Drum and Bass

Drum and Bass, or simply D&B, is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the mid-1990s in the United Kingdom. It is a sophisticated and complex form of music that combines elements of various genres, such as reggae, funk, hip hop, jazz, and techno. The origin of D&B can be traced back to the early 1990s, when a group of producers and DJs in the UK started experimenting with jungle music, which was a fusion of reggae and hip hop. Jungle music emphasized heavy, fast-paced percussion using samples and breakbeats. As these producers and DJs started to incorporate more elements of techno and house music, a new subgenre of jungle emerged. This subgenre came to be known as Drum and Bass, or simply D&B. The first D&B tracks were produced by DJs such as Goldie, Roni Size, LTJ Bukem, and Fabio. These producers experimented with breakbeats, sampling, and synthesisers to create a unique and distinctive sound. One of the defining features of D&B is the use of the 'breakbeat', which is a rhythmic pattern that is created by sampling and looping a short section of a drumbeat. D&B quickly became popular in the UK, especially in the underground music scene. The fast-paced, high-energy music appealed to a new generation of clubbers, who were looking for something different from the more mainstream genres of dance music. In the mid-1990s, D&B started to gain mainstream recognition, with tracks such as Goldie's "Timeless" and Roni Size's "New Forms" winning critical acclaim and chart success. As its popularity grew, D&B started to evolve and diversify, with artists adding new elements such as live instrumentation, vocals, and ambient sounds. Over the years, D&B has split into many sub-genres such as Liquid, Neurofunk, and Jump Up, with each style having its own distinct sound and characteristics. Liquid D&B is a more melodic and uplifting style characterized by rolling basslines and atmospheric synths. Neurofunk is a darker, more abrasive sub-genre with hard-hitting drums and basslines. Jump Up is a more fun upbeat style with more emphasis on catchy hooks and vocals. Today, D&B continues to be a major force in the electronic music scene, with a loyal following worldwide. It has influenced many other genres such as bassline, grime and dubstep to name a few. Its complex, intricate rhythms and basslines, along with its fusion of various genres, have made it one of the most exciting and innovative genres of electronic music.

Andy C: One of the most recognizable figures in drum and bass, Andy C has been involved in the scene since the 1990s. He is the co-founder of RAM Records and has released numerous successful tracks and albums. Known for his high-energy mixing style and technical skill, Andy C has become a legend in the drum and bass world. Noisia: The Dutch trio Noisia has been a fixture in the drum and bass scene since the early 2000s. They are known for their intense and complex sound design, and their music often incorporates elements of other genres such as hip hop and dubstep. Noisia has released several well-received albums and collaborations with other artists. Calyx & TeeBee: The duo of Calyx & TeeBee are known for their hard-hitting, energetic drum and bass tracks. They have released several successful albums and EPs, and their tracks are often played at festivals and clubs around the world. Chase & Status: The UK duo Chase & Status have become one of the most successful acts in drum and bass. Their music incorporates elements of dubstep, reggae, and hip hop, and they have worked with highly-regarded vocalists such as Plan B and Rihanna. They have released several successful albums and continue to tour extensively. High Contrast: The British producer High Contrast has been involved in the drum and bass scene since the early 2000s. He is known for his uplifting, melodic tracks and has released several albums that have been well-received by fans and critics alike. DJ Hype: One of the pioneers of the drum and bass sound, DJ Hype has been involved in the scene since the 1990s. He has released numerous tracks and mixes, and has become a highly-respected figure in the drum and bass world. Alix Perez: The Belgian producer Alix Perez is known for his unique take on drum and bass. His music often incorporates elements of soul and funk, and he has released several well-received albums and collaborations with other artists. Ed Rush & Optical: The British duo of Ed Rush & Optical are known for their hard-hitting, dark take on drum and bass. They have released several successful albums and are considered to be some of the most influential figures in the genre. LTJ Bukem: The British DJ and producer LTJ Bukem has been involved in the drum and bass scene since the early days. He is known for his atmospheric, jazzy tracks and has released several albums and mixtapes that have become classics in the genre. Pendulum: The Australian band Pendulum started as a drum and bass act, but later incorporated elements of rock and electronic music into their sound. They released several successful albums in the 2000s and have become one of the most popular drum and bass acts of all time.

1. Goldie - Inner City Life 2. LTJ Bukem - Atlantis 3. Roni Size & Reprazent - Brown Paper Bag 4. Pendulum - Slam 5. Bad Company UK - The Nine 6. Noisia - Diplodocus 7. Andy C & Shimon - Body Rock 8. Shy FX & T Power - Shake Ur Body 9. Chase & Status - Blind Faith 10. DJ Zinc - Super Sharp Shooter 11. Commix - Be True 12. Calibre - Even If 13. Ed Rush & Optical - Wormhole 14. High Contrast - If We Ever 15. Sub Focus - Rock It 16. Photek - Ni-Ten-Ichi-Ryu 17. Concord Dawn - Morning Light 18. DJ Hype - Pum Pum Must Smoke Ganja 19. Alix Perez - Annie's Song 20. Logistics - Together 21. Commix - How You Gonna Feel 22. Klute - Hell Hath No Fury 23. Break - Anything For You 24. Ivy Lab - Twenty Questions 25. Digital - Deadline.

