Mt Eden: Pioneers of New Zealand Dubstep

Mt Eden is a New Zealand electronic music duo known for pioneering the melodic, vocal-driven dubstep sound that gained global popularity in the early 2010s. Hailing from Auckland, the group achieved massive online success with their 2009 track "Sierra Leone," which became a viral phenomenon and helped define the genre's early internet era.

Early career

The duo, formed by Jesse Cooper and Harley Rayner in Auckland around 2007, began producing music while still in their teens. They started by crafting and sharing dubstep remixes and original tracks on platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud, quickly building a dedicated online following. Their early work was characterized by heavy basslines paired with ethereal melodies and soulful vocal samples, setting them apart in the burgeoning scene.

Breakthrough

Mt Eden's breakthrough arrived in 2009 with the release of their original composition "Sierra Leone." The track, which famously sampled the song "Still Alive" by Lisa Miskovsky, spread virally through YouTube, amassing tens of millions of views. This online explosion led to a deal with the UK-based dubstep label Ministry of Sound Australia in 2010, which released their debut EP.

Key tracks

Sierra Leone — This viral hit defined the early "YouTube dubstep" sound and propelled Mt Eden to international recognition.

Still Alive — Their popular 2010 EP title track further solidified their signature style of cinematic, melodic bass music.

Beautiful Lies — A 2011 single that showcased the duo's evolution toward more original production and a cleaner, more polished sound.

Oceans — This 2012 track, featuring the vocals of Karina, demonstrated their ability to craft expansive, atmospheric dubstep anthems.

Following their initial success, Mt Eden continued to release music and perform internationally, with their tracks appearing on prominent compilations like the Ministry of Sound "Dubstep" series. While the duo's output slowed in later years, their early catalog remains a touchstone for the melodic dubstep genre. Their influence is cemented by the millions of streams their classic tracks continue to generate on digital platforms.

Fans of Mt Eden's melodic bass style also enjoy the sounds of similar New Zealand electronic acts. ShockOne delivers a similar blend of drum and bass energy with melodic sensibilities. The Upbeats represent the heavier, more technical side of the New Zealand bass music scene. Zomboy explores a more aggressive, festival-oriented style of dubstep that shares rhythmic roots. Flume offers a parallel journey in innovative electronic production from Australia, though with a future bass focus.

The music of Mt Eden maintains a steady presence on electronic and bass music radio stations featured on this website. Their classic tracks are staples on channels dedicated to dubstep's foundational years, while their later productions find airplay on modern bass music streams. Online radio stations specializing in electronic dance music frequently include Mt Eden in rotations celebrating the genre's evolution.

Listeners can explore the influential sound of Mt Eden through the radio stations available on onairium.com. Their pioneering dubstep anthems and melodic bass tracks are regularly featured across our network of electronic music stations, offering a direct channel to this key chapter in dance music history.