Artists alone don’t create a thriving music scene. The conversations before doors open, the friendships formed in crowded venues, and the people who keep showing up long before anyone knows their names all help shape the community around them. That’s the story Evening Bass is writing. As one of Denver’s emerging artists, she’s learned to measure success not by the size of the stage, but by the community she builds along the way.
In our conversation, she shares how creativity helped her find confidence, what building genuine relationships has taught her, and how her evolving mindset continues to shape her journey. She reflects on navigating comparison and self-doubt, choosing patience and intention, and learning to value the quieter moments of growth. Her story reminds us that artists often build their most meaningful careers through the choices, relationships, and growth that happen long before the biggest opportunities arrive.
In Conversation with Evening Bass
seradopa: Before DJing entered the picture, what was your relationship with music growing up? What first drew you to electronic music?
Evening Bass: I have always really deeply connected with music. It wasn’t until college that I realized, or maybe even high school, that most people didn’t have the same connection or draw to music in general. I met people in high school who didn’t really listen to music, but they played video games, or like, I like to sit around and listen to music, listen to albums, and not everyone who even listens to music does that.
So I had a very strong draw towards it my whole life. I grew up on an island, and this was the early aughts; this was in the days of Limewire, early YouTube, and SoundCloud, and I didn’t have any friends listening to EDM that wasn’t like the top 20, like David Guetta. I knew I liked that kind of electronic music, but I never really found the specific, and I was searching for bass music without knowing I was searching for bass music, because after COVID, I graduated in 2021 and have been looking for that post-grad job, a similar story to yours, a little bit.
Funny story: I started working at Linger [in downtown Denver], and Joe, aka Thought Process, trained me on my first day there, and that was the end of 2021. Things were opening back up. My friend really got me into all kinds of EDM, and he worked at Red Rocks at the time, and so he would like sneak me into some shows. I got to see a lot of shows with him, so Flume, Deadmau5, Alison Wonderland, and just a lot of really diverse types of EDM.
Before that, I was really drawn to indie music growing up: The Lumineers, Florence and the Machine, and The Neighbourhood. They weren’t as big then as they are now, but I loved that indie sound. I also grew up dancing hula, which introduced me to a completely different, percussion-driven side of music.
I won’t dive too deep into it because there’s a lot of lore, but there’s a type of hula called Kahiko that uses hand-beaten percussion and acoustic instruments. Something about dancing to that music really moved me, especially the resonance of those low frequencies. Looking back, I think that connects to what eventually drew me to dubstep and bass music. That same resonance and depth in the low frequencies has always pulled me in. So even though the connection took me a while to recognize, I’ve always felt deeply connected to music.
I knew I wanted to have a relationship with it, even if it wasn’t my career, whether that was learning an instrument. But I never connected to any instruments, so I’m like, why do I want to be a part of music, but I never like picked anything up.
[points to Bass in the room]
I’m teaching myself bass right now, actually! It wasn’t until Pitch Perfect came out, and I was like, wait, she’s mixing songs together, and I learned about DJing, and then after college, during COVID, and you know, post-grad, I couldn’t find a job. It’s like, fuck it, I’m just gonna become a DJ, because I’ve always wanted to learn. And then the moment I touched that play button, I was like, this is what I’ve been looking for, like I will be doing this forever, even if it’s not a career, even if I don’t gain any traction, or whatever. That was like my instrument that I’d been looking for, so it’s a little bit of everything.
seradopa: Denver’s bass scene is massive, yet the community remains incredibly connected. At what point did Denver start feeling less like a place you were trying to break into and more like a community you were actually part of?
Evening Bass: I got my decks in late 2023, and throughout 2024 I started thinking, “Maybe I actually want to do something with this.” I was going to so many shows that I reached a point where I didn’t just want to be in the crowd anymore, I wanted to be on stage. I’d grown up performing through dance, hula, theater, and debate, so performing had always been a part of who I was. Around that same time, I was also working on my confidence and self-esteem, and I started realizing this might actually be something I could pursue.
