Control Room Aims to Reclaim the Heartbeat of Texas Bass Culture

A visceral new movement has erupted within the Texas electronic music scene with the launch of Control Room - a project determined to reclaim the raw, unfiltered energy of bass culture. Spearheaded by Dessigner Toys, a fast-rising force in the bass community, this series transforms cinematic studio sessions into intimate gatherings that feel more like underground kickbacks than polished video shoots. Born from a desire to capture the raw intensity of the underground, Control Room bridges the gap between the chaotic freedom of the rave floor and the focused artistry of the studio.

Photo Credit: Megan Burch

Rooted in Dallas’s DIY ethos, Control Room emerged from a hunger for genuine connection. The concept solidified when Dessigner Toys decided to channel that energy into something tangible. 

“I came up with the idea because I wanted to bring something exclusive and fresh to Dallas,” he explained. “We already have big venues like SILO and plenty of other large shows, but I wanted to create something more intimate - a space with limited capacity where you have to catch it when it happens.” 

Stepping inside the studio feels less like entering a club and more like wandering into a secret sound experiment. The design prioritizes sonic purity, with massive speakers that seem to breathe as they shake the walls. Every single studio fixture and piece of cabling works to build an experience where the camera serves as just another audience member, silently capturing the potent vibe for those who missed the limited-capacity gathering. 

This hunger for direct connection fuels Control Room’s mission: to champion emerging talent. Dessigner Toys envisions it as a launchpad for artists - many of whom he’s met through touring and performing across the country. “The goal is to build an experience that feels raw, underground, and connected - something that captures the true spirit of the scene,” he declares. 

That spirit also defines the project’s name. “Control” symbolizes presence - artists and fans fully immersed in the moment. While major performance channels like Boiler Room or Cercle showcase global acts in exotic or polished settings, Control Room embraces a grittier approach. The proximity between the performer and the crowd cultivates a rare musical intimacy. That sense of unity cements the essence of what makes Control Room so compelling.

“The whole idea is just to vibe,” he stated. “We want good energy, people having fun, doing their thing, and experiencing the music in a laid-back, genuine way. Every time I looked back, it had that intimate feeling I wanted. Even though I didn’t know most of the people there, it felt like we were all friends at that moment. We just had fun!”

Photo Credit: Megan Burch

The heart of Control Room beats through its creator. Dessigner Toys has built a reputation for his textured, experimental sound design. He aligns with the celebrated Wakaan family while carving his own lane in the underground. “I used to make heavier bass and dubstep, more of that riddim type stuff,” he shared, “but I took a four-year break from electronic music.” 

That pause allowed his sound to evolve. Instead of focusing solely on bass frequencies, he explored other genres like hip-hop, pop, and even country. “I kind of pulled a reverse Kenny Beats move by stepping away to experiment and write all kinds of different music,” he says.

In the past year, he’s performed at Wakaan Music Festival, opened for Star Monster at Dallas’s Green Elephant, supported MPort at The Courtyard in Austin, and co-headlined COBA’s first bass music show. His sound has since evolved into a bass-driven yet melodic blend from his diverse writing experience. 

“I’ve always loved deep, textured bass music and the whole Wakaan-style sound, so it feels like everything finally came full circle. It’s all just been about vibing and making music that feels right.”

Electronic music stands at a cultural crossroads. As major festivals and labels push the genre into mainstream prominence, a countercurrent is forming: a revival of the underground spirit that values intimacy, authenticity, and experimentation. Control Room embodies this philosophy and plans to provide emerging artists a space to grow while staying true to the essence of bass culture.

“The industry always goes through cycles, so artists need to stay true to themselves, keep writing good music, and not lose focus,” Dessigner Toys noted. “Yes, we all have to do the influencer stuff now: TikTok, social media, etc. But at the end of the day, consistency and authenticity matter most. If you stay genuine and keep creating, you’ll find your place and succeed.” 

Looking ahead, the series plans to maintain a bi-weekly rhythm with small, exclusive sessions offering a first-come, first-serve approach. Fans can catch REALEZT and Lucas DiLeo from Austin on November 23rd, followed by SoDef, AYCH, and Dessigner Toys himself on December 4th. As the series expands, it will feature a diverse range of artists from around the world. Grounded in Dallas yet resonating far beyond, Control Room’s raw energy and uncompromised vision will redefine what it means to experience electronic music in its purest form. And there’s more in store.