Drum & bass music, once an underground subgenre born in the UK, is making waves in America in recent years. Characterized by its fast breakbeats and heavy bass lines, has been steadily gaining popularity on our side of the Atlantic. As the scene evolves, D&B is breaking out of its niche status and starting to become more mainstream. From its roots in the early 1990s to its current resurgence, it’s set to become a major force in 2024.
The Evolution of D&B in America
The roots of drum & bass in America can be traced back to around 1989, thanks to introductions made by legendary artists such as DJ Soul Slinger and DJ DB. As the genre emerged as a distinct movement in the UK in the early ’90s, its influence gained traction, and many DJs across the U.S. started to gravitate toward what was affectionately called Jungle Music.
Its growth can be attributed to the contributions of both established and emerging artists. Americans have also made significant contributions to the global drum & bass scene. In 2024, the most notable names in the genre include; Justin Hawkes (formerly known as Flite), Dieselboy (Damian Higgins), Danny the Wildchild, Andy C (Andrew Clarke), Chase & Status (Will Kennard and Saul Milton), Noisia, Camo & Krooked, Mefjus (Martin Schober), Goldie, LTJ Bukem. These are not the names you’d see on the radio but thank god for streaming. This is the music that should be thrown onto the pregame playlist for a football game.
Methods of Growth
The fusion of D&B with other EDM styles such as dubstep, trap, and future bass has been a key to success. In fact, it is used as a channel to reach a broader audience. Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, has played a crucial role in popularizing some drum & bass tracks. The trend of sped-up pop songs with added reverb has inadvertently exposed more people to faster tempos, potentially priming them for DnB’s breakbeats. Social media exposure proves to be king for a surge in popularity for the genre among younger audiences.
Collaborations with pop artists
The genre’s mainstream appeal has been further bolstered by collaborations between DnB producers and established pop artists. These collaborations have helped to introduce the high-energy sound to a broader audience. For instance, Jess Glynne, known for her pop hit ‘Rather Be,’ released ‘Friend of Mine,’ a 174-bpm track produced by DnB icon Sub Focus. This crossover between pop and drum & bass is required to maintain the growing influence on mainstream culture. This breakthrough has not been without its critics. Some long-time fans worry about the potential dilution of the genre’s underground roots. However, many artists and promoters see this as an opportunity to serve the loyal niche fanbase. If you want anything to be truly great, it has to escape the underground.
AH’s Drum and Bass Mix : Coming to America
After being exposed to the genre over the past several years, I decided to crate dig and get into the mix. This high-energy compilation features an hand picked selection of the finest DnB tracks, remixes, and mashups. From chart-topping artists like Lil Uzi Vert and Calvin Harris to DnB stalwarts such as Chase & Status and Sub Focus, I wanted to challenge myself to seamlessly mix the mainstream appeal with underground edge.
Listen Now
The rise of drum & bass music in America is an uphill battle. Its growing influence on mainstream music in the UK, increasing presence at major festivals all point to a growing future. While the genre is far from the mainstream, there is growing opportunities for young American producers. Now is the time for producers who love D&B to create a signature sound not associated with any artist in the U.S. As drum & bass continues to evolve and gain traction, the next generation of electronic dance music producers will bring D&B to the American mainstream.
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