FLY on ‘MONSOON’ and the Art of Reading a Crowd

FLY on 'MONSOON' and the Art of Reading a Crowd

FLY’s (@flybassmusic) “MONSOON” arrives as one of the clearest statements yet from the Los Angeles-based bass producer. Released June 26, with a cinematic music video which premiered July 23, the track folds together heavy low-end, hip-hop attitude, sharp sound design, and a release-and-reset dynamic that has already made it a fixture in larger bass sets before its official rollout.

The video pushes that physicality further, building the visual world around a custom rain room installation in Los Angeles. That choice fits the track well. “MONSOON” is not only built for impact; it is built around pressure, atmosphere, contrast, and the satisfaction that comes when a moment finally breaks open. The release also offers a first major look at FLY’s forthcoming EP, placing the track at the front of a larger creative chapter.

The Philosophy of Live Performance

For FLY, the live experience is a study in timing—knowing when to hold back, when to push, and when to let the room dictate the energy. When asked about his role in guiding a crowd, he emphasizes an organic feedback loop. Rather than viewing the audience as a passive target, he sees the performance as a shared space where he responds to the crowd’s engagement, creating a cycle that allows everyone to let loose without the pressure of being perceived.

When unexpected challenges arise during a set, FLY relies on staying grounded. He believes that maintaining one’s own composure is the most effective way to keep the dancefloor steady. Having a few reliable “tricks”—such as specific edits or vocal samples—helps him jumpstart the energy when a room feels like it is losing momentum.

Taste Over Technique

A central theme in FLY’s approach is the primacy of taste over technical perfection. While he acknowledges that technical skill and a well-curated USB are important, he argues that the ability to connect with a crowd emotionally is what truly defines a great DJ. “Taste is by far the most important characteristic,” he notes. “The flow of a set is very important and technical ability is definitely helpful, but at the end of the day the most important thing is that the crowd resonates with the songs.”

This philosophy extends to how he reads the room. Whether playing a club or a festival, FLY adjusts his structure based on the context of the event. He views his sets as a dynamic experience where negative space and moments of calm are just as essential as the high-energy drops. By balancing tension and release, he ensures that the energy remains fresh throughout his performance.

Closing Thoughts

Ultimately, “MONSOON” serves as a perfect microcosm of FLY’s artistic vision. It is a track defined by its force, but also by its restraint. As he moves into his next chapter, it is clear that his success will continue to depend on that delicate balance: the ability to crush a room while maintaining the intuition to know exactly when to wait for the perfect moment to strike.