As artists continually strive to innovate and push boundaries, Cody Chase has carved out a unique space for himself. Known for his ability to blend melodic elements with deep, driving basslines, Chase’s latest release, ‘The Cat’s Meow’, exemplifies his creative evolution. Released through his own imprint, Chasin’ Records, the track marks a departure from his usual high-energy tech-house style, showcasing a more hypnotic, melodic side. We sat down with Cody to explore the journey behind ‘The Cat’s Meow’, the inspiration that fuelled it, and how he balances the roles of producer, DJ, and label boss.
Hi Cody Chase! How’s it going?
Hey! It’s going great, thanks for asking! Life’s been wild lately in all the best ways. Just balancing music, shows, and being a dad—definitely keeps me on my toes, but I’m loving every second of it. How about you? What’s been going on in your world?
All good over here! To start, can you tell us—what was the initial spark or inspiration behind ‘The Cat’s Meow’?
‘The Cat’s Meow’! I’m stoked you noticed the shift in vibe on that one. So, honestly, the inspiration came from wanting to push my sound in new directions while still staying true to what I love about the underground scene. I was feeling like I needed to create something that would hit differently—more on the melodic side, but still with enough punch to keep it exciting.
I’d been diving into some deeper, melodic Techno during late-night sessions, and that atmosphere just stuck with me. I wanted a track that wasn’t necessarily designed to set a place on fire but instead pulls people into this hypnotic groove, you know? It’s that moment in the set where you slow the energy down just enough to give the crowd a breather before ramping back up again.
Also, I’ve been listening to a lot of artists who blend melody and heavy basslines seamlessly, and I wanted to try something like that while adding my own spin. Plus, the title—it just kind of popped into my head when I was working on it. It’s playful, a little quirky, and felt like the perfect match for the mood of the track.
Can you describe the creative journey from concept to completion for this track?
The journey of ‘The Cat’s Meow’ was definitely a wild ride! It all started when I was messing around with some new synths. I was really drawn to this haunting, melodic lead that had this almost hypnotic pull to it. That set the tone for the whole track—I wanted it to be a bit darker, more atmospheric, but still maintain that groove I love to play with.
I remember getting stuck for a bit trying to figure out how to balance the melody with the energy. I didn’t want the track to drift too far into mellow territory, but I also didn’t want it to be too aggressive. That’s when the bassline really came into play. I dialled in this rolling, almost pulsating bass that sits under the melody and gives it that driving force. It felt like the perfect foundation to build the rest of the track on.
From there, it was about finding that sweet spot between the kick and the rest of the elements. The drums needed to be crisp but not overpowering, just enough to keep the flow steady. I layered in a few percussive elements to give it some texture and keep the momentum going, especially as the track progresses.
The hardest part, though, was probably the arrangement. I kept tweaking it because I wanted the track to unfold in a way that kept listeners hooked without giving everything away too soon. It needed tension and release, that slow build that leads to a subtle drop—more of an emotional payoff than a huge bang. I’m pretty meticulous with how I structure tracks to work in a live setting, so I spent a lot of time on how it would translate in a set.
Once I had the arrangement locked in, I focused on the final mix, really dialling in the EQ to make sure everything was sitting right, especially with the melodic elements and bassline not fighting for space. A few final tweaks, and boom—’The Cat’s Meow’ was born! It was definitely a different process compared to my more high-energy, Tech-House stuff, but it was super refreshing creatively.
The bassline and beats in the track are very distinct—how did you craft them, and what was your approach to balancing the low end?
Crafting the low end on ‘The Cat’s Meow’ was probably one of the most intentional parts of the track. I wanted the bass to have a really deep, almost hypnotic vibe while still packing enough punch to make people move.
I started by designing the bassline with a layered approach. I used a combination of analogue synths and soft synths to get that warm, rolling feel. The main bass is more of a sub-bass, sitting low in the frequency range, giving the track that deep, vibrating energy. To make it stand out, I added a mid-layer bass that has a bit more grit, which helped it cut through the mix and not get lost under the melody. That mid-bass added a bit of texture and groove, so it doesn’t feel like just a straight line under everything—it’s got a pulse.
When it came to balancing the low end, I made sure the kick and bass were playing nice together. I used sidechain compression, but subtly, just enough to duck the bass when the kick hits so they weren’t fighting for space. The kick itself had to be tight and punchy, not too boomy, since I didn’t want it to muddy up the low end. It’s more of a short, snappy kick that complements the rolling bassline without overpowering it.
The real trick was in the EQ. I cut the low mids slightly to avoid any muddiness and gave the sub a little boost around 40–60 Hz to really give it that rumble without overwhelming the mix. I also made sure there was enough space in the higher frequencies so the percussion and melodic elements could breathe.
For the beats, I went with more of a minimalistic approach—keeping them crisp but not overproduced. I wanted them to complement the bass rather than steal the show. I layered some percussion to give it movement, but the focus was always on keeping it tight and rhythmic to match that hypnotic flow.
Ultimately, the balance came from trial and error, listening on different systems to make sure the bass wasn’t overpowering but still driving the track. It’s all about feeling that low-end energy, but making sure it doesn’t cloud everything else.
