Artist Spotlight: HERATIKS

AudioWave Records
Jan 28
4 min read

Rising fast from the South West of England, HERATIKS are a UK-based duo carving out their own lane in club culture with groove-led, bass-heavy dance music built for real dancefloors. Blending tech house drive, bass house weight, and garage swing, their sound is rooted in movement, connection, and pure energy — the kind that makes people stop mid-dance to Shazam a track.

Made up of James and Justin, HERATIKS are the product of years spent deep in music — live bands, touring, DJ booths, studios, and dancefloors — finally converging into a project that feels deliberate, focused, and ready.

How It All Started

James’ musical foundations were laid early. Raised on the sounds of Electric Light Orchestra, Mike Oldfield, and Leftfield, rhythm and left-of-centre music were always present. He picked up guitar at 12, played in bands, and headed to Leeds to study music tech — only to quickly realise classrooms weren’t for him. Dropping out led to freelance sound engineering, touring with Vision To Kill, and later working on the road with The Hoosiers as a stage and guitar tech — occasionally stepping on stage himself during their peak years.

The pivot to electronic music came after witnessing deadmau5 at Glastonbury. That moment planted the seed.

Justin’s path started in club culture. Hearing Judge Jules on BBC Radio 1, broadcasting straight from Ibiza, sparked the initial obsession. Seeing him live at Koolwaters in Taunton sealed it. DJing from 15, Justin later studied production at university, where Andy Williams of K-Klass became a pivotal influence. Alongside a deep love of reggae, dub, roots, dubstep, and garage, Justin ran the RUBBADUBDUB brand across Taunton and Bristol, even playing dates in California — before stepping back when his daughter was born.

HERATIKS is where those two lifetimes of experience finally lock in.

Inside the Creative Process

Despite running separate studios — Justin in Bridgwater, James in Weston-super-Mare — the workflow is constant and collaborative.

Most tracks begin with a vocal idea, followed by a tight drum groove and techy, garage-influenced percussion. Basslines are sculpted, destroyed, rebuilt, and looped relentlessly until they slap. From there, vocal chops, hooks, and ear candy are added with precision. Some tracks come together fast; others take weeks of micro-tweaks.

When it comes to DJ sets, HERATIKS strike a balance between preparation and instinct. They mix in key for smooth energy, but crowd-reading always comes first. Armed with exclusives, promos, bootlegs, and unreleased originals, they’re not afraid to flip direction mid-set if the room demands it.

Breakthrough Moments

The track that truly announced HERATIKS to the wider world was “Drop Tha Spot.” Their debut original hit #10 on the Spinnin’ Records Talent Pool, led to a signing with dt weapons (an imprint of Data Transmission), earned BBC Introducing airplay, and connected globally almost immediately.

In just five months, the track was streamed across 43 countries — reaching nearly a quarter of the world — landing in playlists spanning dance, gaming, and fitness, each with thousands of followers. For a first release, it was a statement.

Justin also points to their remix of The Blessed Madonna & Kylie Minogue as a defining moment. Originally a competition entry, it went on to receive international support — from Miami Music Week to après-ski parties in the Alps and club play in Ibiza — proving they could flip pop-leaning material into peak-time club weapons.

The latest milestone? Being personally invited to remix the 90s dance anthem “Read My Lips” by Alex Party. The HERATIKS Remix, featuring original vocalist Shanie alongside Charlie Big and Lizzie Curious, drops 6th February 2026 — a surreal full-circle moment sparked by the success of “Drop Tha Spot.”

Sound & Influences

HERATIKS describe their sound simply: Bass Tech.

It’s tech house energy with bass house weight, garage swing in the hats, and grooves designed to make bodies move. Not speed garage. Not bassline. Not pigeonholed.

Influences include Fatboy Slim for energy and longevity, Carl Cox for presence, Joris Voorn for deep technical layering, Eats Everything for fearless fun, and AC Slater, whose Night Bass sound remains a dream destination.

Standout Live Moments

From the chaos of Ministry of Sound’s iconic 103 Room, to packed-out intimate venues where they’ve been rushed straight from the door to the decks, HERATIKS thrive in live environments.

One unforgettable moment saw them walk into a sold-out venue in Tooting minutes before their set, get handed a pint, plug in a USB, and be told: “SEND IT.” They did — and the room erupted.

James also cites hearing the Rave Horn live on Grahame Farmer’s YouTube stream and their very first gig at Sugarshakers in Bridgwater, where they dropped an unreleased original and proudly announced, “This is ours.”

What’s Next

2026 is already stacked.

“Read My Lips” (HERATIKS Remix) – out 6 Feb 2026
Koolwaters Reunion at Labyrinth, Taunton (Good Friday)
Immunity Festival, Honiton (July)
New originals including “Phat Bass”, “Hands Up High”, plus bootlegs and collaborations
Official management now handled by Shakers Music Group

With Steph Wickens overseeing bookings and momentum accelerating, HERATIKS are laser-focused on output, consistency, and letting the music do the talking.