Follow The Bass founder Stefan on building a better bass music experience

After more than eight years in Tokyo, Follow The Bass founder Stefan reflects on the work behind the events, difficult experiences that shaped him, and the ideas guiding this new chapter.

In 2014, Stefan founded New Sound For Japan, a project that brought international bass artists to Tokyo. It is now dormant, and Follow The Bass is its spiritual successor. Today, Stefan is based in Da Nang, Vietnam, where he continues to explore bass music and share live DJ sets.

We spoke with Stefan about his early work, what he is bringing into this new chapter, and the kind of music community he hopes to build.

For more on Stefan’s profile and work, see his artist page.

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Interview: founder Stefan on building Follow The Bass

Q1: What was New Sound For Japan?

Stefan: It was the name I used to bring international bass artists to Tokyo between 2014 and 2016. I coordinated with agents and handled flights, visas, artist fees and accommodation, covering many of the costs myself.

In 2016, I worked with Tokyo Bass Music to bring Far Too Loud to Tokyo and co-produce the date. That collaboration remains an important part of my experience. You can read more about the event on the Tokyo Bass Conference page.

Q2: What led you to start Follow The Bass?

Stefan: Some of my experiences in Japan’s event scene were difficult. At times, I felt that the work, time and personal investment I put into events were not fully recognized, and that communication in some collaborations fell short of the openness and respect I value. That left me disappointed and made me reconsider whether to continue.

After putting on several events under New Sound For Japan, I decided to let the project rest. Those experiences were part of what led me to take a step back; with time, I felt ready to return to event production with a new chapter and a clearer focus.

Follow The Bass is a spiritual successor to that earlier project. I want to carry forward what I learned and build events with care for the artists, venues, staff and audiences who make them possible. Rather than define this brand by past disappointments, I want to put trust, clear communication and mutual respect into practice.

Q3: What does “Honor” mean to you?

Stefan: For me, Honor means taking responsibility for what I say and do, communicating openly, and treating people’s time and contributions with respect.

Events work best when everyone understands the plan and can trust one another. I want Follow The Bass to make that a visible part of how we work with artists, venues, staff and partners.

Q4: How will Follow The Bass work with artists and venues?

Stefan: We work with booking companies on artist bookings and coordinate the practical side of bringing an event together, including visas, travel and the venue.

Our approach is to plan for Follow The Bass to carry the event costs—including travel, accommodation and artist fees—rather than asking artists to sell tickets to friends to secure a place on a lineup. If a night runs at a loss, we intend to take responsibility for that risk rather than pass it to the venue or artists.

Q5: What can people expect musically?

Stefan: Follow The Bass focuses on drum and bass, dubstep and trap, with a commitment to powerful sound and carefully considered lineups.

We want to create memorable nights where people can come together around the music and feel welcome as part of the community.

Q6: What are you doing in Da Nang?

Stefan: I’m learning about a new scene from the outside. When there isn’t a venue or a budget, I take a speaker and a controller to the promenade and play there. I stream those sets live on Twitch.

It’s a way to keep sharing music, wherever I am.

Q7: What would you like to say to future audiences and venue partners?

Stefan: I’m excited to build Follow The Bass with people who care about music, thoughtful events and a welcoming atmosphere.

If you’re a venue owner or manager interested in hosting a night, or if you simply love bass music, I’d be glad to hear from you. Let’s create something special together.