I spent 2024 taking Ableton lessons, but I didn’t dive fully into producing right away because there’s so much to learn and so many hats you have to wear as an artist. Then, in 2025, I decided it was time to really put myself out there. I had my artist name figured out, started introducing myself to promoters, and made a conscious effort to meet people instead of just attending shows.
One of my roommates was a DJ who introduced me to Bass Bingo, which gave me some of my first opportunities to play. I also worked with a local promoter who booked events around Denver, so I ended up playing all kinds of places: from The Dahlia to Orchid Lounge before it closed. They weren’t always packed rooms, but those shows gave me invaluable experience playing on CDJs and learning how to perform. By the end of 2025, I started getting more official bookings with full lineups and ticketed shows.
As I met more promoters and artists, the scene started feeling smaller in the best way. I’d meet someone, realize we had mutual friends, and suddenly it felt like we were already connected. That’s one of my favorite things about the Denver scene, it really does feel like a community.
That summer, I also launched my podcast as another way to meet people and contribute to the scene. I’ve worked in hospitality and sales since I was sixteen, from restaurants to door-to-door sales, so talking to people has always come naturally. I think those experiences helped me become a better networker and gave me the confidence to be proud of what I was building instead of worrying about what people thought.
Looking back, 2025 was the year everything shifted. I stopped feeling like just another person in the crowd and started feeling like I was genuinely part of the community. Now, whenever I go to shows around Denver, I see familiar faces everywhere, and that sense of community has become one of my favorite parts of this journey. It’s a really special feeling to build something like that.
seradopa: A lot of artists talk about networking, but genuine relationships are something different. How have friendships and community shaped your experience in music?
Evening Bass: One of my good friends, who introduced me to EDM, was working at Red Rocks. We initially became friends in college through one of my exes we had met, and then we became good friends because we both loved every genre of music.
We would connect over rock, rap, EDM, whatever. Eventually, we ended up living together later on for a little bit, and that was diving headfirst into the EDM realm. Then I had a boyfriend who was already in the scene, like pretty deep in the underground, and he introduced me to a lot of friends, like Underground Selekta. I met her through my ex, and now she’s playing Mission, and like I feel like you kind of start building momentum, and if you use that momentum to then meet other people, you have to have the intention of meeting people and actually trying to connect with who they are, rather than, oh, what can this person do for me?”
A lot of my friendships were music-based out of college anyway. People I met at work, coworkers who liked the same music as me. We ended up bonding, and a lot of those relationships started through music. But over the last year, as I’ve been networking, I’ve intentionally looked for other artists who share a similar goal: creating a genuine community. We don’t all have to be friends or best friends, but when you come to a set, you can connect with me through the music I’m playing and have a great time. There’s something special about the energy in a room and what the right lineup of artists can create together.
So meeting people who want to do the same thing as me, whether it’s same genre or same goals of shows they want to play, artists they want to collab with, kind of help me stay on the right track, because you are the people that you surround yourself with at the end of the day, so I’d say most of my friendships now, at least the people I talk to on a regular basis, are either artists or people dating artists or people who are in the scene doing other things, media, social media management, photography, all of that, and it is really special. I feel grateful to know the people that I’m friends with.
seradopa: I’m trying to do the same, because I don’t think a lot of people realize we do music full time. Yeah, sometimes you just want to hang out, not do music things!
Evening Bass: This injury is the first time I’ve been leaning on people so heavily! Whether it’s to just help me do my laundry and take out trash, really basic things. Where we’re not hanging out because we’re working on music or meeting up to hang out before going to a show, there’s always an activity that you’re doing but actually getting to just hang out with people.
Aaliyah [Loud Giraffe] and her boyfriend, Owltavi, I’ve grown to be really good friends with them, even just in the last few months. They’ve really shown up for me a lot in this time I’m going through. And they came over last weekend to just help me with my laundry, and then they left after it was done. As the two hours went by, we watched Love Island together because we’re all into that show, and we just hung out and talked about stuff.
