Decadence Preview: Svdden Death
November 20, 2024
November 20, 2024
OKAYVAL is a rising star based in Jacksonville, Florida creating her own brand of House and Tech-House and making MAJOR moves in the EDM scene. She has greatly increased her Instagram following since I first followed her around the 1k mark in February 2024. This was shorty after the monumental track “Poison” was recommended to me via Apple Music. Since then, she has grown to 41k followers, won a a festival slot in a contest judged by Nostalgix, and performed internationally in Montreal, Canada. OKAYVAL’s Instagram presence is incredibly positive and displays her energy, personality, and artistic vibe. Consistently letting her fans know how grateful she is for their support, as well as remembering them by name (she will test you on this, trust me!) I recently attended three OKAYVAL sets in Jacksonville and her Instagram vibe matches her live energy. She works great under pressure and really knows how to read a crowd.
Her newest drop, the highly-anticipated “Basslevel” (released on Too Future/Alt:Vision Records) is officially here! “Basslevel” is an incredible track that draws inspiration from numerous genres and eras of EDM. The track begins with an alarm effect, alerting the listener that it is time to PARTY! A thumping techno-inspired drumbeat, “Basslevel” chant, and choppy synths greet the listener with open arms. Alarms continue to sound as the synth becomes more pronounced and House hi-hats go off in the background. Bass busts down the doors as the synths raise the hype even further with a heavy yet danceable beat. The soaring crescendoes in “Basslevel” are worthy of club steam and fire effects. Confetti streamers will rain down in triumph as Val works her magic behind the decks during live performances. A descending sound effect leads to crunchy bass riffs and metallic synths, a perfect transition between different track segments. Bassface is ever-present during this track, a feature that definitely lives up to the track’s title. Another descending effect transforms the alarm effect into magnificent bubbles, letting listeners and event attenders that it is safe to keep the vibe train going. These subtle details show just how intricate and complex OKAYVAL’s sound design can be. These effects perfectly synthesize with the other track elements, creating a harmonious listening experience for all.
The alarms return with full force as subtle patterns bridge to the next part of the track. The chanting makes a grand return as humming bass and tight drums keep things steady. Chants become distorted to match the rhythm, while the drums rapidly accelerate. A drum effect fill leads to pleasantly squeaking bass and fuzzy undertones. Bassface is turned up to eleven as the track wonks and wubs at Val’s will. “Basslevel” ends with a Tech-House inspired breakdown and one last descending effect.
“Basslevel” is an incredible track and represents OKAYVAL’s ever-evolving sound and growing following. Her personality and energy as a performer are on full display. I cannot wait to see another OKAYVAL set and highly recommend seeing her in a city near you. Keep an eye out for tour updates to see this incredible artist live.
Connect with OKAYVAL: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | SoundCloud