Midweek Mantra Mix 030: CharlestheFirst breathes beats to life with ‘Through the Mist’

Wednesday is humpday, which not only marks the halfway point between the work week and the coveted weekend, but also Conscious Electronic’s Midweek Mantra Mix (M3). We’ve been scouring the web’s most enlightening bass music mixes that align with our vision, to provide “a conscious way to consume dance music.” M3 spotlights both veteran and up-and-coming bass music artists whose music seeks to raise the vibrations of their collective listener base

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California-born producer CharlestheFirst has rapidly risen through the ranks of experimental electronic producers over the past few years. One of Conscious Electronic’s Breakout Acts of 2018, the Lake Tahoe native is known for his innovative style and fearless experimentation while maintaining a soothing, familiar sound. He has impressed fellow producers and legions of fans alike with his dedication to his craft, releasing a ton of breathtaking original music and putting on an incredible live show—all before the age of 25.

Fusing hip-hop, natural sounds recorded from the world, tribal instrumentation, and carefully crafted electronic vibes, CharlestheFirst’s music is hard to categorize, but easy to enjoy. Equally at home on dance floors and forest floors, his elevated sounds are both grounding and transformative. In the past, he’s tended to categorizing his posts on SoundCloud with the hashtag “Storytelling,” and even though there are very few lyrics in his music, the tag seems apt to describe the journeying nature of the music.

His 30-minute mix from late 2016, “Through the Mist,” perfectly encompasses what his artistic expression is about, while embodying the ideals behind the Midweek Mantra Mix. Groovy, gritty and energetic at times, but often relaxing and thoughtful, the stream of music is punctuated with good vibes and danceable moments. A seamless blend of his own tunes, with collaborations included from the likes of ATYYA and CloZee, this half-hour of music leaves a lasting impression even almost three years later.

CharlestheFirst is hot off the release of a new EP, No Dimmer, and is in the process of touring the new record. He seems to have a boundless energy for creating and innovating, and we’re excited to see where his musical journey leads next.