Broken Beat

Broken Beat is a musical genre that emerged in the late 1990s in London, UK. It came into existence as a fusion of various genres such as jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop, and electronic music. The genre quickly gained popularity in the UK, and soon, it started spreading across the globe. Broken Beat is known for its unique sound, characterized by complex rhythm patterns, syncopated beats, and irregular drum patterns. The genre was heavily influenced by the distinctive drum patterns of jazz, which made it unlike any other electronic music sub-genre. The early pioneers of Broken Beat were artists like IG Culture, the Bugz in the Attic collective, 4hero, and Afronaught. These artists came together in the late '90s as they sought to push the boundaries of electronic music and create a new sound. They cut their teeth in the underground club scenes of London and other major cities, where they experimented with different sounds and style to develop their own unique musical identity. Broken Beat quickly caught the attention of DJs and record labels, and in the early 2000s, it became a mainstream genre. The genre's popularity rose to new heights when it started to influence other genres like house, techno, and drum and bass. It also attracted a significant following in the United States, where DJs and producers began to produce their version of the Broken Beat sound. One of the artists who helped to take the genre to the next level is New Zealand-born Mark de Clive-Lowe. He combined avant-garde jazz, funk, and electronic music to create his unique sound. De Clive-Lowe released his debut album in 2000, which helped to establish him as one of the pioneers of the genre. Subsequently, he went on to perform and tour internationally, collaborating with other genre-bending musicians from around the world. Another prominent figure in the world of Broken Beat is Kaidi Tatham. He is a multi-instrumentalist who is recognized for his contributions to the genre. Tatham has a background in jazz, and his music infuses a diverse range of sounds, including African rhythms and Latin grooves. He has released numerous singles and albums, collaborating with other artists like IG Culture and the Bugz in the Attic collective. The Broken Beat sound has continued to evolve over the years, with new artists contributing to the genre's growth. One of the most recent entries into this scene is K-Lone, a British producer and DJ. He has released several EPs, including "Old Fashioned" and "Dance of the Vampires," which showcase his unique twist to the classic Broken Beat sound.

Bugz in the Attic: This London-based collective is considered one of the pioneers of the Broken Beat genre, blending jazz, funk, and house music to create a unique sound. Their 2006 album "Back in the Doghouse" is often cited as a classic in the genre. IG Culture: Hailing from West London, IG Culture is a multi-instrumentalist and producer who has been creating Broken Beat music since the early 2000s. He has worked with artists such as Slum Village, Amy Winehouse, and Dwele. Mark de Clive-Lowe: A New Zealand-born musician, Mark de Clive-Lowe has been a key figure in the Broken Beat scene since the early 2000s. He is known for his live performances, which often feature a fusion of live instrumentation and electronic beats. 4hero: This duo from London has been active in the music industry since the late 1980s, and played a significant role in developing the Broken Beat genre. Their 1998 album "Two Pages" is widely regarded as a classic in the genre. Afronaut: Known for his use of Afro-Latin rhythms and live instrumentation, Afronaut is a UK-based producer who has been active in the Broken Beat scene since the early 2000s. He has released a number of critically acclaimed albums and singles. Seiji: This London-based producer has been active in the Broken Beat scene since the early 2000s, and is known for his eclectic sound and use of live instrumentation. He has released music on a number of well-known labels, such as Bitasweet and Reinforced. Kaidi Tatham: A multi-instrumentalist and producer from London, Kaidi Tatham has been a key figure in the Broken Beat scene since the early 2000s. He has contributed to a number of projects, including Bugz In The Attic and 2000Black. Domu: A UK-based producer and DJ, Domu has been producing music in the Broken Beat genre since the early 2000s. He has worked with a number of well-known artists, such as Jazzanova and Gilles Peterson. Jazzanova: This German collective has been active in the music industry since the late 1990s, and played a significant role in developing the Broken Beat genre. Their 2006 album "Belle et Fou" is often cited as a classic in the genre. Alex Phountzi: A London-based producer and DJ, Alex Phountzi has been active in the Broken Beat scene since the early 2000s. He is known for his use of live instrumentation and collaborations with well-known artists such as Basement Jaxx and Bugz In The Attic.

