The Opener: username makes footwork that’s as fried as his feed
The Vancouver producer’s new album password 2 flits through ball-knowledge samples and mercurial moods.
Footwork producer and DJ username.
via the artist.
The Opener is The FADER’s short-form profile series of casual conversations with exciting new artists.
Vancouver footwork producer and DJ username has a fried sense of humor, the obvious product of just a little too much time with the Internet.
Consider the title track from his January joint album with Marsh Crane, OVERTIME. Built around a Tiktok viral sample of Millie B, you can’t do anything but laugh at the absurdity — initially anyway. But spend a little time with his heady, hard-hitting dance music, and it quickly becomes apparent that username’s terminally online funny bone is as much a product of endless digital cratedigging as it is algorithmic brainrot.
On password 2, username’s breadth of samples spans grime deep cuts to Lil Uzi Vert loosies to Bryson Tiller album tracks. Across the album’s 32-minute runtime, his moods are equally mercurial: vocals are sped up and slowed down, churned into upbeat four-on-the-floor beats (“CC house”) or glassily layered in evocative chords (“10 on 10”). Even when you can immediately place the source material, the payoff isn’t in memetic recognition, but his endlessly danceable drum patterns.
password 2 is currently available on Bandcamp, YouTube, and SoundCloud. Ahead of the streaming release this Friday, The FADER caught up with username via text message to chat about how the album came together, some of the best memes and websites on his phone, and the last DJ mix that made him jealous.
What do you like about Asian Doll’s music?
I only know that one song lowkey! Angel (auntie) would tweet the freestyle video like once a week — I couldn’t escape it. I usually be flipping shit that the homies are playing.
Talk to me about recording “mg” with shamana.
First of all, shamana is my goat!! He made a lot of kids feel secure in clipping their master. We made that beat like last week, he sent the melody and I went to work.
What’s in the username tour rider?
Weed, grabba, iced chai. I’m easy.
What’s the last thing you wrote in your notes app?
username's Minecraft rendition of xaviersobased's verse on "Impact" by Nettspend.
Tell us about the last DJ mix that made you jealous.
A few months ago I was playing this show in SF and Roshi (queermom) was spinning some crazy SpongeBob edit. At first me and the homies were looking at each other like… nah this isn’t it... and then we just started laughing cause it got so insane.
Best advice you’ve gotten.
Plant your flag first
Worst advice you’ve gotten.
Bad advice is good advice if you don’t listen! Cautionary tale type shit 💯 I once had someone tell me to chill on the humor in my songs. He had a point tho.
Why did you want to flip that M.I.K. track?
I’ve flipped it before with Angel! Someone else got a flip of it too and I told myself I wouldn’t drop it unless mine clears hahahahah. He is absolutely barring out and I feel bro.
What’s the ideal level of fame and why?
Just enough to reach out to people that have uncomfortable levels of fame. Or enough to get a Teenage Engineering sponsorship. Probably synonymous.
What’s something you’re looking forward to?
There’s a chance I might have a song with one of my favorite artists. Hopefully.
Show us the last meme you saved to your phone.
“Try to flex on me whole time I’m proud of you”
Tell us about your favorite tattoo.
Yo Hahahah. I have a neck tattoo. It says “Mercedes”
Name a website more people should know about.
https://techlashed.org/
What’s a song you’d want to remix and why?
I think I’ve done enough remixes for now. I’d love to work with some artists for real honestly.
What’s the best thing you’ve bought for $100 or less?
