The Ultimate Guide to Drum and Bass Music: From Subgenres to Iconic Artists

With its energetic beats, the drum and bass music is getting popular day by day. The fast-paced rhythm and bass-heavy sound have made it a favorite among music enthusiasts.

However, with so many subgenres and iconic artists in the genre, it can be overwhelming for newcomers to navigate through the world of Drum and Bass. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate guide to Drum and Bass music, covering everything from the roots of the genre to the most influential artists and subgenres. Get ready to dive into the world of Drum and Bass and explore the sounds that have captivated audiences worldwide.

Origin of Drum and Bass Music

If someone ever took time to research on drum and bass music they probably know that it’s closely related to the jungle music. The later was much popular in the late 1980s but its continued evolution gave rise to drum and bass music in the early 1990s. The unique tracks were originally played in the UK. The primary focus of drum and bass was syncopated rhythms and the exceptionally deep basslines. The two were among the many features of jungle music that also featured speedy break beats and melodious vocal samples.

In the early days, this great genre were identified by the inclusion of highly looped and speedy break beats. This feature gave this music a high-energy and hence making it perfect for dance enthusiasts. Drum and bass music witnessed more instrumentation which gave it more diverse sound and greater popularity among fans.

Drum and Bass Artists and their Contributions to the Genre

The genre has become a favorite among various fans and artists are also investing heavily in it. Amazingly, the genre has produced some of the most influential artists in the EDM industry. Here are some of the most popular drum and bass artists:

Drum and bass music has produced some of the most influential and innovative artists in electronic dance music history. Here are just a few of the iconic artists who have helped shape the sound of drum and bass over the years:

Pendulum – Pendulum is an Australian drum and bass band that was formed in 2002. They’re known for their unique blend of drum and bass, rock, and electronic music, which has helped to popularize the genre among mainstream audiences. Pendulum’s music is characterized by its use of live instrumentation, anthemic hooks, and catchy vocal samples.

Goldie – Goldie is a British DJ and producer who is often credited with helping to popularize drum and bass music in the UK. He’s best known for his 1995 album “Timeless,” which is widely regarded as a classic of the genre. Goldie’s music is characterized by its use of sweeping orchestral samples, complex rhythms, and deep basslines.

Noisia – Noisia is a Dutch trio of producers who are known for their cutting-edge take on neurofunk. They’re best known for their intricate sound design, which often uses elements of glitch, IDM, and dubstep. Noisia’s music is characterized by its use of heavy basslines, complex rhythms, and futuristic sound effects.

LTJ Bukem – LTJ Bukem is a British DJ and producer who is known for his smooth and melodic take on drum and bass music. He’s best known for his label Good Looking Records, which was instrumental in the development of the liquid funk subgenre. LTJ Bukem’s music is characterized by its use of jazzy chord progressions, lush pads, and soulful vocals.

Drum and Bass Sub-categories

Drum and bass music has evolved into many different subgenres over the years, each with its own unique sound and style. Some of the most popular subcategories of drum and bass include:

Jump-Up

This is a subgenre of drum and bass that’s characterized by its high-energy, party-friendly sound. It’s often seen as a more accessible and mainstream style of drum and bass, with its use of catchy hooks and anthemic samples. Jump-up is popular among fans who appreciate its fun and playful vibe, and it’s often seen as a good introduction to the genre for newcomers.

Liquid Funk

This is another subgenre of drum and bass that features a more melodic and soulful sound. It’s characterized by its use of lush pads, smooth basslines, and jazzy chord progressions. Liquid funk is often seen as a more relaxed and laid-back style of drum and bass, and it’s popular among fans who appreciate its uplifting and positive vibe.

Techstep

The techstep subgenre focuses on dark, futuristic soundscapes and hard-hitting rhythms. It’s characterized by its use of metallic percussion, jagged basslines, and sci-fi-inspired sound effects. Techstep is often seen as a more complex and challenging style of drum and bass, and it’s popular among fans who appreciate its forward-thinking and innovative sound.

How to Produce Drum and Bass Music

Producing drum and bass music can be a challenging and rewarding experience. Here are some tips for getting started:

• Learn the basics of music production: Before you start producing drum and bass music, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the basics of music production. This includes topics such as sound design, mixing, and mastering.
• Choose the right software: There are many different software options available for producing drum and bass music, from Ableton Live to FL Studio. It’s important to choose a software that you feel comfortable with and that has the features you need.
• Experiment with different drum and bass subgenres: Drum and bass is a diverse genre with many different subgenres to explore. Experimenting multiple subcategories helps you find a unique sound and style.
• Collaborate with other experienced producers: Collaborating with other producers can be a great way to learn new techniques and get feedback on your music. Look for opportunities to connect with other producers online or in person.

What We Expect in Drum and Bass Music

Drum and bass music continues to evolve and push the boundaries of electronic dance music. As new technologies and production techniques emerge, it’s likely that the genre will continue to expand and diversify. However, the roots of the genre in jungle and early rave music will likely remain a key influence, and many artists will continue to draw inspiration from this rich musical history.

In future we expect to see more and more music fans streaming in to venues whenever there is a drum and bass event. The number of the genre’s events and festivals will probably increase as the genre gets more fans. That’s why, it will be right for someone to say “Drum and bass music is here to stay.”

Conclusion

Disputes ate part of life but the facts of this genre are indisputable. Its popularity is overwhelming and continues to grow every day. With melodious vocals and deep basslines, the tracks will continue to stand as a great piece of entertainment to the masses. The greatest thing about the tracks in this genre is that they are available from multiple sources. This makes them accessible from any part of the world. You can also own tracks by buying a ghost producer’s drum and bass tracks. This will allow you to have your own track signed with your name without spending time producing it. Give it a try today and drum and bass music will never frustrate you!