Distal

Distal (Michael J. West) is a pivotal figure in the American 'purple' and post-dubstep movements, emerging from Atlanta, Georgia.

His sound identity is defined by a high-definition, surgical approach to bass music that incorporates elements of juke, footwork, and techno. His early career was marked by significant validation from the UK scene, notably appearing on Soul Jazz Records' 'Box of Dub' series alongside legends like Mala and Coki, a rare feat for a US producer at the time. As the founder of Embassy Recordings, he has acted as a bridge between regional US styles and global electronic trends. His work often explores sci-fi themes and 'Android Tourism,' utilizing complex syncopation and a clean, digital aesthetic that avoids the grit of traditional dubstep in favor of a more polished, futuristic sheen. Critical consensus highlights his technical proficiency and his role in diversifying the rhythmic vocabulary of the bass scene during the early 2010s.