Meet the Artists: Anizo
As we delve deeper into the creative minds behind Disciples of Distortion Vol. 3, we’re excited to introduce Anizo, who brings a unique blend of dark, heavy beats with a touch of humor to this year’s compilation. His track “Legitimate Fears” is as much a reflection of today’s AI-driven world as it is an intense sonic experience.
Disciples of Distortion Vol 3 | Out Now: https://cygnusmusic.link/bn4lgyq
Meet Anizo
Can you share a brief background about yourself as an artist? How did you get started in music, and what are some of your influences?
I was a hip-hop kid. My journey started with Cool Edit 96, trying to chop samples and build beats on a computer that could barely run Windows. I’ve always been drawn to filth and darkness in music, which is why I was such a big fan of dusty-sounding Wu-Tang and J Dilla beats. Later, DJ Shadow and the UNKLE album he did with James Lavelle really opened my eyes to more diverse and powerfully moving sounds. That eventually led me into electronic music—starting with trance and techno, then later breaks. I was always aware of drum and bass and in awe of it because I had no idea how to make it. But when Pendulum and later Noisia started pushing production quality to extreme levels, I decided to dive into the darker, heavier side of DnB for myself. It’s only in the last 5 or 6 years that I’ve really gotten serious about “gitting gud” and releasing tracks.
(Related: Check out Anizo’s previous release on Stonx Music, “Burn Corpo Shit” to hear how his sound has evolved)
What was the inspiration behind your track on this compilation? Can you walk us through your creative process for “Legitimate Fears”?
I wanted to create something menacing and intimidating, but also kind of silly and ridiculous at the same time, reflecting the current role AI plays in the world. Maybe it’ll wipe us all out with murder drones; maybe it’ll just generate pictures of people with 14 thumbs playing banjos made of ham. It’s a coin flip.
Are there any specific production techniques or tools you used in this track that you’d like to highlight?
I believe I may have used a saturator at one point…
Did you face any challenges while creating this track? How did you overcome them?
Getting the right balance of heavy and dark to daft and bouncy was a bit of a challenge. I enjoy the juxtaposition, though. It’s like pogo-sticking through a minefield.
Is there a personal story or meaning behind this track that you’d like to share?
Nah, it’s just loud noises, innit. Not every track has to be about deep struggles. Sometimes you just want to pull an angry face and stomp.
The Tracks
Anizo – Legitimate Fears
“Legitimate Fears” by Anizo delivers a deeper, techy vibe, showcasing his fearless command of DAW technology. This track is characterized by broken beats, hypnotic whappy lead lines, and some great build-ups that keep the listener engaged. “Legitimate Fears” is a solid, groove-driven piece that will undoubtedly find its place in many sets, offering deep grooves and precise edits that contribute to a well-rounded mix.
How do you view the community of artists involved in Disciples of Distortion Vol. 3? Have you collaborated with any of the other artists on the compilation before?
It’s like a self-help group for shit snares. Before joining the Stonx community, I spent years trying to find my own way to a heavy and polished neuro sound, but I wasn’t quite all the way there. After joining the Discord and engaging with the sick talent pool within, I realized we were all doing things the same way, facing the same common issues, and using the same methods to fix them. That gave me a massive confidence boost in my own abilities and pushed me to hit the standards I was hearing from other people. This community is the most knowledgeable and endlessly supportive I’ve ever seen. I would still be putting out self-releases to single-digit listeners without them. Big ups to the mandem.
What can your fans expect from you in the near future? Are there any upcoming projects or releases you’d like to mention?
I’d like to maintain an air of coy mystery on this question. Soon.
Nah, it’s just loud noises, innit. Not every track has to be about deep struggles. Sometimes you just want to pull an angry face and stomp.
ANIZO
What advice would you give to up-and-coming artists who are trying to make a name for themselves in the electronic music scene?
Find a community of people making the sounds you want to make. When you’re all shooting for the same goals and approaching the same labels, it’s much easier to open doors and get your stuff heard.
What do you hope listeners take away from your music and this release?
Sexual satisfaction and crisp transients.
Where can fans connect with you online?
Anizo:
For more updates, keep an eye on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.
Disciples of Distortion Vol 3 | Out Now: https://cygnusmusic.link/bn4lgyq
Words by STONX and Stonx Music Co – Founder Ollie Barron
