Thez, a drum and bass producer and DJ, has been making significant strides in the electronic music scene. His collaboration with A.way on the track Half-Life 3 showcases an innovative approach, blending broken beat sections with straight-beat responses. This structure reflects Thez's commitment to leaving his unique mark and introducing innovation in his compositions, especially through the use of polyrhythmic structures, which he feels are becoming less common in drum and bass.
A notable aspect of Half-Life 3 is the incorporation of elements from the Half-Life video game franchise. Thez and A.way, both fans of Valve games, infused the track with original sounds from the game, including the opening theme from the game's menu as an ambient layer. This creative choice adds a distinctive touch to the production, resonating with fans of both the music and the game series.
Thez and A.way's collaboration deepened when they moved in together in Prague in 2023. This proximity fostered a closer creative process, leading to projects like Half-Life 3 and an educational initiative aimed at aspiring producers. Although Thez currently resides in Prague while developing his own business, and A.way has returned to Slovakia, their time together resulted in several joint tracks set for future release. Post these collaborations, both artists plan to focus on individual projects within the music industry.
Thez's previous work includes the track Heaven’s Gate, which, alongside Half-Life 3, has received support from prominent figures in the drum and bass community, such as Andy C, A.M.C, and Koven. This recognition underscores the impact of their collaborations and the growing influence of Thez in the scene.
Looking ahead, Thez has ambitious plans for 2025, including a larger project that extends beyond single releases, potentially spanning multiple global imprints. Additionally, he is involved in an educational project with A.way, leveraging his extensive experience with hardware to provide valuable insights to upcoming producers. These endeavours highlight Thez's dedication to both his personal artistic growth and the broader drum and bass community.
