Phil Shore, the rising Canadian producer who goes by the name Distinct Motive, is proving to be the next big thing in bass music. With a production style that screams “less is more,” he’s cultivated a unique and, dare I say, distinct sound founded on the early aesthetics of dubstep and deep, all-encompassing bass. Forging his own path through explorative soundscapes and sheer innovation, he’s not only put Toronto on the map but has captivated audiences around the globe and, in doing so, garnered the attention of artists like Subtronics and Zeds Dead.
Now, after a year of turning every crowd he played for into a bass-fueled frenzy, Distinct Motive has finally dropped one of the most sought-after viral IDs of 2023 through a two-track EP with the legendary label Deadbeats. Released on Friday, January 5, the Mellow Man EP not only includes the highly anticipated titular track Mellow Man but yet another bass-heavy sonic adventure in CLAW.
Following the release, The Daily Frequency caught up with Distinct Motive to discuss Mellow Man, playing events like Zeds Dead’s First Contact, and a whole lot more.
Check out the exclusive interview with Distinct Motive below.
DF: You just released your highly anticipated debut on Deadbeats with the ‘Mellow Man’ EP! Coming from Toronto, how does it feel to work with a label started by the Canadian bass legends Zeds Dead?
Distinct Motive: Pretty sick!! Deadbeats is the first Canadian Label I’ve released my music on. It feels right, as I’ve attended several Bassmentality shows at Wrongbar back in the day, it’s full circle vibes to be on Deadbeats alongside Zeds Dead. Very thankful for the opportunity.
DF: While the EP just dropped, ‘Mellow Man’ has emerged as one of the most sought-after records in bass music and has been a fan favorite in your live sets. Did you expect the track to blow up the way it did?
Distinct Motive: I never make music thinking “this is going to blow up or this is going to be a banger” I just focus on the vibe as much as I can, Is it fun? Do I like it? Then sweet. If people are feeling it at the end of the day, that’s just a bonus! Music to me must be no expectations because it’s not up to me to decide if it’s a banger, it’s the audience.
DF: Your sound is deep, dark, and minimal yet, at the same time, infectious and dynamic. What is it about a minimalist style of production that creates such massive records?
Distinct Motive: Dubstep has always been a very stripped-back and minimal sound. It’s just what I was into from the beginning. I’ve been listening to dubstep since 06-07, and really, a lot has changed since then, but my motive has always been to keep it simple, not take it too seriously, and have fun with it. I mean, it’s a party, right? That feeling translates into my music, and I think people connect with that.
DF: Just because a minimalist production style relies on simplicity doesn’t mean it’s easy. What are your biggest challenges in the studio, and do you ever find it hard not to overcomplicate things?
Distinct Motive: The challenges for me I find are what help me in the production process. I’m not super knowledgeable on new vsts. Sticking with what I’ve known since I started making music has really helped me find my sound. As far as overcomplicating things, most of the time I’m making a tune, I build it to a certain point, then start removing elements to give the track space and to let everything have it’s place in the mix.
DF: It’s clear deep dub as a whole is on the rise. What do you think it is about deep bass that resonates so much with today’s scene?
Distinct Motive: There’s been a large shift in the tastes of dubstep. The heavier, more aggressive sounds may not be the go-to for a lot of dubstep listeners anymore. Vibe is such an important thing in dubstep. The room, the people, the sound, I believe people are looking for a different experience now. They’ve had the c02 cannons and lasers for years now. Time to “strip it back” just like the music.
DF: You got to experience the legendary UK dubstep scene firsthand from 2008 to 2009! What was that experience like, and how much of an impact did it have on your sound as an artist?
Distinct Motive: I lived in the UK from 05 to 09 – attended my first dubstep show in 2007. Seeing the likes of Skream, Caspa, Rusko, Benga, and Coki all in intimate venues on large sound was just an amazing thing to experience. It felt like I was witnessing some historic shit going down, while I was drunk as hell off Stella tall cans.
DF: Fast forward to 2024, and you’re booked to play alongside legendary names like Skream and Rusko for Zeds Dead’s First Contact at the Hampton Coliseum! How does it feel to see your name next to the artists who influenced your sound?
Distinct Motive: Doesn’t feel real to be honest, I’ve been listening to their music for so long, feels again very full circle. The hardest part for me is not being able to play some of my fav’s from them in the set.
No Go Go Gadget or Xmas Day Swagger. LOL. If you’ve caught one of my sets, you know I love to play those tunes.
DF: You had an incredible 2023, playing festivals like Wakaan and major venues like the Tacoma Dome with Subtronics! What was your most memorable performance of the year?
Distinct Motive: Highlights for me in no particular order
Wakaan Festival – the HSD soundsystem was insane!
Tacoma Dome with Subtronics – I’ve never played to so many people in my life (Thanks Jesse).
My last headline show at The Black Box. The energy that crowd brought with them. That was fucking insane. If you’ve seen the clip of me teasing in Mellow Man, and the crowd just erupted. That night will stay with me for the rest of my life. Thank you, Denver, you rule.
Infrasound Music Festival – Played a set on the 360 stage, and you’ve all seen the video for the Mellow Man release. Need I say more? Vibes Galore! Out to Infrasound.
DF: You’ve already started 2024 off with a bang! What can fans expect from Distinct Motive as we launch into the new year?
Distinct Motive: A whole bunch of rad stuff! LOTS OF SHOWS, LOTS OF NEW MUSIC, and LOTS OF HIGH FIVES AND MEMORIES TO BE MADE!
You can stream Mellow Man EP by Distinct Motive HERE!
Check out more exclusive interviews with The Daily Frequency HERE!