Embarking on a momentous milestone in his illustrious career, the Israel-based DJ and producer Whales, known as Tal Rochman, celebrates a decade of creative brilliance and relentless pursuit of musical excellence. With an awe-inspiring narrative of conquering adversity and a trail of extraordinary achievements, Whales has emerged as a guiding light for countless souls. To commemorate this remarkable milestone, Whales unleashes his long-awaited ‘Fuckin’ EP, a six-track magnum opus that ushers in a new era in his sonic expedition. Brace yourself for a captivating tale of resilience as we dive into the enigmatic world of Whales and immerse ourselves in the sonic landscapes of his latest release.
Whales’ extraordinary odyssey sprouted in his teenage years, where he confronted formidable obstacles such as PTSD, Autism, Tourette’s, OCD, and other trials. However, music became his sanctuary, as he poured his heart into crafting dubstep and bass music under the moniker ‘Sex Whales’ at a tender age of 13. As his allure expanded, Whales made a daring decision to reinvent himself as ‘Whales,’ remaining steadfast to his authentic vision. Through unwavering dedication and an unyielding spirit, Whales has blossomed into an influential figure, standing tall as one of the most successful and inspiring artists in the realm of bass music today.
“When I was 13 years old, I really wanted to start making Dubstep. This led me to creating a project with a focus on bass music called “Sex Whales”. Despite the bizarre name, I had such a strong passion for music that I didn’t have a second thought over the name. Over time, the project gained some attention, and I began to feel embarrassed about having such a name. I worried that people would see me as a childish person and I didn’t want to be known as “this kid Sex Whales”. It was one of the hardest decisions I had to take, because Sex Whales was so popular among so many people, but it had to be done. I felt ashamed with this name and anything to do with it. Nevertheless, I felt that it was necessary to distance myself from the name and everything associated with it. When I turned 18, I decided to rebrand myself as just “Whales.”
– WHALES
Whales’ unparalleled musical prowess and unwavering commitment to his craft have etched his name as a true pioneer within the electronic music genre. His awe-inspiring achievements include chart-topping releases like ‘We Are’ and ‘Dead To Me,’ amassing an astonishing 100 million streams on Spotify alone. Collaborations with iconic artists such as Excision, DJ Diesel (Shaq), Borgore, and Kayzo further solidify Whales’ position as an influential force in the industry. Whales’ journey and triumphs serve as a resounding anthem of inspiration for those grappling with creative or personal hurdles, beautifully showcasing the tenacity required to chase dreams amidst adversity.
The highly-anticipated ‘Fuckin’ EP stands as a testament to Whales’ evolution as an artist and his unrelenting desire to transcend the boundaries of bass music. Embark on a sonic pilgrimage through six meticulously crafted tracks that propel listeners into an electrifying tapestry of pulsating basslines and enrapturing soundscapes. The journey commences with the opening track, ‘Real Lies,’ an audacious display of dynamic production that encapsulates the very essence of bass music. ‘So Ready’ follows suit, commanding attention with its authoritative vocals, thunderous basslines, glitch-infused synth work, and an earth-shattering drop that reverberates within the soul. Drawing inspiration from hip-hop influences, ‘Untouchable’ weaves modulated vocal cuts and a gritty bass drop that leaves an indelible mark on the psyche.
The title track, ‘Fuckin,’ sets the stage for Whales’ idiosyncratic sound, fusing metallic elements, propulsive percussion, and a relentless barrage of intense basslines. ‘Hurt’ takes listeners on a profound introspective expedition, propelled by raw and evocative string riffs that lay the foundation for the remainder of the track. Bringing the EP to a close, ‘Drowning’ strikes a harmonious balance between invigorating basslines and mellifluous tonal structures, crafting an enchanting and captivating sonic vista. Whales’ ‘Fuckin’ EP is a stunning testament to his creative prowess, illuminating meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries within the bass genre.
Whales’ remarkable journey stands as a testament to the resilience and indomitable spirit of the human soul. Conquering the trials posed by Tourette’s syndrome, OCD, Autism, anxiety, and depression, Whales has transcended borders, emerging as one of the most streamed artists hailing from Israel on a global scale. Surpassing a staggering 4 billion streams, he proudly claims the title of the 4th most streamed Israeli artist worldwide. Whales’ triumph serves as a testament to the transformative power of music, igniting hope within those who dare to defy daunting challenges.
“5 years later, I’m 23 years old and able to reflect and to see the full picture. I shouldn’t be ashamed of my name and who I was. I was an autistic 13 year old going for his dream to MAKE BASS MUSIC without thinking for a second about this project and not expecting to have any attention from anyone. Today, I can see the beauty of my journey and how I should not be ashamed to embrace my roots. Crossing over my 10 years of this project, I knew I had to bring some of Sex Whales back to celebrate. and the Whales – Fuckin’ EP was created.”
– WHALES
Whales’ 10-year anniversary signifies a momentous milestone in his illustrious career, casting a radiant spotlight upon a decade marked by resilience, unwavering dedication, and unparalleled creativity. The release of his ‘Fuckin’ EP firmly establishes his position as a trailblazer within the bass music scene, delivering electrifying tracks that shatter boundaries and enrapture listeners. Whales’ story serves as an inspiration for all, urging us to persevere through adversity and fearlessly pursue our dreams. As we embark on this transcendent journey alongside Whales, eagerly anticipating the boundless horizons he is forging within the realm of electronic music, one thing becomes abundantly clear—the future is ablaze with brilliance and excitement.
