Written and Published by X
When you think about the evolution of an artist, TINK’s story is a perfect example of passion, persistence, and pushing creative boundaries. From humble beginnings DJing house parties in New Jersey to now carving out a distinct space in the world of bass music, TINK’s journey is as much about growth as it is about staying true to his roots. Whether it’s dubstep, experimental bass, or drum & bass, his ability to blend genres and experiment with sound has set him apart as an artist on the rise. As part of this journey, TINK is dropping a new SoundCloud-exclusive remix of Sammy Virji’s “I Guess We’re Not The Same” next Friday, so be sure to stay until the end of the article to give his music a listen ahead of his release next week!
We had the chance to chat with TINK about everything from his early influences to the challenges and triumphs he’s faced along the way. Here’s a deeper dive into the creative mind of an artist who’s just getting started.
How and when did your journey in music begin?
TINK's story in music starts in his childhood years, playing saxophone for his elementary school band, before diving deep into the world of electronic music. “I started listening to electronic music in the summer going into sixth grade,” he recalls. “Mostly progressive house and electro, but then in seventh and eighth grade, I got into dubstep—especially the Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites era.” His connection with the Philly electronic music scene grew throughout high school, attending shows and festivals that would shape his love for live performances. But it wasn’t until the end of eighth grade that TINK picked up DJing, playing at house parties and school dances in his hometown of southern New Jersey.
“I moved to Orlando in 2016 to attend UCF, and that's where things started to really take off,” TINK explains. He quickly integrated himself into the Orlando nightlife, DJing for local events and opening for major touring artists. “By the end of freshman year, I was opening for ticketed shows, which really kick-started my career.”
What inspired you to start producing music?
TINK had already been DJing for years, but it wasn’t until he realized the power of creating original music that his passion took on a whole new direction. “Being active in the scene, I knew that if I wanted to make this a career, I had to start producing,” he says.
“It quickly became my greatest passion. Once I started making my own music, I knew I couldn’t turn back. Now, it's all about honing my craft and pushing forward.”
How has your music evolved over the years?
TINK’s musical journey has been marked by a gradual evolution, mirroring his growing artistic identity. “I started out making heavy dubstep and trap because that was what I was into at the time,” he shares. “But as my taste evolved, so did my production style.” Now, TINK predominantly creates deep dubstep and drum & bass, with plans to release more tracks in those subgenres this year. His willingness to adapt and experiment is one of the driving forces behind his creative process.
What is your first memory of being really passionate about music?
TINK’s passion for music didn’t start with electronic sounds. “I grew up going to a lot of classic rock shows with my family,” he says. “My dad plays guitar and is especially passionate about music, and I love the energy of those shows. Seeing legendary bands like AC/DC, Rush, The Who, and Paul McCartney really sparked something in me and I am incredibly grateful for those experiences in my youth. My mom played violin through her highschool years and my brother is an incredibly talented pianist and singer/songwriter in Nashville”. While TINK’s musical tastes have expanded to include bass-heavy electronic music genres, those early memories of live performances continue to fuel his love for music today.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
TINK’s sound is best described as bass music with deep, aggressive sound design and hard-hitting, punchy drums. “I like to experiment with sound design—there’s a lot of intentional distortion, but I always try to ensure the mixdown stays clean in the final product,” he explains. This balance of raw energy and polished sound is what makes his music stand out.
What sets your music apart from others in the same genre?
TINK believes the uniqueness of his sound design is what gives his music an edge. “Especially in my experimental bass tracks, I focus on creating something original and authentic. I love to experiment and push boundaries with bass design,” he says. This dedication to innovation is what continues to set him apart in a crowded genre.
How do you know when a track is finished? What’s the moment when you feel it’s ready?
TINK admits that this is one of the hardest aspects of producing music. “I struggle with this all the time,” he confesses. “I believe no song is ever truly finished, but I’d rather release something I feel good about than keep tweaking it forever.” His final test before declaring a track done? The car test. “If it smacks in the car, I know it’s ready to go.”
What can your fans expect from you in the near future? Are there any upcoming releases or collaborations we should know about?
TINK’s fans are in for an exciting year ahead. “I have a ton of collaborations in the works—probably too many” he jokes. But he’s committed to delivering them all throughout the year. He’s also preparing for a solo EP, which will likely feature all deep dubstep tracks and be released this summer. “I’m also planning a DnB EP, but I’m not sure when that’ll come out.” Along with new music, TINK will be releasing his first-ever merch and is working on custom visuals to complement his unique sound. And for the first time, he plans to show more of his personality on social media to engage with his fans on a deeper level.
How do you stay innovative within your genre? Are there any specific techniques or sounds you love experimenting with?
Breaking the rules is key to staying innovative, according to TINK. “I love using plugins in ways they’re not intended for, stepping outside my comfort zone with VSTs I’m not familiar with, and always hunting for new free plugins to experiment with,” he shares. “I also like recording original vocals—whether it’s for fills or chants—to make my music feel even more unique.”
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
TINK recalls a standout moment: playing the official Forbidden Kingdom afterparty with Subtronics at The Vanguard in Orlando. “The crowd was packed, and the energy was unreal. It was such an adrenaline-pumping set, and I could feel the crowd feeding off of each other’s energy. It was one of those nights I’ll never forget,” he says.
How would you say your sound has changed since your first release? What sparked that shift?
TINK’s sound has evolved significantly, especially over the past year. “I’m finally starting to find my sound. It just took some time and experimentation to figure out what I truly enjoyed making,” he says. “I’ve also been paying attention to what my audience engages with most, and their feedback has definitely helped shape the direction of my music.” As he grows as an artist, TINK continues to refine his craft, resampling his own work and creating a more cohesive sound.
How do you see your music continuing to evolve in the next 5 years?
Looking ahead, TINK is determined to keep evolving. “I want to work on my songwriting skills and continue improving my mixdowns,” he says. “I’m proud of how far I’ve come with mixing and mastering on my own, but I know there’s always room for growth.” As technology and production software continue to evolve, TINK sees these advancements inspiring him to create even more innovative music.
How do you stay inspired when things get tough? What keeps you going?
When inspiration wanes, TINK finds motivation in the success stories and advice of others. “I listen to my favorite artists, both within and outside of electronic music, and try to recreate sounds as practice. I also love watching interviews, especially from XLNT and Willy Joy’s Back to Back podcast. Hearing others' journeys always teaches me something new”.
If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? What would be your dream show?
For TINK, there are a few dream shows and venues on his list: Rampage Open Air, Lost Lands Music Festival, and Red Rocks. “These festivals and venues are legendary; the crowds and energy at them seem to be unmatched,” he says. Performing at these iconic festivals and venues would be the ultimate fulfillment of his musical journey.
TINK is an artist on a mission to carve out his own unique space within the bass music scene. With a clear vision, an evolving sound, and a relentless passion for growth, the future looks bright for this rising talent. As he continues to release new music, collaborate with other artists, and expand his fanbase, there’s no doubt TINK’s journey will inspire many along the way. Next Friday, TINK is releasing a new remix of Sammy Virji’s “I Guess We’re Not The Same”. In preparation for this, check out the rest of his music below and stay tuned for what’s next as TINK’s journey unfolds.
Get connected, stay updated and listen to TINK through the links below!
Comments