Nearly four decades after stepping away from music, DJ Matrix is reentering the conversation with a perspective shaped far beyond the studio. His new single, “Feel My Bass (Reloaded)” and upcoming June 5th release “Drift Away,” reflect the evolution of his relationship with music.
Before leaving the industry in the mid-1990s, DJ Matrix had already carved out a place within the Miami Bass and Electro scene, creating records that emphasized rhythm, movement, and atmosphere. Tracks like “It’s Time to Rock” and “Feel My Bass” were designed to give listeners a sense of release and escape. That approach was influenced by his upbringing in South Central Los Angeles, where music often served as a source of relief during difficult circumstances.
DJ Matrix’s earliest exposure to music came through his mother, a singer who performed alongside artists such as Marvin Gaye and The O’Jays. Watching rehearsals at home provided an early understanding of musical discipline and structure, even before he began creating his own work. The direction became clearer after seeing Egyptian Lover perform live, an experience that introduced him to a more technical and performance-driven side of music.
Photo Credit: Provided by DJ Matrix
That moment led him toward production, where he began experimenting with drum machines and quickly developed a natural sense for building rhythm-driven tracks. Reflecting on that period, he notes, “That’s when I realized I could move people, and that became the foundation for everything I did.” His focus was never centered on commercial success, but on creating music that could bring people together and shift their energy.
As his career began to gain momentum, external responsibilities altered his path. Military service, along with the need to provide stability for his growing family, made it difficult to continue pursuing a professional music career. Eventually, DJ Matrix decided to step away entirely, selling his equipment and moving into a different career. At the time, it felt like a definitive ending.
In the years that followed, however, his music continued to circulate without him. Through online platforms and dedicated listeners, his earlier work reached new audiences across generations. When he eventually revisited those recordings decades later, he was met with an unexpected level of appreciation. “I had no idea the music was still connecting with people,” he says. “Seeing that response changed how I looked at everything.”
Around the same time, he reconnected with Egyptian Lover, the artist who had originally influenced his entry into music. The timing reinforced a sense that his return was imminent, a broader progression rather than a coincidence.
“Feel My Bass (Reloaded)” is the highly anticipated remake of the iconic original “Feel My Bass” that was used by some of the most popular breakdancers of all time to win competitions all over the world. While, “Drift Away,” set to drop next month, represents the beginning of his next phase. Created through experimentation and completed in a short period, the song incorporates house influences while maintaining the rhythmic foundation that has defined his work.
“When I announced my comeback with ‘Hypnotic' last year, my fan base kind of went nuts,” said Matrix. “But what they asked, more than any other question, was if I intended to do a Feel My Bass remix. I mean, they were literally begging me to remake the song, but I was really hesitant at first because the original was so special. I wasn’t sure I could produce a remake that would be as good, and I didn’t want to disappoint my fans,” he continued. “But I remade it, and I’m extremely happy with what I produced. I really think it’s better than the original!”
Now approaching 60 years old, his return comes at a time when electronic music has expanded into a global, multi-genre landscape. While the environment has changed, his motivation remains consistent. “I feel like I’ve been given another opportunity to do what I love,” he explains. “This time, I have a deeper appreciation for it.”
“Feel My Bass (Reloaded)” is out now:
