Hailing from the underground, Tigran, better known as MiMOSA, has carved out a legacy of his own through an innovative, genre-blurring sound.
Boasting a deep discography filled with iconic bass anthems like Psychedelic Stereo, Drippin, and Flux For Life, he’s garnered a reputation as one of the most dynamic producers of the 2000s and a true pioneer of the culture.
Now, after a few brief hiatuses and a string of singles in 2024, the West Coast bass icon is officially back. But, MiMOSA isn’t just staging a comeback; he’s redefining his artistry and stepping into a new era of sound. Returning with a new sense of purpose and clarity, his latest EP, All I Know, is the type of project that doesn’t just capture your attention, it demands it.
Arriving on Muti Music, All I Know is a raw and unapologetic statement fueled by distorted basslines, shadowy hip-hop textures, and the grit of the early rave scene. Blending the heavy-hitting energy of dubstep with the potent rhythms of trap, the acclaimed producer delivers a monstrous six-track experience that feels both nostalgic and revolutionary.
Following its release, The Daily Frequency caught up with MiMOSA to discuss the EP, his underground roots, and how finding balance helped unlock one of his most explosive releases to date.
Check out the exclusive interview with MiMOSA below.
DF: Thank you for talking with us! You just dropped your first full-length solo project in 3 years with the All I Know EP! How does it feel to put this one out and start a new chapter as an artist?
MiMOSA: Thank you for your time as well. I’ve been dropping singles here and there into the ether throughout 2024. The last one, I believe, was “Ready to Go,” which was a self-release on my own label, FALSE iDOL MUZiK. Unfortunately, I didn’t have much money to put behind marketing and PR, so most of them went under the radar. But I’ve never really stopped. I’m always working on something new.
DF: All I Know is such a hard-hitting record! What was your mindset going into it, and what inspired you to kick off your return with the heavier side of MiMOSA?
MiMOSA: It honestly just turned out that way. I wasn’t really planning on going in any one direction, but it’s just what I was feeling at the time, I guess. It was mostly inspired by thinking back to the early 2000s, when I was under 21 and being snuck into clubs like 1015 in SF to directly support acts like Skream & Benga, Rusko, Joker, and many more. That was a very influential part of my life and shaped my understanding and taste in music, and I think that reflects a little bit in this EP.
DF: Not only is it packed with bangers, but you blend everything from trap, hip-hop, riddim, experimental bass, and old-school dubstep nostalgia into one face-melting experience. How are you able to explore so many sounds while still remaining authentic?
MiMOSA: When in the creative process, I try not to think about what direction I’m going to go in and try to just let it happen on its own. The direction is dictated by the tones I select or the mood I’m in that day.
DF: It’s clear you draw a lot of inspiration from hip-hop. Do you think there are more similarities between bass music and hip-hop than people realize?
MiMOSA: Absolutely. When hip-hop started in the 80s, it was based around the DJ. The MC was more of a hype man who was there to raise the energy of the party. As it progressed, people started rhyming words and turned it into an art form. In bass music, people have been blending rap vocals over bass for decades. DJ Shadow and Thievery Corporation were some of the first artists I heard when I was in middle school who were scratching rap over beats, which was also greatly influential in my early development as a young artist.
DF: Now that you are officially back, how do you think stepping away from releasing impacted your relationship with both your craft and your vision as an artist?
MiMOSA: Sometimes I take creative breaks, but I’m not sure I ever went away. I just changed my relationship with music. I now create for my own pleasure and no longer rely on music as my sole income, which is greatly liberating and healthy for my art and mental sanity. When I stopped touring heavily, I realized that I was missing out on developing my personal life because I was always on the go. Now I’m better at balancing my time with music and my personal life, which gives me a better perspective on my music. I’m able to take my time to look at things from a greater perspective.
DF: Would you say All I Know is a reflection of where you are in your personal and artistic journey?
MiMOSA: That’s hard to say because right now I’m working on a more downtempo EP along with another heavier DnB/Dubstep/Bass music album. I just make what feels right in the moment.
DF: Was there a specific moment that made you realize you were ready to return, or did that decision unfold gradually?
MiMOSA: I’ve always made music, and I don’t think I could ever stop. The sad reality is that unless you have a large budget to splurge on marketing, playlists, and PR, you will largely go unnoticed. As far as touring, I’m still doing shows and festivals here and there, but because I no longer have an agent, I just haven’t been touring as aggressively.
DF: You described All I Know as “high-energy West Coast underground bass music for the masses.” As a pioneer of the underground bass scene, how do you see your role in that space today, and how has it evolved since you first started?
MiMOSA: I love to see all the diverse genres being played by major artists. Before, there might have been a handful, whereas now you have sub-genres of sub-genres. I feel that it opens the door for a lot of smaller artists to be discovered.
DF: How would you say your sound, in particular, has evolved over the years?
MiMOSA: I believe I had my first release when I was about 18 years old on Muti Music. I’m now 37 and I’m still learning new techniques and methods. Sound is always changing.
DF: Finally, now that you’ve officially dropped All I Know, what can fans expect in this new era of MiMOSA?
MiMOSA: Expect the unexpected and lots more new music.