What message or vibe did you aim to convey through ‘The Cat’s Meow’?
With ‘The Cat’s Meow’, I wanted to create a vibe that felt both mysterious and captivating—almost like you’re getting pulled into a deep, late-night journey. The track’s got this hypnotic groove that keeps things moving, but it’s not trying to overpower you. It’s more like it’s guiding you through a darker, more introspective space.
I was aiming for a balance between intensity and subtlety. It’s not a “hands in the air” type of track, but more one that makes you close your eyes and just lose yourself in the moment. I wanted it to have this sultry, almost seductive energy—something that’s smooth but with an edge, like you don’t quite know where it’s taking you, but you’re down for the ride.
In terms of message, I think it’s about creating a sense of controlled chaos—there’s movement, tension, and release, but it’s not hitting you all at once. It’s that feeling of being in the zone, where the music takes over and everything else fades into the background. ‘The Cat’s Meow’ is meant to be that track that sneaks up on you, pulls you in, and keeps you hooked without being too obvious about it.
Are there any specific synths, plug-ins, or hardware you relied on heavily for this release?
Oh man, I definitely leaned on some of my go-tos for ‘The Cat’s Meow’. Serum was a huge part of the process, no surprise there—it’s such a versatile synth and always delivers when I’m looking for that crisp, clean sound with a ton of depth. For this track, I used Serum mainly for the bass layers. I tweaked a couple of presets, then messed around with the wavetable manipulation to get that rolling, hypnotic feel. The sub-bass came from Serum too, super clean with a bit of saturation to give it more presence.
In terms of plug-ins, FabFilter Pro-Q 3 was my workhorse for EQing—especially in the low end. I also used Soundtoys Decapitator for adding a little grit and warmth to the bass, which really helped it stand out without needing to crank up the volume too much.
So yeah, a mix of my go-to tools but with some extra experimentation to get that melodic techno vibe right!
This release is through your own label, Chasin’ Records. What does it mean to you to put out music under your own imprint?
Releasing ‘The Cat’s Meow’ on my own label, Chasin’ Records, is something really special for me. It’s more than just putting out another track—it’s about having full creative control and the freedom to express myself exactly how I want. When you release on your own imprint, there’s no pressure to fit into anyone else’s vision or mould. I get to take risks, experiment with different sounds, and push the boundaries of what I want to do as an artist.
Chasin’ Records is really an extension of me—it’s where I can showcase not just my work, but also help shine a light on other up-and-coming artists that share that same passion for fresh, innovative sounds. It feels like a way of creating my own little corner in the scene, where the music reflects my journey, my influences, and where I want to take things.
There’s also a sense of accomplishment that comes with building something from the ground up. Running a label is a lot of work, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see a track come to life, from the first kick to the final release. Plus, it lets me connect with listeners on a deeper level because the whole experience—track, label, artwork, vibe—is all part of my personal vision. So, every time I drop something on Chasin’ Records, it’s like planting a flag, saying, “This is me, this is where I’m at right now, and this is what I stand for.”
What were the most rewarding and the most difficult moments during the production and release process?
The most rewarding moment during the production of ‘The Cat’s Meow’ was definitely when everything just clicked—the point where the bassline, melody, and drums all locked together, and I could feel that hypnotic groove I’d been chasing. After spending hours fine-tuning, hitting that sweet spot where the track felt cohesive and alive was such a rush. There’s nothing like that moment when you listen back to the track and know it’s ready to move people. It’s like you can finally see the whole vision come together.
On the release side, one of the biggest highlights was putting it out through Chasin’ Records. Seeing it drop under my own label was a really proud moment—it’s like watching your own project take flight. Getting feedback from fans and seeing it resonate with listeners was the cherry on top. You never know exactly how people are going to react, especially when you experiment with a different vibe, so hearing that people connected with it was super fulfilling.
As for the most difficult part? Definitely balancing the low end was a challenge. With a track like this, where the bass and melody both play such key roles, I spent a lot of time tweaking the mix so they wouldn’t clash. I think I reworked the bassline and kick relationship more times than I can count, just to make sure it had that deep, rolling energy without sacrificing clarity. It was frustrating at times, but in the end, it was totally worth it.
The release process also had its challenges. Running your own label means you’re handling everything—distribution, promotion, artwork, deadlines—so juggling all those tasks can get overwhelming, especially when you’re a perfectionist like me. But honestly, those challenges just make the reward that much sweeter when everything comes together and the track is out there, making its mark.
The breakdown in ‘The Cat’s Meow’ builds a lot of suspense with its risers and textures. How did you approach designing that moment in the track?
The breakdown in ‘The Cat’s Meow’ was one of my favourite parts to create because it’s where the track really shifts gears and takes the listener on a deeper journey. I wanted it to feel like the whole track was holding its breath, building tension without rushing the release. It’s all about creating that suspended moment where you can feel the energy rising, but you’re not quite sure when it’s going to drop.
My approach started with stripping things back. I pulled out most of the heavy elements—kick, bass, and percussion—and focused on the atmosphere. I leaned on a few key textures and pads to create this wide, open space, allowing the melodic elements to breathe and slowly evolve. For that, I used a combination of granular synths and reverb-heavy sounds to give it an ethereal, almost otherworldly feel.
