You? Doug Steele? Why? HOW?

Okay, so I am a metalhead. Love Thrash, Death Metal, shred guitar, double bass madness, the whole aggression vibe in general. But sometimes, your poor little ears need a break!! You’re a musician, you love Holdsworth, Kylie, Cat Power, Van Halen, Steely Dan, Tower of Power; whatever!!

So, at work (for me it’s a warehouse), I like to listen to music that inspires me to MOVE. I find metal can be too angry at times, and I usually save it for when I’m having a horrible day. And lemme tell you it gets cranked. Marty in the service department brought in his surround sound system, and that’s why he is my personal hero. ha ha..

So..two music genres that uplift (well, three if you count Gypsy Jazz) is Latin Jazz and Drum N Bass. Now, since I’m new to Drum N Bass , I basically went to itunes, grabbed a compilation, found what I liked, and went from there. The one constant with drum n bass will be the BPM’s and the drum beat, but even that can be a touch varied. It’s primary objective is to make you dance your ass off. Some of it’s Jazzy, some glitchy, listen to these tracks I’ve personally selected for you. You can play your guitar over these!!!

I love this here Pendulum album and song down below.

So I do have a criteria that must be met. Mad groove, great vocals, (either sampled or recorded) and a hook, if you will. Jazzy chords / vibes a must unless you have something of equal madness to offer. The dudes I’m into most are DJ Marky, DJ Hazard, Pendulum, Pola & Bryson..There’s really not much more to say than I want to make a Drum N Bass album with heavy guitars and natural sounds. No one’s really doing it the way I envision it being done, so I’ll fucking do it. There’s still lots of room to get wild in this genre…It’s a great genre!! Groove oriented..It makes me really wanna dance, and I am not a good dancer at all, but Man…..GGGAHHHHHHHHHH!!!

If you’re into drum n bass something brutal and you can drop me some cool shit, please, email me: doug.steele@gmail.com

The History of UK Drum and Bass

Introduction

In the early 1990s, something special happened in UK music. From the underground rave scene emerged a revolutionary sound that would forever change the landscape of electronic music. Drum and bass, with its lightning-fast breakbeats and earth-shaking basslines, became more than just a genre—it evolved into a cultural movement that expressed the complex identity of Britain during a time of significant social and technological change. This report explores the rich history, key figures, diverse subgenres, and lasting cultural impact of UK drum and bass.

Origins and Early Development

The history of drum and bass begins during the early 1990s as part of the United Kingdom’s vibrant rave scene. This period saw the formation of a new inner-city soundtrack that fused the last 20 years of Black music and youth culture into something entirely fresh and innovative. Reggae, rare groove, hip-hop, soul, acid house, funk, hardcore, and Detroit techno all melded together in the creative cauldron of UK urban centers.

By 1991, the original acid house free-for-all that had begun in 1988 started to split into distinct sonic camps. While house and techno had already established their identities, hardcore was still evolving rapidly. The dominant EDM sound during this period was breakbeat hardcore, which mixed hip-hop beats with musical samples and pop-culture soundbites. As the tempo increased and more musical elements were incorporated, two distinct directions began to form: the pitched-up vocals and big pianos of happy hardcore, and the heavier, darker sounds that would eventually become known as jungle drum and bass.

Breakbeat hardcore splintered into various factions in the early 1990s. Hardcore jungle (later known simply as jungle) drew heavily on Jamaican musical sources, while darkcore mixed sinister-sounding elements like ominous synth lines into the formula. Jungle eventually rose to prominence, but some artists began moving away from the Jamaican influence and reliance on samples to focus their tracks on smoothly integrated basslines and breakbeats. This evolution led to what became known as drum and bass.

The Criminal Justice Bill of 1994, which targeted illegal raves, inadvertently pushed the scene from fields to clubs, where drum and bass found new ways to incubate and mutate. Several weekly events in London became instrumental in pushing the sound in exciting new directions, including Speed, Movement, and the legendary Metalheadz Sunday Sessions at Blue Note. These venues provided crucial spaces for the genre to develop its identity and for communities to form around the music.