It’s really nice because we’re doing this 24/7, so I’d say it’s uncomfortable to ask someone to just hang out and do nothing, but I promise it will help you grow closer! Also, beware of the friendships that are based on going out and doing party favors, and that’s the way you connect. I had to learn that the hard way too.
seradopa: Music can be incredibly communal on the surface, but it can also be isolating behind the scenes. How do you protect your sense of self while operating in an industry that constantly encourages comparison?
Evening Bass: Oh man, I’m still battling that, honestly.
Especially being injured now, it.. I can’t keep up with the same schedule that I once had. Which was basically after work, since I have a full-time job in sales, I’m either working on music, DJing, getting ready for a set, or going out to a show. Whether it’s a friend playing at the Black Box or I’m going to a Red Rocks show, and it can be really hard not to compare yourself, especially when you are such good friends with other artists in the same lane.
You want to support each other, but then it’s like, okay, well, I got to get mine too somehow. What I did last week, my really good friend announced this huge show she was playing, and I felt myself getting so jealous, and I started having those jealous and insecure thoughts. I caught myself doing that, and I decided to journal about it, to just let it out, and came to the conclusion that jealousy is coming from a place of fear: am I not going to get these same opportunities?
Whether it’s my injury or it’s just me not being a good enough artist or my project not being strong enough. I was journaling about that, and I released it, and I was like, “It’s okay, I’m just having faith in what’s going on.” Then the next day I got the biggest show offer of my career, I’m opening for Canabliss and a badass lineup of women at The Ogden this December!
Anyway, all that to say, if you’re feeling jealous or comparing yourself. One, get off social media for a few hours; just put your phone away. That always helps! Two, you just have to release and have faith that those opportunities will come to you, because you’re surrounded by the people getting these opportunities. It only makes sense that that will come to you as well, right? Because again, you are the people you surround yourself with. So, if you’re surrounding yourself with people who are working hard and really grinding to get these opportunities, then you know it only makes sense that you’ll be up at the plate at some point as well.
seradopa: When you’re feeling creatively stuck, where do you usually go looking for inspiration? Is it music, visual art, nature, conversations, or something completely unexpected?
Evening Bass: I love listening to old playlists that I’ve made! Growing up, part of me wanted to be a composer for movie soundtracks. So I would remake soundtracks to movies, like I would make a playlist of songs that I would put in the movie instead of the official soundtrack they released.
I’d be like, well, I’d do this song instead of that one. So I have a lot of old playlists from that time period, and I feel like the nostalgia always brings me back to what I enjoy about music. When I feel that nostalgia, it helps reignite that light when I’m feeling creatively blocked.
seradopa: I’ve also noticed you recently creating your own merch designs. What has that process taught you about yourself as an artist that making use of hasn’t already taught you?
Evening Bass: There’s a visual aspect that you don’t really have to think about as an artist, unless you’re doing your own visuals, which I haven’t. I made my own logo, which has been up on a screen just for when I’m playing, but nothing that I’ve really had to think about. Like, is this visual going to go with this track?
It’s just been more about how does this sound, so working on my own merch designs, it’s just been another creative outlet for when I am maybe not feeling so inspired, but I want to do something creative. Whether that is working on bleach dyeing shirts or using Procreate on my iPad. It is still like fulfilling the artist in me, because again, like I’m not doing this for clout, I’m not. Yeah, it would be super cool to make a career out of this, but honestly, I just want to get really good at my craft, and the production has been like the hardest part.
I’d say the visual element, the aesthetic element, and that has also, with social media too, really helped me. Coming from hospitality, you’re thinking about when you’re running an event. How are people experiencing this? How are they getting in logistics? And now as an artist, I use those same pathways, but it’s more, okay, what’s the experience they’re having, the sounds they’re hearing, what they’re seeing on screen. So shifting that to a holistic experience, like at a show, the visual element is the biggest thing.
seradopa: Are there any artists whose careers you admire, not necessarily because of their music, but because of how they’ve built their worlds and communities?
