By: Anand Harsh

Since The Untz's inception more tha half a decade ago, we've been on the search for genre-bending talent making the bass music we love soar with emotion, talent, and sheer power. One of our favorite producers is Braden Wiggins, a Baltimore-based prodigy who has been changing the melodic dubstep and glitch-hop game since he entered the fray.

Fractal has found a home on wildly popular labels Monstercat, where most of his work has landed, as well as boutique imprints like Gravitas. Furthermore, he has received heaps of praise from one of the foremost audio engineers on the planet, Brian Transeau (a.k.a. BT), and has even gotten to work with him on a few projects.

Wiggins is prolific as ever, recently dropping a brand new album, Gaia, via Monstercat, and continuing to work with some of our favorite acts on new projects (including a surprise collab confirmation). We got a chance to chat with Fractal about what fans can expect from his studio material, as well as when he comes to perform at The Untz Festival in Mariposa, CA from June 2-4, 2016.

A ton of fans are thrilled to find Fractal on The Untz Festival lineup, as many have yet to see your live sets. Can you give us a glimpse of what to expect when you take the stage?

One thing that makes my live sets stand out among others is that I typically play most of my own music. Original sets are more rewarding than just DJ'ing music that I like. I love playing out my latest music and unreleased tracks to get an idea of how they interact with a crowd. I also enjoy playing the parts of each song that people usually skip. I love the idea of a dynamic live show, with lots of different stages and energy levels. It's easy for me to be burned out or overwhelmed by live sets that consist of back-to-back "bangers" without much diversity or breathing room. Being able to close your eyes and melt into a more melodic, intimate section of music in a live setting is an experience I want all of my fans to have. Many people like to DJ party music, but I like to embark on journeys that have more to say than "let's get wasted and party."

On the collaboration tip, please tell me you worked on something with fellow The Untz Festival artist Mr. Bill while he was crashing with you out in Baltimore.

Mr. Bill and I had a few mean music sessions while he was in town. We have a slow-progressing collaboration that I can indeed confirm!

What sounds and styles are inspiring you right now. Is there an artist out there who is changing the game that we should know about?

Funny you ask about my inspirations these days, because a lot of them are playing at your festival! The Untz and I have a very similar taste in music--a good one (laughs). To drop some names, Mr. Bill, Illenium, and Said the Sky are at the top of my list. Innovators of the melodic bass world rarely escape the confines of my radar. I expect this festival to have some of the best music of any event I've ever attended!

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You can catch Fractal, along with some of the best in melodic bass like Mr. Bill, ILLENIUM, Siren, and Said the Sky, and more at The Untz Festival at Mariposa County Fairgrounds in Mariposa, CA from June 2-4, 2016. Visit www.theuntzfestival.com to grab your tickets!