Key Pioneers and Influential Artists

The development of drum and bass was driven by visionary artists who pushed the boundaries of electronic music production. Goldie, born Clifford Joseph Price, stands as perhaps the most iconic figure in the genre’s history. Describing drum and bass as “the bastard child of electronic music,” Goldie revolutionized the scene with his 1995 album “Timeless,” which catapulted the genre into mainstream consciousness. His cinematic approach to production and founding of the influential Metalheadz label helped establish a more sophisticated sound within the genre.

Roni Size made history when his collective Reprazent won the prestigious Mercury Prize in 1997 for the album “New Forms.” This Bristol-based producer brought live instrumentation to drum and bass, incorporating jazz elements and helping establish Bristol as a key city in the UK scene. His technical innovation and musical sophistication demonstrated the genre’s artistic potential beyond the dancefloor.

LTJ Bukem pioneered the atmospheric and intelligent drum and bass subgenre, creating a more sophisticated and musical approach through his jazz-infused melodies and complex drum patterns. His Good Looking Records label became a platform for this more melodic side of the genre, while his “Logical Progression” compilation series defined the atmospheric sound.

Other pivotal figures include Andy C, co-founder of RAM Records and master of the double-drop mixing technique; Dillinja, known as “The King of Bass” for his heavy basslines and technical production skills; Photek, renowned for his intricate drum programming and jazz influences; and High Contrast, who helped pioneer the liquid funk subgenre with his melodic approach.

Groups and collectives also played crucial roles in the genre’s development. Pendulum brought drum and bass to mainstream rock audiences by fusing electronic and rock elements. Chase & Status bridged underground and mainstream success, collaborating with major artists across various genres. The Dutch trio Noisia pushed the boundaries of sound design with their technical production and neurofunk style, while Ed Rush & Optical pioneered the techstep and neurofunk subgenres with their dark, futuristic soundscapes.

Record Labels and Infrastructure

The drum and bass scene was supported by a network of dedicated record labels that helped define and promote different sounds within the genre. Metalheadz, founded by Goldie and Kemistry & Storm in 1994, pioneered the darker, more sophisticated sound of drum and bass and hosted the legendary Sunday Sessions at Blue Note club in London. Hospital Records, founded by Tony Colman (London Elektricity) in 1996, focused on melodic, accessible drum and bass and pioneered the liquid funk subgenre.

RAM Records, founded by Andy C and Ant Miles in 1992, became one of the longest-running and most successful drum and bass labels, eventually being acquired by BMG Rights Management in 2016—a move that brought drum and bass to major label attention. V Recordings, founded by Bryan Gee and Jumpin Jack Frost, championed the soulful side of drum and bass, while LTJ Bukem’s Good Looking Records established the more jazz-influenced side of the genre.

Pirate radio stations were instrumental in the early days, not only broadcasting the music but also providing essential information on illegal raves. As the scene developed, the dubplate culture became intrinsic to jungle and drum and bass. These one-off acetate pressings of tracks allowed DJs to road-test music, creating a quality filter that built momentum and hype before official releases.

Evolution of Subgenres

As drum and bass matured, it diversified into numerous subgenres, each with its own distinct characteristics and cultural associations. Jungle, the genesis of drum and bass, featured raw and vibrant fusion of breakbeats, reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop influences. Its layered percussion and rhythmic complexity reflected the multicultural melting pot from which it was born.

Techstep emerged in the mid-90s as a dark and uncompromising evolution of drum and bass, characterized by cold, metallic drum patterns, deep growling basslines, and dystopian atmospheres. This stripped-away the genre’s early rave euphoria in favor of a more mechanical and sinister aesthetic. From techstep evolved neurofunk in the late 90s, blending dark, mechanical soundscapes with intricate, high-energy basslines and precise sound design.

Liquid funk, emerging in the early 2000s, infused the classic drum and bass structure with smooth funk, soul, and jazz influences. With its melodic focus, soulful vocals, and warm, organic textures, liquid funk offered a more accessible entry point to the wider drum and bass scene. This evolved into the broader liquid drum and bass sound, which emphasized melody, atmosphere, and emotion with modern production techniques.