Evening Bass: First artist I want to highlight is Thought Process. I met him in 2021 right before he started taking off, and I just started getting into the genre of music he produces and the underground scene in Denver. l was still very new to EDM and still listening to a lot of the bigger names in EDM like Alison Wonderland, Zeds Dead, etc.
In 2022, I really started getting into the underground, and I really started to follow him and other all:Lo collective artists. Just knowing who he is as a person, and the fans who supported him, it was so genuine. It really meant a lot to me seeing that you can actually build something real and genuine, an actual community of people who are just interested in listening to your music and supporting you. Watching him grow too, and stay true to the music, and to the fan experience, and not take advantage of his community and do cash grabs.
And then another artist that I’ve met is Austin (OZZTIN), and I got to interview him on my podcast, and he is such a cool individual, just like such a good-hearted person. Again, seeing him blow up, listening to his music, and supporting him through this. It’s just very inspiring, because again, he’s staying true to the music, to the fan experience, making lineups with other like really good artists he’s friends with. It’s just really, it’s really inspiring, because it’s like, okay, one day I’ll get to headline a show, and I get to create the lineup, and like, who I get to create the vibe, I get to curate that night, and it’s cool.
Same with DEV. I was added to the Cervantes Silent Disco outside during her DEVine FEMINE show last fall in 2025. She headlined Cervantes’ other side, and when it was an all-female lineup the whole night, outside and inside. I remember being like, “Wow, there’s only women on the stages.” On both stages, there was a special energy in the air I had never experienced before. It was amazing, and I was like, oh my god, this is so freaking special. I can’t describe the feeling enough of like, wow, this is so inspiring. And she made this lineup, and it’s just so empowering.
So the artists really staying true to their project and the experience they’re creating is inspiring, because that’s exactly what I’m trying to do as well.
All three artists I’ve mentioned have the same mentality of never giving up and stopping at nothing to make their dreams come true while still being very real and genuine people.
seradopa: The Black Box holds a special place in the Denver bass music culture. What does it feel like to step into that space as an artist rather than a fan? Especially now doing it twice!
Evening Bass: I’m literally.. you can see my goosebumps just thinking about it. It’s so special.
Both shows I played had two very different vibes because of the lineup. Another example, so Tesla Nikole was my first show at the Black Box, and it was very like underground bass, a little Wookie, like just really like deep dub kind of vibe, which I totally love.
And then for Choppy Oppy, it was a little different! It was more of that like live electronic music. Josh Teed showed up for a little bit and played, and it was more of that pretty lights fam vibe, both very different vibes, both I loved.
Honestly, just knowing that I got to play on the same stage as like Caspa, Daily Bread, Skream, and Pushloop, like all of these artists that I’ve looked up to, it was really reaffirming. Like okay, I’m doing the right things, I’m on the right path!
seradopa: What’s inspiring you right now that has nothing to do with bass music?
Evening Bass: Inspiring me has nothing to do with bass music? Okay, two things!
One, I’ve really gotten into reality TV. Stay with me! I didn’t get to watch it growing up, and I’ve recently gotten into Bravo shows like Summer House and all of that drama. I don’t know if you’re aware, but it’s inspiring. This might sound dumb, but no matter who these people are, they’re putting their entire lives on TV. I know there are editors, and I know a lot of it isn’t real, but they’re still putting themselves out there and at risk. Everyone’s allowed to have an opinion about them without knowing them, and they just have to deal with that. The premise of reality TV is somewhat real, but I do admire and I’m inspired by the people who seem to genuinely stay true to themselves, even through all the hate comments.
I’ve actually been really inspired by the Giggly Squad podcast with Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo. I found their podcast before I ever watched Summer House, and what I love is how genuine they are. When I finally watched the show, I realized the reality TV versions of them were much more exaggerated, but on the podcast they’re just themselves.
