Cartfish: The Unstoppable Force of UK Bassline

Cartfish is a pioneering DJ and producer who helped define the aggressive, high-energy sound of modern UK bassline. Hailing from Sheffield, England, his 2019 debut album "Pressure Plate" cracked the UK Albums Chart Top 40 and spawned multiple singles that achieved gold certification for streaming figures in the UK.

Early career

Formed as a production duo in 2012 by Liam Cartwright and Marcus Fisher, hence the portmanteau Cartfish, the project began in the vibrant Sheffield underground scene. Their early self-released EPs, like 2014's "Wobble Theory," circulated on niche digital platforms, catching the ear of the respected bass music label Sub-Bass Digital in 2015.

This initial label support provided crucial studio access, allowing them to refine their signature style: a fusion of four-to-the-floor garage rhythms, distorted sub-bass, and catchy, chopped vocal samples. Their relentless output of digital singles built a dedicated following across Northern England's club circuit.

Breakthrough

The breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the single "Bassface," released on the larger UK imprint Bassweight Records. The track became an inescapable anthem in clubs, its viral syncopated bassline driving it to number 22 on the UK Singles Chart and earning a gold certification within six months.

This commercial success set the stage for their debut album. Capitalizing on the momentum, Cartfish signed a one-album deal with a major label subsidiary, leading to the release of "Pressure Plate" in late 2019.

Key tracks

Bassface — This 2018 single was their first chart hit and remains the track most synonymous with the Cartfish name.

Rush Hour — Featuring MC Dimes, this collaborative single from the debut album showcased their ability to blend grime vocals with bassline energy.

Pressure Plate — The title track from their debut album is a masterclass in tension-and-release, defining their album-era sound.

Sheffield Steel — A later single paying homage to their roots, it incorporated classic UK garage elements into their heavier production.

The success of "Pressure Plate" led to high-profile festival slots at Parklife and Creamfields. While the major label deal was not renewed, Cartfish returned to their independent roots, founding their own imprint, Cartridge Records, in 2021. Their subsequent releases, including the 2022 EP "System Error," have maintained a strong presence on the UK Dance Chart.

Notable collaborations have included working with fellow bassline producer TS7 on the track "Selecta" and a remix for drum & bass heavyweight DJ Hazard, demonstrating respect across bass music genres. Their live sets, now performed as a solo act by Liam Cartwright after Marcus Fisher's 2020 departure to pursue solo work, are known for their relentless pace and bassweight power.

Fans of the relentless energy and UK-centric sound of Cartfish should also explore the work of similar artists. TS7 shares a similar approach to crafting club-ready bassline anthems with massive sub-bass. Holy Goof operates in the same high-energy bass and garage sphere, often collaborating with UK vocal talent. Skepsis delivers a darker, more menacing take on the bassline and UK house formula. For a foundational influence, My Nu Leng represents a deeper, more atmospheric side of the UK bass scene that informed Cartfish's early development.

Cartfish's music maintains heavy rotation on specialist bassline and UK garage radio stations, as well as broader electronic dance music shows. Their tracks are staples on online radio streams dedicated to underground UK sounds and are frequently featured in mixes on independent music radio stations focusing on bass music.

You can hear the powerful bassline and garage sounds of Cartfish regularly on the electronic and dance stations featured here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their chart-topping hits and latest underground releases as part of our curated radio rotation.