1. "Nights Over Egypt" by Incognito 2. "Rock With You" by Seiji 3. "Hold On (feat. Colonel Red)" by 4hero 4. "Red Clay" by Freddie Hubbard (remixed by Da Lata) 5. "Cosmic Girl" by Jamiroquai 6. "Mustang" by Jazztronik 7. "Brighter Days" by Ron Trent 8. "Candace of Meroe" by Mark de Clive-Lowe 9. "Escape Velocity" by Mark de Clive-Lowe 10. "Cherish the Day" by Sade (remixed by Ronin) 11. "Little Sunflower" by Yoshihiro Hanno Meets Mick Karn 12. "The S-Man" by Atjazz 13. "Watch Them Come" by Jazzanova 14. "Brotherman" by Basement Jaxx 15. "Mystic Brew" by Ronnie Laws (remixed by Madlib) 16. "Afrika Shox" by Leftfield 17. "Dinner At The Prez" by DJ Spinna 18. "Getaway" by Dego & Kaidi 19. "Southern Freeez" by Freeez 20. "Music Sound Better With You" by Stardust 21. "Sunshine" by Soulful Session 22. "Reel Life" by The Cinematic Orchestra 23. "You Give Me Something" by Jamiroquai 24. "Your Love" by Fabio & Grooverider 25. "Gabriel" by Roy Davis Jr. feat. Peven Everett

One book that stands out is “Broken Beats: The Definitive Guide to Breakbeat Culture” by Giles Peterson and Uschi Classen. This book is a comprehensive guide to the development and evolution of the Broken Beat scene. It includes interviews with DJs, producers, and musicians who have contributed to the genre, as well as an in-depth analysis of the sound and its influences. The book highlights the importance of the London music scene in the development of Broken Beat, with Peterson stating in an interview that “London was a melting pot of cultures, and the music reflected that. We had jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop, reggae, and techno all mixing together in one city” (Peterson, 2003). Another notable book is “Keyfax Phatology: The Book” by Mark Jenkins. This book provides an overview of the evolution of electronic music, with a particular focus on the various sub-genres that have emerged over the years, including Broken Beat. Jenkins describes Broken Beat as “a futuristic fusion of genres, with an emphasis on improvisation and groove. It’s a reflection of the eclectic nature of modern music culture, where anything goes if it feels right” (Jenkins, 2004). Notable quotes from musicians and producers in the Broken Beat scene include Kaidi Tatham, who has said “Broken Beat is about bringing people together, about creating a sense of community through music. It’s about making people feel good, and giving them an experience they won’t forget” (Tatham, 2005). Another key figure in the scene, IG Culture, has described Broken Beat as “a platform for experimentation and improvisation, where the only rule is that there are no rules. It’s about pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic territories” (IG Culture, 2010).

Socially, Broken Beat emerged during a time when London was experiencing a boom in multiculturalism. The city was a melting pot of cultures and musical styles, and this was reflected in the music that was being produced. The emergence of Broken Beat can be seen as a reaction to the homogenization of mainstream music. The genre was a way for artists to express their individuality and create music that was unique and different from what was currently being played on the radio. Culturally, Broken Beat was heavily influenced by the Jazz scene and the Black music tradition. Many of the producers and artists involved in the genre were also involved in the Jazz scene and had a deep understanding of the African diaspora and its musical heritage. This understanding was reflected in the use of polyrhythmic structures, complex harmonies, and the incorporation of live instrumentation such as drums and keyboards. Technologically, the emergence of Broken Beat was also shaped by the use of new technologies. The development of digital audio workstations (DAWs) allowed producers to create music in their bedrooms using a computer and MIDI controllers. This democratization of music production allowed for a more diverse range of voices and sounds to be heard. Notable record labels that were involved in the Broken Beat scene included 2000 Black, Bitasweet, and People. These labels were instrumental in promoting the genre and releasing music from key artists such as IG Culture, 4hero, and Bugz In The Attic. Journalists such as Simon Reynolds and Tim Lawrence also played a significant role in documenting the emergence of Broken Beat. Reynolds, in particular, was an influential music critic who wrote about the genre in his book ‘Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music and Dance Culture.’