Seeing two people with millions of followers, constant public scrutiny, and so many outside opinions still stay focused on their goals, their creativity, and making the things they care about has been really inspiring to me. It’s a reminder that no matter how much noise exists around you, you can still choose to keep creating and stay true to yourself.
On a completely different note, I’ve also become really good at keeping houseplants alive. Growing up, I killed every plant I owned, but I found one that I genuinely loved, started taking care of it, and watched it thrive. That encouraged me to get more, and now my apartment is full of them.
As silly as it sounds, it’s become a reminder that the energy and intention you put into something really matters. Whether it’s caring for a plant, taking care of my cat, or making music, when you nurture something consistently, you get to watch it grow. That’s been a really reassuring lesson for me, and one I’ve been trying to carry into every part of my life.
seradopa: What do you believe has been changing for the better, and what do you believe still needs to improve within our industry? How can we continue building a more supportive and sustainable electronic music community?
Evening Bass: This is actually one of my favorite questions to ask people.
I think one of the biggest changes has been social media. In a lot of ways, it’s made the industry more democratized. It really does feel like, if you’re putting in the work and approaching it with intention, you’ll eventually start seeing the results. But it’s also a double-edged sword. It’s so easy to compare yourself to everyone else, feel like you’re missing out, or think you’re constantly falling behind. That’s why I think it’s so important to carve out your own space. Once you build your own voice and your own community, no one can take that away from you.
Another change I’ve noticed, and one I’m really happy to see, is how many artists are becoming sober or at least sober curious. I can’t really speak for the younger crowd because I think experimenting is a pretty normal part of that stage of life. It certainly was for me. But I’ve noticed more artists, especially in the bass scene, becoming intentional about their relationship with drinking or smoking, whether that’s taking breaks or giving it up entirely. I think that’s incredible because it brings so much more clarity and intention to what you’re creating.
At the same time, there’s still a darker side to the scene. Sometimes people push themselves too far, or someone else’s choices end up affecting everyone around them. I don’t think that side of nightlife will ever completely disappear. You can’t really have the light without the dark. The important thing is finding the environment that feels healthy for you, staying grounded in your own values, and not letting peer pressure pull you away from what you know is best for yourself. That’s something I’m still learning too.
seradopa: Looking ahead, what excites you most about this next phase of your career?
Evening Bass: Being injured has kept me home for the last 2 and a half months, but it’s also given me something I wouldn’t have had otherwise: time. I’ve been able to spend so much more of it in Ableton, which has honestly been a blessing.
Looking beyond recovery, I have a really big show at the end of the year that I’m working toward. My goal is to finish an EP in time to release it and debut those songs during that set. Having that deadline has been incredibly motivating. I released an EP last December, and it’s been amazing seeing people connect with those tracks while supporting other artists and feeling that support come back around.
Right now, I’m just focused on taking the next step. Maybe that means moving from the first opener to the second opener, or getting booked for slightly bigger shows. I’m trying not to rush to the finish line. It’s easy to dream about Red Rocks, but this year my mindset has shifted from asking, “What do I want?” to asking, “What would my 85-year-old self want me to do?” And I think she’d tell me to post the reel, go to the event, introduce myself to people, and put myself out there. You miss every opportunity you don’t take.
I really believe that the energy you put into your community comes back to you. Whether it’s supporting my friends’ shows, releasing music I’m genuinely proud of, or simply showing up, I trust that it’ll all come back in time. I’m patient.
More than anything, I just want to keep making music and playing shows. I love DJing. Even if I only ever became a Denver DJ, I’d still be incredibly grateful. I was supposed to play three festivals this summer before my injury, but even with that setback, I can feel the momentum building, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
It’s funny because it’s so easy to focus on what’s next that you forget to celebrate where you are. When you asked about Black Box, it reminded me that I actually played Black Box. That’s iconic. I met my neighbor the other day, and she mentioned she was going to see Gorgon City. And I told her I make bass music and had just played Black Box, and saying it out loud made me realize, “Wow… I really did that.” I’m genuinely proud of that moment.
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