Risers were crucial in building the suspense. I used a mix of white noise sweeps, filtered synth risers, and pitch automation to create layers of tension that build gradually. It’s like you’re pulling everything upwards, but I made sure to stagger them so it feels like they’re weaving together rather than all peaking at the same time. Some risers come in early and fade out, while others stretch right up to the edge of the drop, keeping the listener guessing.
The textures were all about adding subtle details that enhance the anticipation. I love using little effects, like reversed synths and filtered vocals, to give the breakdown more depth and unpredictability. They’re tucked just beneath the surface, so they don’t overpower the main elements but still add to that sense of suspense. And then, there’s that faint percussive ticking or clap—like a heartbeat—that keeps the momentum, almost like a countdown.
For the build-up, I gradually reintroduce elements like the kick and bass, but in a filtered or more minimal way, so it feels like the track is revving up without giving too much away. I really wanted the breakdown to feel like a long inhale, pulling the crowd in before finally letting everything explode back into the groove.
Ultimately, it was about taking my time with the breakdown. I didn’t want to rush the release of tension; instead, I wanted to milk that moment of suspense for all it’s worth, making the drop feel even more satisfying when it finally hits.
You’ve been increasingly blending your roles as a producer, DJ, and label boss. How do these roles influence your creative decisions on tracks like ‘The Cat’s Meow’?
Balancing those roles as a producer, DJ, and label boss has definitely shaped the way I approach tracks like ‘The Cat’s Meow’. Each role gives me a different perspective, and they all kind of feed into one another, helping me make more intentional creative decisions while staying true to my sound.
As a producer, I’m always chasing new sounds and experimenting with different elements, like I did with the more melodic, hypnotic vibe on ‘The Cat’s Meow’. But wearing the DJ hat makes me think about how it’ll actually hit on the dancefloor. I’m constantly asking myself, “How will this track land in a set? Is it going to bring the crowd up, give them a breather, or pull them into something deeper?” That’s why ‘The Cat’s Meow’ has that slow build and suspense—it’s designed to be a moment of tension in a live set, where you shift the energy without completely losing momentum. It’s got that balance where it’s not trying to be a peak-hour banger, but still commands attention.
Then, as a label boss with Chasin’ Records, I’m thinking strategically. It’s about creating a signature sound for the label while also staying aware of trends. I want to push boundaries and introduce something fresh, but I’m also mindful of what’s happening in the scene—what’s hot right now and how I can carve my own lane in that space. This track is more melodic than my usual Tech-House, but that was a conscious decision to show the range of the label and my own artistry. It’s like I’m thinking, “How does this track contribute to the bigger vision of Chasin’ Records? Is it pushing forward while still maintaining my signature?”
There’s also the long-term play: As a label owner, I’m not just thinking about one release—I’m thinking about the trajectory of my career and how each track builds on the last. ‘The Cat’s Meow’ fits into that plan of showing versatility while keeping my sound distinct.
So yeah, each role pushes me to strike that fine balance between following what’s hot and maintaining my own creative identity. It’s about staying relevant without losing the core of what makes my sound unique. When I’m producing, I’m blending all those roles together—making something that works in the club, represents my label, and stands out from the pack.
What can fans expect next from you? Are there any new projects or collaborations on the horizon?
Man, things are really heating up over here! I just got back from a sold-out headline show in Denver, and the energy from the crowd and the vibe of that set totally lit a fire under me in the studio. I’ve been on a roll, cranking out some serious heat—finished four new tracks in just the past two weeks! It’s been one of those creative streaks where everything is just clicking.
On top of that, my release schedule is absolutely packed. I’ve got around seven or eight new releases lined up between now and mid-January, so fans are definitely in for a steady stream of fresh music. There’s a mix of solo tracks and some collaborations that I’m super excited to share—each one has its own flavour, but all with that signature energy and groove that people expect from me.
And on the personal front, life’s about to get even crazier in the best way—I’m expecting my second child, a daughter, in mid-January! So, I’ll likely take a little break from touring to help my wife with the babies and soak in those first moments as a family of four. But, let me tell you, that break is just going to build up my hunger to get back on the road even more. Once the family is settled and ready, I’ll be hitting the stage with a renewed passion and some insane new material.
So yeah, fans can expect a ton of new music in the coming months, a little downtime to focus on family, and then I’ll be back with new shows and fresh tracks when the timing works out. It’s going to be a busy but exciting time, and I’m ready for it!
Cody Chase’s ‘The Cat’s Meow’ represents a bold shift, blending hypnotic melodies with his signature driving basslines, as this release highlights his versatility as a Producer, showcasing his ability to create a track that stands out on the dancefloor while offering something deeper for his listeners. With a packed release schedule and new life changes on the horizon, Cody Chase is gearing up for an exciting next chapter. Whether on the decks, in the studio, or running Chasin’ Records, he continues to push boundaries while staying true to his vision.
Listen and Buy ‘The Cat’s Meow’ Now:
https://www.beatport.com/release/the-cats-meow/4696055
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