Featured Mixtape: I live to rewind by Tankman - bassgum

For those that don't know
Tankman,
here's a quick recap.

For over 20 years, Bryan Marek has been producing and performing under various aliases. Originally known as Adroit, he primarily focused on the darker side of Drum & Bass.  In 2006, Bryan made the transition to help push heavy dubstep in the US under a producer duo called UltraBlack.  Fastforward to 2011, he began to perform under his current solo alias, Tankman, to honor his grandfather who was a tank radio operator in WWII.  We took a moment to grab a quick interview with the man himself, and here's what he had to say.

"I've always gravitated towards crunchy big bass vibes when it comes to music I produce and play out" - Tankman

Tiara of Bassgum: Tankman! You've been off map for quite some time. What made you decide it was time to emerge again?

Tankman: Yes, it's been a while, and it just feels right. So much good music is being released it kinda gave me the itch to start producing again. With production comes the lust of wanting to hear them on big sound systems.

DOWNLOAD MIX HERE!I live to rewind Mixtape by Tankman 2023

Tiara of Bassgum: What kind of bangers have you got planned for your comeback?

Tankman: I recently wrote a pair of Drum & Bass tracks that kick for sure, and will probably turn into an EP.  I'll be on a remix rampage after that, some long overdue 80's and hip hop fusion works I'll be finally be getting out of my head. Once they're complete, I'll see about a lil mini tour for 2024.

Tiara of Bassgum: Where is your next destination to takeover?

Tankman: I'd really like to hit all the cities I performed at in the past 10 years, but this go around I'll be seeking monster sound systems and packed venues.

Tiara of Bassgum: Heard through the grapevine that you've been dabbling with creating music in other genres. Wanna tell us a bit about that?

Tankman: Yeah, I got some surprises to unleash but I'll keep it hush hush for now...

Tankman live at Darkstar in Tempe, Arizona with Skeptical UK with Rumble Drum & Bass 2023

Rumble Drum & Bass Presents: Tankman Live @Darkstar with Skeptical (UK) - Tempe, Arizona 2023 | Photo Credit: Jaron Quach

Tiara of Bassgum: If you could be any superhero or villain, who would it be and why?

Tankman: I am a superhero.

Tiara of Bassgum: Tell us your favorite accomplishment that you are most proud of that has occured over the last few years. Big or small... even the small victories lead to big ones. 😉

Tankman: My daughter! She's incredible, and what's really cool is she shows interest in music. We have recorded a few times with her awesome voice and we're excited for our first official collaboration. I can see this being a lifelong music journey.

Tiara of Bassgum: To date, what's the wildest story you got about being on the road?

Tankman: All I can say is Tampa and Pensacola, Florida; Springfield, Illinois; Anchorage, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Huntsville, New Orleans, and Maui know how to treat a Tank right! Some stories are best untold and cherished by the ones who experienced them. You know who you are and I love you guys!

Tiara of Bassgum: Most people, at some point in their lives, have worked in the restaurant industry. Whatcha like cookin'?

Tankman: I can cook some pretty gnarly Mexican food. Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner...

Tiara of Bassgum: You've triumphed countless successes in the last couple decades! What’s a notable challenge you’ve pushed through, and what advice would you give to someone who is facing similar obstacles?

Tankman: Getting a pretty clean style and sound over the years has been gratifying. Just keep pushing what you love and you'll find your way. Also, breaks are necessary for breakthroughs, well at least for me.

Tankman live at Darkstar in Tempe, Arizona with Skeptical UK with Rumble Drum & Bass 2023

Rumble Drum & Bass Presents: Tankman Live @Darkstar with Skeptical (UK) - Tempe, Arizona 2023 | Photo Credit: Jaron Quach

Tiara of Bassgum: Thanks for the update, Tank! We can't wait to hit the play button on this awesome mix! We'll stick around to follow up once those drool worthy originals are ready to drop. 

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