Brief History of Drum & Bass

written by Aidan Bristow

Bristol, UK has a rich history in the development and evolution of drum and bass music. The city is often referred to as the birthplace of the genre and has been a hub for its development since the early 1990s.

The genre emerged from the city's thriving rave and jungle scenes, with influential local DJs and producers such as Roni Size, Smith & Mighty, and DJ Krust experimenting with the sounds and styles of early hardcore and jungle. In the mid-90s, drum and bass became established as its own genre, with a distinctive sound and culture that drew inspiration from a range of musical and cultural influences, including reggae, hiphop, and jazz.

Bristol's drum and bass scene continued to evolve and thrive, with a number of influential labels, clubs, and events establishing themselves in the city. In the early 2000s, the genre experienced a surge in popularity, and many of Bristol's drum and bass DJs and producers gained recognition and success on a global scale. The torch has been passed from legends like Roni Size, Massive Attack, and Bryan Gee to trailblazing artists like My Nu Leng, Clipz, and many more Bristolbased DJs who are pushing the boundaries of the genre.

Today, Bristol remains a thriving hub for drum and bass culture, with a vibrant and diverse community of musicians, producers, and fans. Established venues like Lakota, the Black Swan, and Thekla have been putting on fantastic events for years, attracting fans from near and far. These venues have become synonymous with the drum and bass scene in Bristol and are widely recognized as some of the best places to experience the genre in all its forms.

Alongside these established venues, there are also a number of exciting new spaces that are contributing to the continued growth of the drum and bass culture in Bristol. Venues like PropYard, The Clock Factory, and Lost Horizon are bringing fresh perspectives and exciting new experiences to the scene, showcasing the best in local and international talent, and keeping the drum and bass culture in Bristol at the forefront of the genre. The city continues to host a range of events that showcase the genre and its many sub-genres, and its influence on the development of drum and bass continues to be felt worldwide.