Liquid Drum and Bass

Liquid drum and bass, also known as liquid funk, is an electronic subgenre that originated in the United Kingdom during the mid-to-late 1990s. It is characterized by its emphasis on complex, rolling drum patterns and deep, atmospheric basslines. The music is often soulful and melodic, with elements of jazz, funk, and other genres mixed in. One of the pioneers of liquid drum and bass was the London-based duo, Aquasky. They released their debut album, "Desired State," in 1998, which included tracks like "Spectre" and "Shadows." These songs were notable for their fusion of jazz and funk elements with the rolling drum and bass rhythms that were popular in the UK at the time. Another prominent figure in the early days of liquid drum and bass was LTJ Bukem. He was the founder of the record label, Good Looking Records, which became synonymous with the genre. Bukem's music was known for its lush, atmospheric soundscapes, which were created by layering subtle melodies and intricate drum programming. During the early 2000s, liquid drum and bass began to gain popularity outside of the UK. Artists like High Contrast, Calibre, and Logistics emerged, bringing their own interpretations of the genre to audiences around the world. High Contrast's debut album, "True Colors," was released in 2002 and included tracks like "Return of Forever" and "Seven Notes in Black." The album was notable for its use of live instrumentation, including guitar and piano, which helped create a rich, organic sound. Calibre's music, on the other hand, was characterized by its minimalism. He often used only a few elements in his tracks, such as a simple piano melody or a single vocal sample, to create a mood and atmosphere. This approach was evident on his critically acclaimed album, "Second Sun," which was released in 2005. Logistics, the brother of fellow liquid drum and bass artist Nu:Tone, had a more upbeat and energetic sound. His tracks were often characterized by their catchy melodies and driving rhythms, which made them popular with club-goers and festival crowds. His album, "Now More Than Ever," released in 2006, included tracks like "Girl From Mars" and "Slow Motion." By the late 2000s and early 2010s, liquid drum and bass had become a well-established subgenre in its own right. Artists like Bcee, SpectraSoul, and Hybrid Minds continued to push the boundaries of the genre, incorporating elements of hip-hop, soul, and even pop music into their tracks. Bcee's music often featured lush, layered vocals and harmonies, as well as textured soundscapes that evoked a sense of nostalgia and longing. His album, "Lost & Found," released in 2013, included tracks like "Typical Description" and "Looking Glass." SpectraSoul's music, on the other hand, was characterized by its dark, brooding atmosphere. They often used sparse, minimalist drum patterns and deep, hypnotic basslines to create a sense of tension and unease. Their album, "Delay No More," released in 2012, included tracks like "Light in the Dark" and "Sometimes We Lie." Hybrid Minds, a duo consisting of Josh White and Matt Lowe, had a more uplifting and optimistic sound. They often used bright, melodic synth leads and uplifting vocal samples, which helped create a sense of euphoria and positivity. Their album, "Mountains," released in 2013, included tracks like "Drowning in You" and "Meant to Be."

Calibre: A stalwart of the scene, Calibre’s career spans over two decades and he is revered for his soulful and emotive approach to liquid dnb. Known for his attention to detail, his productions feature intricate sound design and a deft touch when it comes to creating melodic hooks. Lenzman: Dutch producer Lenzman’s style is marked by his penchant for classic soul and R&B samples, which he expertly weaves into his drum and bass productions. He is also the head of his own label, The North Quarter, which has released music from rising stars like Redeyes and FD. Alix Perez: Originally known for his experimental and gritty take on drum and bass, Perez has since become one of the leading proponents of liquid dnb. His music often features sparse, minimalist soundscapes that allow the warm, rolling basslines to take center stage. Hybrid Minds: This production duo has become one of the most popular acts in liquid drum and bass, thanks to their knack for crafting uplifting, anthemic tunes that are perfect for festival crowds. Though their music is undeniably catchy, their arrangements are also intricately crafted, featuring layers of lush melodies and vocal samples. Logistics: As the younger brother of Hospital Records co:founder London Elektricity, Logistics has been steeped in the sounds of liquid dnb from a young age. He has forged his own path in the genre, however, with a distinctively euphoric style that incorporates elements of pop and electronica. LSB: Another artist who has built a reputation for his emotive, melancholic take on liquid dnb, LSB’s music often features sweeping pads and understated melodies that tug at the heartstrings. SpectraSoul: This British duo’s sound is characterized by its deep, rolling basslines and intricate percussion patterns. They have become known for their collaborations with vocalists like DRS and Tamara Blessa, which add an extra layer of soulfulness to their tracks. Tokyo Prose: New Zealand producer Tokyo Prose’s music is marked by its understated elegance and attention to detail. His productions often feature intricate drum patterns that provide a bed for lush pads and atmospheric soundscapes. Artificial Intelligence: This long:standing duo has been an integral part of the drum and bass scene since the early 2000s, and their music has been a key influence on the development of liquid dnb. Known for their tight production and melodic hooks, they are a go:to choice for DJs looking for dancefloor:friendly yet musical tunes. S.P.Y: Brazilian:born producer S.P.Y’s music is characterized by its muscular basslines and razor:sharp percussion. His sound has evolved over the years but has consistently maintained a balance between deep, atmospheric soundscapes and more dancefloor:oriented bangers.

