Clocking in at anywhere from 160-180 BPM, Drum and Bass (or DnB) is the type of music that’ll have you so euphorically entranced in backbeats and basslines that you might lose all sense of time. But, if you’re anything like me, that tends to happen with music A LOT. Yet, there’s something otherworldly about this sub-genre that was truly ahead of its time when it first took the electronic scene by storm in the early 1990’s, and is now forging ahead, making itself known among the underground and festival goers alike.
Drum and Bass - A Brief History
There have been many genre blends and crossovers throughout the years, but one that fuses some of the best and most dominant genres of the late 80’s & throughout the 90’s is definitely drum and bass. It’s like hip hop & house music made a baby while visiting the UK & left it there to fend for itself. From what i’ve gathered, at least, since it’s been often referred to as the “bastard child of electronic music.” See, drum and bass was never really the “popular” genre spinning at the clubs (relative to Detroit’s house or techno), and it never cared to be, even to this day as it begins to flood club speakers and major music festival lineups.
Although, to say that only hip-hop, rap, techno and house influenced DNB to be where or what it is today, would be far from the truth. In fact, like many genres in the electronic music scene, drum and bass dates back to having influences from the early rave scene, jazz, dancehall, and funk – among many other sounds stemming from the breakbeat hardcore genre dominating the sound waves in the 90’s. Ever the rebel genre, however, DNB evolved from jungle and set itself apart with faster BPM’s, manipulating breakbeats to produce a sound that theorist Kodwo Eshun called “hyper rhythm, posthuman rhythm that’s impossible to play.”
DNB would eventually splinter off into various sub-genres and eventually began to decline in popularity in the early 2000’s, however, the Dons of DNB rose up in the 90’s to forever solidify DNB as a staple in the electronic music world.
Drum and Bass - OG’s
Drum N Bass wouldn't be where it is today without the mention of a few notables from the rise of the genre. Originating in the UK, some of the pioneers were artists like Goldie, known for his golden grin & creating one of the first and most influential DNB record labels to this day: Metalheadz.
But, he definitely wasn’t the only one: Grooverider was another name that helped push Goldie to create the sounds being produced by the label, as well as continued to disseminate the sounds all over the world on major radio stations like BBC Radio 1. As a matter of fact, it was Grooverider and Fabio – both DJ’s from London – who began to make waves and lay down the groundwork for DNB at London’s Heaven Club in the early 90’s.
Thursday nights were called RAGE and initially hosted primarily house music, but later on as Fabio and Grooverider began their Thursday night residency, Rage would take on a completely different vibe—one which would hold a strong and steady 5 year reign.
Drum’n’Bass - New
As the 2000’s made way for other emerging and more popular sounds, DNB began to fade into the underground from whence it came, though that never meant that it died; simply, it was no longer at the forefront of the electronic scene. It wasn’t until artists like Netsky, Sub Focus, Machinedrum, Mat Zo and many others began to refine the sounds to incorporate more modern, synchronized and even melodic elements into the jungle/DNB soundscape.
Most recently, labels like Space Yacht and Jauz’s Bite This have been curating some incredible DNB compilations featuring artists like REAPER, Kumarion, Sorry If It’s Loud and more. Something I was really pleasantly surprised to see was JOYRYDE’s all DNB set at EDC - it was truly so incredible to witness and the energy was unlike anything else I’d experienced.
I am excited to see Drum n Bass continue to lift up and rise in the ranks as more UK sounds begin to infiltrate the electronic dance scene not only in the US, but around the world. How do you feel about DNB? Who are your favorite artists? Let us know in the comments!
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Halloween 2023 Outfit Guide
Halloween is fast approaching, and we all know the best part of this holiday is choosing the ultimate costumes! As ravers, we are no strangers to dressing up, and Halloween is an awesome time to show off our style skills. There are so many directions you can go in when deciding what to be for Halloween, so we’re giving you some suggestions to make your decision a little easier.
Out Of This World
Radiant Reflections Reflective Bra Top
I Need Space Men's Costume Set and Totally Buzzin' Costume Set
Extraterrestrial themes are huge in the rave world, and Halloween is the best excuse to dress up as a sexy alien or a house-loving astronaut. There are also a ton of opportunities for couples and group costumes that fit this theme! Build an alien squad with your friends in the Cosmic Chaos Alien Costume and the Solstice Kiss Holo Set, or explore the unknown in matching astronaut suits. Add some glitter, and you will surely have an out-of-this-world Halloween experience!
Embrace Your Wild Side
Holographic Freak Cowgirl Costume Set
Feeling wild this spooky season? Cowgirl costumes are super cute and perfect for any Halloween event. Embrace your wild side and let loose with a cowboy hat and your best chaps, or make it glam!
The Classics
Pretty Kitty Zip Up Costume Romper
Certain costumes will never go out of style. Classic costumes come back every year because they are timeless. If you’re feeling scary this Halloween, try a holographic skeleton or a seductive devil costume. If you’re going for a flirtier vibe, you can never go wrong with the Team Techno Cheerleader outfit. This fit is a fun take on the basic cheerleader costume! You can make any of the classics your own with glitter, accessories, and other modern twists.
Magic Moment
Have a legendary Halloween dressed as your favorite mythical creature! Fairies, elves and unicorns are not only charming characters, but they are also very trendy right now. These Fractal Fantasy Fairy Wings will transform any outfit into an enchanting fairy ensemble. You could also pair this Rainbow Unicorn Costume with some sparkly fishnets for a dazzling festival look!
Spooky
Ravers love to dress up year-round. But if there's one thing that we don't get to do often, it's bring the spooky vibes with scary costumes around Halloween! This time of year is the perfect time to show off your spooky side, with costumes that are gory, creepy, or all around terrifying.
Drama Queen Bodysuit and Stockings
Crimson Inferno Men's Camp Shirt
No matter what you decide to be this year, you can’t go wrong. As long as you’re feeling like your best self, you’re going to slay this Halloween!