Jump-up focused on raw energy and infectious grooves, with wobbling, bouncing basslines and punchy drum patterns designed to get crowds moving. Its unpretentious, high-energy rhythms maintained a playful, rowdy charm even as production techniques modernized. Rollers stripped the sound down to essentials—looping break patterns and deep sub-basslines—creating an immersive, trance-like effect on the dancefloor through fluidity and momentum.

More experimental subgenres continued to emerge, including halftime (operating at standard drum and bass tempo but with half-time drum patterns), minimal drum and bass (with a stripped-back approach focusing on essential elements), and atmospheric drum and bass (emphasizing ambient textures and soundscapes). Each subgenre represented not just a variation in sound but often a distinct community and cultural approach to the music.

Cultural Impact and Significance

Drum and bass represents more than just a musical genre; it embodies a significant cultural movement that has shaped British identity and influenced global electronic music. According to academic Steven Quinn, it represents “a metonymic formulation of the long history of race and migration and its (often invisible) effects on the nature of British cultural identity.” The genre speaks to a more productive possibility in the relationship between national and global influences, recognizing circumstances outside the narrow terms of national affiliation.

The genre’s development reflects Britain’s multicultural landscape, particularly in urban centers like London and Bristol. By fusing elements from Jamaican sound system culture, American hip-hop, and European techno, drum and bass created a uniquely British sound that acknowledged its diverse influences. This multicultural foundation allowed the genre to serve as a voice for communities that often felt marginalized in mainstream British society.

Beginning as an underground movement operating through pirate radio stations, independent record labels, and illegal raves, drum and bass fostered a sense of community and resistance against commercial pressures and restrictive legislation. Despite these countercultural origins, the genre eventually gained mainstream acceptance, with artists achieving commercial success and critical acclaim while maintaining artistic integrity.

The drum and bass scene fostered distinctive club cultures and communities through legendary club nights that became important social hubs where diverse groups could unite through shared musical appreciation. The scene developed its own codes, practices, and rituals, from dubplate culture to specific dance styles, creating a rich subcultural identity.

Technologically, the genre has consistently pushed the boundaries of music production techniques. From early sampling and breakbeat manipulation to sophisticated sound design, drum and bass producers have been at the forefront of electronic music innovation, influencing production methods across numerous other genres.

While originating in the UK, drum and bass has spread globally, with significant scenes developing in countries like Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, and across Europe. Each regional scene has adapted the genre to reflect local musical traditions and cultural contexts, demonstrating the flexibility and universal appeal of the drum and bass template.

Modern Era and Continuing Relevance

While drum and bass began receding from the charts in the early 2000s, new releases by artists such as Netsky, Metrik, and Matrix & Futurebound helped bolster the subgenre in the 2010s. A small group of record labels overseen by veteran drum and bass artists, including London Elektricity’s Hospital Records, continued to nurture the scene and introduce new talent.

The genre has demonstrated remarkable longevity and adaptability, continuing to evolve through new subgenres and hybrid forms. Recent years have seen a resurgence of interest, with publications noting a “drum n’ bass Renaissance” occurring in the 2020s and a “rising zoomer affinity” for the genre. This renewed interest demonstrates how the foundational elements of drum and bass—fast breakbeats, deep bass, and energetic rhythms—continue to resonate with new generations.

The influence of drum and bass can be heard in later electronic music styles like dubstep and grime, as well as in mainstream pop and film soundtracks. The technical innovations pioneered by drum and bass producers have become standard techniques across electronic music production, while the genre’s approach to rhythm and bass has influenced musicians far beyond electronic music.

Conclusion

From its origins in the UK rave scene of the early 1990s to its current global presence, drum and bass has maintained its position as one of the most innovative and influential electronic music genres. Its journey from underground phenomenon to cultural institution reflects broader narratives about British identity, multiculturalism, technological innovation, and youth culture.

The genre’s ability to constantly reinvent itself while maintaining its core characteristics—breakneck breakbeats, powerful bass, and energetic rhythms—has ensured its survival through changing musical trends. As drum and bass continues to evolve and inspire new generations of producers and listeners, its place in the history of electronic music and British cultural identity remains secure.

What began as the “bastard child” of electronic music, in Goldie’s memorable phrase, has matured into a sophisticated and diverse musical ecosystem that continues to thrive more than three decades after its inception. The rumble in the jungle shows no signs of fading away.