Discussion: Exploring the Creation of Half Life 3 with A.way and Thez
In the vibrant world of drum & bass, two rising stars, A.way and Thez, have teamed up to create a unique masterpiece called Half Life 3. Both artists are grateful for the support from big names in the scene but are focusing on maintaining momentum and channeling the attention in a meaningful way.
The collaboration between A.way and Thez has resulted in an educational project and plans for more tracks as a duo. A.way, who won Best Newcomer at the 2024 DNB Awards in Germany, believes that sound design is the biggest draw in modern drum & bass and sees his potential in experimenting with new crossovers and surprises.
The track Half Life 3 incorporates subtle nods to the Half-Life franchise's sound design. A.way and Thez have developed a unique approach for this track, combining broken beat call sections with straight-beat responses. This fusion of rhythmic influences within the drum & bass genre draws on both traditional fast-paced jungle/drum & bass elements and crossover with percussive styles reminiscent of African music.
The broken beat style reflects a departure from rigid straight 4/4 timing, incorporating off-kilter, syncopated drum patterns that create a rhythmic complexity, while straight-beat elements maintain the genre’s dancefloor-driving energy. This approach can be traced back to experimental producers within drum and bass who integrate deep rolling basslines and varied drum programming.
Although the direct origins of A.way and Thez’s techniques on Half Life 3 are not detailed, the wider drum & bass community, including influential producers, have a long history of evolving breakbeat manipulation and bassline interplay. This evolution informs the continued innovation seen in tracks like Half Life 3, where broken beats interplay with conventional straight beats to create both forward momentum and rhythmic variation.
Half Life 3 is set to drop on 14th March 2025 via Evolution Chamber, a label they chose due to their communication with the label team, particularly with James. Meanwhile, A.way is planning to bring unexpected twists to his collaborations this year and is experimenting more with his own vocals. Thez, on the other hand, values innovation and polyrhythmic structures in drum & bass, which he believes are less common in the genre. He is also planning a larger project for the year, potentially to be released on several worldwide imprints.
Aside from their collaboration, A.way is currently working on a Masterclass for producers, while Thez is developing his own business while working on new music with A.way. Thez appreciates every interesting opportunity and enjoys working with the Evolution Chamber team.
With Half Life 3, A.way and Thez have created a track that embodies drum & bass’s heritage of rhythmic experimentation, blending broken and straight beats to achieve its unique sound. The anticipation for its release on 14th March 2025 is palpable, as the drum & bass community eagerly awaits to experience this innovative fusion of rhythm.
[1] Source: Instagram mention of jungle/drum & bass's crossover with African music rhythms [2] Source: Moving Fusion’s Turbulence (2000)
- A.way and Thez, in their educational project and future collaborations, are exploring the intersection of technology and entertainment, using innovative sound design techniques to merge drum & bass with music styles reminiscent of African rhythms.
- Thez, a visionary in the drum & bass scene, values technology's role in progressing the genre, particularly through his interest in polyrhythmic structures and experimental sound design.
