Los Angeles based James Mantis is an artist who isn’t afraid to blur the lines. In his latest five-track EP Jab Step Pop, Mantis showcases his ability to play with different sounds and textures, executing his desire to create something which is undeniably unique and completely his own. Mantis shares, “I wanted this project to be a mixture of what I could do.”

Jab Step Pop takes inspiration from some of Mantis’ favourite artists including Kid Cudi, Kanye West and Toro y Moi, as well as intertwining his love for experimental music and his other love: sport, particularly basketball (hence the name Jab Step Pop.) Produced by Christian Lum, the EP fuses alt-indie with hints of experimental rock and a rich lashing of hip-hop. Describing this EP as his “first major step out” and a means to find himself sonically, Jab Step Pop is both calming and fully-charged with energy.