In his book “Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music and Culture,” UK music journalist Simon Reynolds highlights the importance of the breakbeat in the creation of Drum and Bass: “Drum and Bass recycles the old hip-hop strategy of taking the break out of the mix and spotlighting it, making the rhythm the lead. This is the essence of the genre.” Music producer and DJ Goldie, one of Drum and Bass’s pioneers, has also been vocal about the origins and evolution of the genre. In his book “All Things Remembered,” he writes: “Drum and Bass is the most futuristic music there is. It has come from a time when everything was changing, and you could feel the energy of that change. It's a music that reflects that. It's got a restlessness, an excitement, that's unique.” Legendary producer and DJ Roni Size, who won the Mercury Prize for his album “New Forms” in 1997, has also talked extensively about Drum and Bass music. In an interview with FACT Magazine, he said: “Drum and Bass is a language. It's a dialect of music from the UK. It's synonymous with UK culture, its music, it’s genres and everything else that comes with that.” Drum and Bass’s impact on the global music scene has also been the subject of much discussion. In his book “Bass Culture: When Reggae Was King,” journalist Lloyd Bradley writes: “Drum and Bass takes a little piece of what's happening now and throws it into the future. It's that mix of cutting edge technology and an open, anything goes spirit that made it so popular.” In addition to these influential figures, many fans and critics have also shared their thoughts on the genre. One hardcore Drum and Bass fan wrote in an online forum: “It’s just the energy and the vibe that keeps me coming back. There's nothing like being in a room full of people all feeling the same thing, moving to the same beat.” Another fan writes: “Drum and Bass is like a journey. You never know where it's going to take you. The drops are unexpected, the rhythms are complex, and you never know what's going to come next. That's what makes it so exciting.” Some critics have been more critical of the genre, however. In a review of the album “New Forms,” Pitchfork’s Mark Richardson wrote: “Drum and Bass is essentially dance music on steroids, with frenetic drum patterns and a percolating bass line that can be overwhelming in large doses. It has its moments, but it's a limited and repetitive genre.”

In the social context, D&B developed during a time when the UK was experiencing an era of radical change. The Thatcherite policies of the 1980s had led to a significant recession in the country, which made it difficult for young people to find employment. The rave scene provided a form of escapism, with the rapid BPMs and hypnotic rhythms of the music becoming an integral part of the party atmosphere. The popularity of D&B can also be traced to Black British communities looking for a platform to express themselves and celebrate their cultural heritage. D&B became a way to challenge the traditional UK music industry, which was predominantly white and catered to middle-class tastes. One of the most significant cultural influences on the rise of the D&B genre was the pirate radio scene, which started in the late 1980s, giving a voice to Black and ethnic minority communities that were otherwise marginalized. Pirate radio stations were a platform for DJs and MCs, with the music they played being a mix of reggae, soul, and hip hop. These DJs were the pioneers of jungle music, playing BPMs of 160-180, which created a sound that was percussive and infectious. The pirate radio stations created a sense of community among the youth, and it was during one of these broadcasts that D&B made its first appearance. The emergence of D&B, like many music genres, was also heavily influenced by technological advancements. One of the most notable technological advancements was the shift from analog to digital production, which gave producers more freedom and flexibility with their music creation. The development of drum machines, samplers, and synthesizers allowed producers to create the unique sounds that made D&B stand out from other music genres. Innovations like the Akai MPC, which allowed producers to create beats on the fly, made the production process more efficient, leading to more experimentation and a wider range of sounds. The development of the internet also allowed D&B to spread beyond the UK, with fans worldwide sharing and promoting the music through online forums and file-sharing networks. Several record labels played a significant role in the development and popularization of D&B. A prominent example was Goldie's Metalheadz, which became one of the most influential labels in the genre, releasing music from artists such as dBridge, Commix and Lenzman. Another notable label was Ram Records, founded by RAM Trilogy, releasing music that helps highlight the hard-hitting, energetic side of the genre. Other labels that played an instrumental role in the genre's development include Renegade Hardware, Hospital Records and V Recordings. Furthermore, journalists and critics played a crucial role in promoting D&B. Through reviews, interviews and features, they helped to showcase the scope of D&B music and bring it to a wider audience. Some of these figures helped popularize the genre, including the likes of Simon Reynolds, who documented the evolution of electronic music from the 1980s onward, and Jane Fitz, a renowned DJ who paved the way for female DJs’ presence in a male-dominated industry.