Drum and Bass

Drum and Bass: The High-Energy World of Fast Beats and Deep Basslines

Drum and Bass (often abbreviated as DnB or D&B) is a genre of electronic dance music known for its fast breakbeats, powerful basslines, and high-energy rhythms. Emerging from the UK rave scene in the early 1990s, drum and bass quickly became a staple of underground dance culture, influencing various other genres like dubstep, jungle, and even mainstream pop. Defined by its breakneck tempo, intricate drum patterns, and deep, rolling basslines, drum and bass creates an adrenaline-fueled soundscape that keeps dancers and listeners hooked.

For fans of electronic music, drum and bass offers a thrilling and intense auditory experience that blends rhythmic complexity with pulsating energy, making it one of the most enduring and dynamic genres in the world of dance music.

What is Drum and Bass?

Drum and bass is characterized by its rapid tempo, typically between 160 and 180 beats per minute (BPM), and its use of breakbeats—syncopated rhythms that break away from the standard 4/4 beat patterns common in house or techno music. The genre often features complex, chopped-up drum loops, heavy sub-bass, and samples drawn from a wide variety of sources, including jazz, reggae, and funk.

The "drum" in drum and bass refers to the fast, syncopated drum patterns, often featuring the iconic "Amen break" (a widely sampled drum break from a 1969 track by The Winstons). The "bass" refers to the deep, resonant basslines that form the foundation of the genre, providing a sense of physicality and driving the music forward.

Key Characteristics of Drum and Bass

Fast Tempo: Drum and bass tracks typically range from 160 to 180 BPM, making the genre one of the fastest in electronic music. This high speed gives the music a sense of urgency and intensity, perfect for high-energy environments like clubs and raves.
Breakbeats: The use of breakbeats, which are syncopated drum patterns often derived from funk or soul music, is a defining characteristic of drum and bass. These beats are usually chopped up and rearranged to create complex, rhythmic patterns that give the genre its signature sound.
Heavy Basslines: Deep, rolling basslines are central to the drum and bass sound. The bass in DnB is often sub-bass, meaning it occupies the lowest frequencies and is felt as much as it is heard, providing a physical presence in the music.
Atmospheric Elements: While drum and bass is known for its fast-paced and energetic nature, many tracks also feature atmospheric pads, ambient soundscapes, or melodic elements that create contrast and depth within the music.
Sampling: Sampling plays a big role in drum and bass production. Producers often draw from a wide range of sources, including jazz, reggae, funk, and even classical music, to create unique textures and sounds.
The Origins of Drum and Bass
Drum and bass emerged in the UK in the early 1990s, evolving out of the jungle music scene, which itself was a fusion of reggae, dub, breakbeat, and hardcore. As jungle music gained popularity in the underground rave scene, producers began experimenting with faster tempos, more complex drum patterns, and deeper basslines, giving birth to what we now recognize as drum and bass.

Key early figures in the genre include artists like Goldie, LTJ Bukem, and Roni Size, who helped shape the sound and push drum and bass into the mainstream in the mid-1990s. Drum and bass was particularly popular in the UK, but its influence soon spread globally, with scenes developing in Europe, North America, and beyond.

Popular Drum and Bass Artists and Tracks

Several artists and producers have played a major role in shaping the drum and bass sound, each contributing their own unique take on the genre. Here are some of the most influential figures in drum and bass, along with a few key tracks:

Goldie: One of the pioneers of drum and bass, Goldie’s debut album "Timeless" (1995) is considered a landmark release in the genre. His track "Inner City Life" blended jungle beats with soulful vocals and orchestral elements, pushing the boundaries of what drum and bass could be.
LTJ Bukem: Known for his atmospheric, jazzy take on drum and bass, LTJ Bukem helped popularize the "intelligent drum and bass" subgenre, which focuses on melodic and ambient elements. Tracks like "Horizons" are iconic in the world of liquid drum and bass.
Roni Size: Roni Size was instrumental in bringing drum and bass into the mainstream. His group Roni Size & Reprazent won the Mercury Prize for their album "New Forms" (1997), which fused live instrumentation with DnB rhythms. Tracks like "Brown Paper Bag" became anthems of the genre.
Andy C: As a DJ and producer, Andy C is one of the most influential figures in drum and bass. Known for his high-energy sets and impeccable mixing, Andy C has helped shape the genre’s evolution over the years. His track "Body Rock" became a major hit in the early 2000s.
Pendulum: An Australian drum and bass group, Pendulum helped popularize the genre globally, blending rock elements with DnB. Their 2005 album "Hold Your Colour" features hits like "Tarantula" and "Slam," which brought a more aggressive, dancefloor-oriented sound to the genre.
Netsky: Known for his melodic and uplifting take on drum and bass, Belgian producer Netsky is a leading figure in the liquid drum and bass scene. Tracks like "Memory Lane" and "Come Alive" showcase his ability to blend emotional melodies with fast-paced DnB beats.

Subgenres of Drum and Bass
Drum and bass is a diverse genre that has evolved into several subgenres, each with its own distinct sound and vibe. Here are some of the key subgenres within DnB:

Liquid Drum and Bass (Liquid DnB): This subgenre is characterized by smooth, melodic sounds, often incorporating jazz, funk, or soul influences. Liquid DnB focuses on creating an atmospheric, chilled-out vibe while maintaining the fast-paced rhythms of drum and bass. Artists like High Contrast, Calibre, and Netsky are well-known for their contributions to this style.
Darkstep: As the name suggests, darkstep is a more aggressive, darker subgenre of drum and bass. It features heavy, distorted basslines and eerie soundscapes, often drawing from industrial or horror-inspired aesthetics. Artists like Technical Itch and Spor are known for their work in this subgenre.
Jump-Up: Jump-up drum and bass is designed for the dancefloor, with an emphasis on catchy, bouncy basslines and energetic beats. This subgenre is less atmospheric and more focused on getting people moving. Artists like DJ Hazard and Macky Gee are known for their jump-up tracks.
Neurofunk: Neurofunk is a subgenre that combines elements of funk and techno with the breakneck speed and intensity of drum and bass. It’s known for its complex sound design, twisted basslines, and futuristic feel. Artists like Noisia and Black Sun Empire are pioneers of neurofunk.
Techstep: This subgenre is a darker, more industrial take on drum and bass, with a focus on robotic, machine-like sounds and dystopian atmospheres. Techstep emerged in the mid-1990s and was heavily influenced by the sci-fi aesthetic of techno music. Artists like Ed Rush & Optical and Konflict are associated with this sound.

Drum and Bass Culture and Influence

Drum and bass has had a significant impact on both the underground and mainstream music scenes, influencing everything from dubstep and trap to hip-hop and pop. The genre’s focus on rhythm and bass has made it a favorite in clubs and raves, where its fast-paced energy keeps dancers engaged for hours.

DnB has also played a key role in the development of DJ culture, with many of the genre’s biggest names gaining fame for their DJ skills and live performances. Drum and bass DJ sets are known for their high-energy mixing, fast transitions, and ability to keep the dancefloor moving.

The genre’s influence extends beyond music, as drum and bass has become associated with a wider cultural movement that includes visual art, fashion, and the rave scene. The genre’s DIY ethos and connection to pirate radio stations helped shape the UK underground music culture, making it a key part of electronic music history.

Drum and Bass on Internet Radio

For fans of drum and bass, internet radio stations dedicated to the genre provide an immersive listening experience. These stations offer a continuous stream of high-energy DnB tracks, ranging from classic jungle tunes to the latest liquid or neurofunk releases. Whether you're looking to discover new artists or revisit timeless classics, internet radio is a great way to dive deep into the world of drum and bass.

Drum and bass is one of the most dynamic and influential genres in electronic music, known for its fast breakbeats, heavy basslines, and wide-ranging subgenres. From the atmospheric sounds of liquid DnB to the aggressive energy of darkstep and neurofunk, the genre offers something for everyone, whether you're a casual listener or a dedicated rave enthusiast.

Tuning into an internet radio station dedicated to drum and bass is the perfect way to explore this high-energy genre, experiencing