Effective period / Period of releases: 2015 - 2021

Members: Phil Shore, Josh Bates (3)

Distinct Motive are a half American, half Canadian production duo creating explorative, visceral bass music for the masses. Formed in 2013, Josh Bates and Phil Shore have quickly made a name for themselves with their dark and minimal production style. Paying homage to the early aesthetic of dubstep while building a sound unique unto themselves, the pair have put their respective hometowns of Detroit and Niagara Falls/Toronto on the map in international bass music circles, advocating for the original, dub-influenced side of dubstep to elated audiences across North America.
After releasing their tracks ‘Rattler’, and ‘God’s Eye’, the pair teamed with American vinyl-only imprint BananaStandSound in 2015 to release their track ‘Krome’. Signed to Truth’s appropriately titled Deep Dark and Dangerous label in 2016, the pair premiered their track ‘40hz’, named after the legendary Toronto-based 40hz Soundsystem, to international acclaim. Garnering support from the likes of Noisia, Distance, N-Type, Bukez Finezt, Enigma Dubz and Squarewave, the track received the ultimate seal of approval when it was played by Mala at the Deep Medi Musik 10th Anniversary party. Their most recent vinyl release on Jack Sparrow’s Navy Cut label brings the tracks ‘Cessna Riddim’ and ‘Iron Lung’ to eagerly awaiting fans and DJs alike, further spreading awareness of their unique sound and energy.
Distinct Motive is quickly proving themselves as a force to be reckoned with, inspiring ecstatic energy and movement on dancefloors using their deep selection of original material and exclusive dubplates. They seek to carry the flag of roots-influenced dubstep and explorative bass music further across North America and beyond in the coming year. Close attention should be paid to this cross-border duo as they continue to rise and make a name for themselves in the bass music world.