1. "Liquid Love" by Logistics 2. "Inside My Soul" by Artificial Intelligence 3. "All I Need" by Lenzman & Submorphics 4. "Sovereign" by Hybrid Minds 5. "Rainbow Falls" by Fred V & Grafix 6. "Shine" by Nu:Logic 7. "I Adore You" by Goldie feat. Ulterior Motive 8. "Breathless" by Technimatic 9. "Afterglow" by Wilkinson 10. "Driftwood" by Calibre 11. "End of the Line" by London Elektricity 12. "Love Has Gone" by Netsky 13. "Walk the Same Lines" by Keeno 14. "Long Way Down" by Maduk feat. Voicians 15. "Everlasting Days" by Nu:Tone feat. Lifford 16. "Giving Up the Ghost" by Etherwood 17. "Hurricane" by Fred V & Grafix 18. "Love & Hate" by Break feat. Diane Charlemagne 19. "Infinite" by Logistics 20. "Emit Remmus" by Alix Perez 21. "Hold On" by Flite 22. "Viewpoint" by SpectraSoul 23. "Memories" by Culture Shock 24. "Empty Promises" by Dawn Wall 25. "Stay" by Technimatic feat. Matt Wilson.

In his book "The Underground Is Massive: How Electronic Dance Music Conquered America," music writer Michaelangelo Matos mentions liquid drum and bass as one of the key subgenres that emerged from the early UK rave scene. He notes that its "lush" soundscapes and "soulful" grooves made it a favorite among fans of both drum and bass and chillout music. Matos also suggests that the success of liquid drum and bass artists and labels, such as Hospital Records and High Contrast, helped to broaden the appeal of drum and bass beyond its core fanbase. Another music writer, Simon Reynolds, has also written about the impact of liquid drum and bass on the wider electronic music scene. In his book "Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music and Dance Culture," Reynolds notes that liquid drum and bass helped to shift the focus of rave culture away from "heads-down" dancing and towards more emotional and contemplative experiences. He cites artists such as LTJ Bukem and Peshay as pioneers of the genre, who helped to bring a new level of musical sophistication to the drum and bass scene. Many musicians and DJs have also praised the sound and versatility of liquid drum and bass. In an interview with Resident Advisor, British producer Etherwood spoke about his approach to creating liquid drum and bass tracks. He emphasized the importance of combining strong melodies and harmonies with intricate drum patterns and sound design, to create a sound that is "emotive and dynamic." Likewise, DJ and producer London Elektricity has described liquid drum and bass as "the most musical form of drum and bass," citing its use of live instrumentation and vocal samples as key elements of its unique sound. Fans of the genre have praised its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, from euphoria to melancholy. Writing on the Drum&BassArena forum, one user described liquid drum and bass as "one of the most beautiful and soulful genres" of electronic music, noting the way it combines "warm, emotional melodies" with "rolling, punchy beats." Another user on the same forum praised the genre for its ability to "convey feelings of nostalgia and longing," citing tracks like Alix Perez's "Forsaken" as examples of its emotive power.

Socially, the genre emerged at a time when electronic music was becoming mainstream and moving away from the underground scene. The rave culture of the 90s played a significant role in the development of Liquid Drum and Bass, and its emergence was also influenced by the socio-economic conditions in the UK at that time. Culturally, the emergence of Liquid Drum and Bass coincided with the rise of the UK club scene, which was becoming more diverse and experimental. The emergence of Jungle in the early 90s had already pushed boundaries with its eclectic mix of sounds, but the emergence of Liquid Drum and Bass paved the way for a more melodic and atmospheric take on drum and bass. Technologically, Liquid Drum and Bass was born out of the advancement in digital music production technology. The introduction of software sequencers and sampling allowed producers to manipulate sounds and create new textures that were not possible with traditional hardware equipment. Producers started experimenting with new sounds and incorporating melodic elements into their compositions, which gave birth to Liquid Drum and Bass. The emergence of Liquid Drum and Bass was also marked by the establishment of notable record labels such as Hospital Records and Good Looking Records. These labels were instrumental in promoting the genre and popularizing it among mainstream audiences. Hospital Records, in particular, has played an essential role in the development of the genre, releasing tracks from artists such as High Contrast and London Elektricity. Journalists and music critics also had a significant role in promoting the genre and shaping its cultural context. The emergence of Liquid Drum and Bass coincided with a shift in music journalism towards online publications, which allowed for more in-depth exploration of genres and subgenres. The likes of Mixmag, Resident Advisor, and DJ Mag started covering the genre and its emerging artists, giving Liquid Drum and Bass more exposure to a global audience. Notable figures within the genre include producers and DJs such as LTJ Bukem, Calibre, High Contrast, London Elektricity, and Logistics. These artists have been instrumental in shaping the sound of Liquid Drum and Bass and popularizing it among wider audiences.