Cyberpunk is quickly emerging as a standout force in the melodic bass scene. Fusing cinematic soundscapes with emotional, yet heavy-hitting drops, the New York-based producer has developed a sound that not only transports you into another world but makes you feel alive.
Now, joining Pulse Events’ continued mission to elevate Asian voices in electronic music, Cyberpunk is set to return to S2O New York 2.0 for his second consecutive year. Taking over Brooklyn Mirage with a solo set, he’s poised to deliver a performance deeply rooted in personal expression and cultural representation, while speaking to the growing influence of AAPI artists within the global EDM community.
Ahead of his performance at S20, The Daily Frequency caught up with Cyberpunk, where he shared 4 essential tracks in a curated playlist, before discussing the power of melodic bass, his mission as an artist, and so much more.
Check out the exclusive interview with MiMOSA below.
DF: Thanks for talking with us! You’re playing S2O New York 2.0 at Brooklyn Mirage! As a New York artist of Asian heritage, how does it feel to play such a massive festival not just for the second year in a row, but alongside names like Major Lazer, Slander, and Dillon Francis?
Cyberpunk: I feel very happy and honored to be able to perform on such a big stage for two consecutive years and to perform at an event with so many famous artists.
DF: While last year you went B2B with Psyxtoi, this year you’re performing a solo set. For those who haven’t seen you perform, how would you describe your live sets and what should they expect once you take the stage?
Cyberpunk: For those who haven’t seen me perform, expect an emotional rollercoaster wrapped in bass. My sets are all about contrast. I bring soaring melodies that hit you in the heart, followed by earth-shaking drops that hit you in the chest. It’s cinematic, high energy, and deeply personal.
DF: S2O is not just known for its full sensory experience filled with water effects and electrifying production, but also for an experience deeply rooted in Thailand’s Songkran celebrations. Are you approaching this performance differently than a typical Cyberpunk set, and if yes, how so?
Cyberpunk: This set will be basically the same style as the usual Cyberpunk sets, but I will add some other elements to make it more diverse.
DF: In addition to S2O New York, you’ve also performed at Pulse Events’ Spring Festival celebrating Lunar New Year. In your experience, what sets Pulse apart from other dance music events?
Cyberpunk: I think the difference between Pulse and other events is that Pulse will invite many well-known support DJs to an event and will choose some famous Chinese festivals to hold events so that more people can know some Chinese festivals and culture.
DF: S2O Festival and Pulse Events are known for championing Asian-American and AAPI representation within the global dance music scene. As an artist of Asian heritage, how does it feel to work with a company like Pulse, and in what ways does your personal mission as an artist align with their values?
Cyberpunk: I feel incredibly grateful and proud to be working with a company like Pulse. As an Asian artist, it means a lot to be part of a team that values diversity. I’ve always felt a personal responsibility to help elevate Asian representation in the electronic music scene, and Pulse shares that same vision. That alignment in purpose, to push boundaries and create more space for Asian talent, is something I truly believe in.
DF: How do you feel about the representation of Asian culture in today’s dance music scene, and is there anything that still needs to change?
Cyberpunk: I think Asian culture is becoming more visible in the dance music scene, but we still have a long way to go. There are definitely more Asian artists breaking through now. I’d love to see more platforms take risks on Asian artists, not just as token names, but recognizing the full creative power and diversity within our culture. And I think it’s also about telling our own stories through our music, visuals, and performance, bringing in those roots, emotions, and aesthetics without needing to fit a Western mold.
DF: Switching lanes, you have such a heavy-hitting yet emotional sound that really takes listeners on a journey. What inspired you to immerse yourself in melodic bass music?
Cyberpunk: The first time I heard Seven Lions and Au5 on Spotify, their music struck a deep emotional chord with me. The cinematic textures, powerful melodies, and emotional depth instantly drew me in. Curious and inspired, I began exploring more of their tracks and studying their unique styles. As I immersed myself further, my fascination only grew to the point where I felt compelled to create music in a similar vein, blending melodic intensity with intricate sound design.
DF: Tracks like Last Call, That’s You and I, and Statue are filled with so much feeling and emotion. How important is it to you as an artist to channel your emotions and fully express yourself within your music?
Cyberpunk: For me, pouring emotion into music and fully expressing myself is at the heart of everything I do. Melodic dubstep, by nature, carries a powerful emotional tension. Every melody and every bass drop feels like a reflection of my inner world. As a producer, I’m not just stacking notes and layering sound effects, I’m telling stories through sound, conveying real emotions and lived experiences through rhythm. This emotional expression isn’t just the driving force behind my creativity, it’s also the deepest connection between me and my audience.
DF: Would you say melodic bass music, whether you’re making it or listening to it, is in a way therapeutic?
Cyberpunk: I fully believe that melodic bass music, whether it is created or listened to, has a deep healing effect. For the creator, when I write those melodies and modulate those basses, it is like releasing the most difficult emotions in my heart and using music to transform them into something that can be heard and felt. This process itself is a kind of healing.
For the listeners, the unique contrast of melodic dubstep, the impact of soft melodies and heavy bass, is a true portrayal of the emotional state of many people. It is also an outlet for the listeners to release their emotions. So I think melodic dubstep has healing power.
DF: On top of DJing and producing, you co-founded a record label, The Sanctuary, alongside Psyxtoi. What inspired you to start a label, and what would you say is your overall mission with The Sanctuary?
Cyberpunk: In my social circle, I’m surrounded by many talented DJ friends who share the same passion for music, but we didn’t have a label or platform to unite us. That’s what inspired me to create one, a space where like-minded artists can come together and take this shared passion to the next level. The vision behind The Sanctuary is rooted in inclusivity and love. It’s about building a community that supports each other’s growth and creates opportunities for everyone to thrive.
DF: If you could say one thing to the next generation of AAPI artists who want to make their mark in the electronic scene, what would it be?
Cyberpunk: Keep the passion and move forward with a grateful heart.
DF: Lastly, after S2O New York, what can fans expect for the remainder of 2025?
Cyberpunk: More releases and shows are coming, I’m excited to keep sharing my journey through music.