineup- and trust me, those sets are going to be worth the hype. But don’t forget about the supporting artists because you might just discover your next obsession, find a new favorite track, or experience one of those unforgettable sets you end up talking about long after the festival is over.
So cancel those plans, and grab your gals and ghouls because HEX is shaping up to be a Halloween weekend you won’t forget as they bring together all the heavy hitters, the rising names, and the sounds that keep the underground thriving. So charge your phone, stretch your legs, plan your must-see sets, and leave a little room for the unexpected. I’ll see all you witches out on the dance floor 😉