Lee Austin Bates, widely recognized by his stage name Must Die!, is a distinguished American electronic musician, DJ, and producer renowned for his significant contributions to the dubstep genre. He rose to prominence with the track "VIPs," a collaboration with Skrillex, which was released under the Owsla label. Since the inception of his career in 2012, Bates has produced a variety of tracks, including "Gem Shards" from his debut album, Death & Magic (2014), which is noted for its combination of atmospheric elements and powerful drops. He has worked with prominent artists such as Zomboy and Skream and has released several EPs, including Forever Digital (2017) and Vampire Weapon: Crimson (2023). Bates’ creative approach continues to challenge conventions, merging dubstep with influences from hard dance and techno, particularly showcased in his recent projects like Crisis Vision (2021) and Feral Fantasy (2022). His diverse sound and distinctive stage presence have established him as a pivotal figure in the electronic music landscape.
