Heights

Heights“It’s all music, every last sound that surrounds us is arranged with an unfathomable mathematical intelligence”. Statements such as this, and his love of proper, organic nutrition, point to a few causal factors of his heady yet grounded mixing and production style. His shift from detroit techno oriented sounds to a more dub laden regiment some time before the turn of the century lends to what can be expected from one of Heights’ sets … relaxingly energetic, and just as relevant at midnight as at 4am. Born October 1974 to a family with Philadelphian and South Jersey roots, Brian McNasby, AKA, Heights, has dwelled in and around Philadelphia for the entirety of his existence, and says he honestly cannot see himself uprooting any time soon.

“The energy of this city is indescribable yet undeniable, and that force is often replicated in the music produced and played in it”. From elementary school drummer, to bass and rhythm guitar in adolescent hardcore projects, it was an obvious progression to embracing turntablism shortly after introduction to Philadelphia’s budding warehouse party scene in 1992. He’s remained true to this art form since, playing and promoting reggae, dub and house music events in and around the city all the while. In 2006 Heights joined the ranks of Philadelphia based Ital Sound System, where, alongside selector Adam West, he continues to support and promote conscious reggae and heavyweight dub throughout the area. 

In 2013, Heights aligned with long time friend and colleague Rob Paine, of the mighty Worship Recordings. This amalgamation culminated in a 7″ dub release on Portlands coveted ZamZam label, under the moniker Heights & Worship. Extended and 4/4 mixes of the same track, released on Worship Recordings, and a low end masterpiece of a remix for Cologne based producer-drummer, DJ Razoof, rounded out the year quite nicely. 2014 birthed a remix for Thomas Blondet on his Rhythm & Culture label out of DC and a follow up release for Portlands ZamZam just recently signed.

When asked what the future holds for the one called Heights, he said ” Only the future knows, but, be it good or bad, i’m truly excited to find out”. Heights + Worship consist of Ras Heights of Ital Sound System, and Rob Paine of Worship Recordings and Solomonic Sound System fame. Both have deep roots in reggae and electronic music, with decades of combined prowess in production, selecting, engineering & event production. Rob Paine came to worldwide prominence after founding Worship Recordings, quickly becoming one of the leading lights of dub house and dub techno, both as a producer and label boss. Deep Space, Fabric, and key events from Mexico to London to Jamaica and long-running residencies in Philly and DC have cemented his rep as a true visionary and innovator, pushing the sounds of reggae, house, dub and techno together from day one.

 

HEIGHTS RELEASES