BBC Radio 1 - Turn It Up: A Short History of Drum & Bass Episode 7

[Music] Introduction to Drum and Bass

The introduction sets the stage for exploring the evolution and impact of drum and bass music.

Rise of Drum and Bass

• Drum and bass is described as a vital component of workouts, nightlife, and innovation in music.

• DJ Fresh's achievement of giving drum and bass its first UK number one in 2012 marked a significant milestone for the genre.

Importance of Remixes

• Remixes played a crucial role in expanding the reach of drum and bass music, with notable examples like Adele's "Hometown Glory" remix by High Contrast.

• Remixes such as Calibre's take on London Grammar's "If You Wait" contributed to the creation of classic tunes within the genre.

Rudimental: A Game Changer in Drum and Bass

Rudimental's impact on drum and bass music scene through their chart-topping success is highlighted.

Rudimental's Breakthrough

• Rudimental emerged as a multi-genre dance band from East London, achieving their second-ever number one hit with "Feel the Love" featuring John Newman in 2012.

• Their debut album "Home" reached number one on the UK album chart, solidifying their position as major players in the industry.

Success Story

• Rudimental's success extended beyond chart-topping singles to accolades like MOBO, BRIT, Urban Music Awards, and even a Mercury Prize nomination.

• The band emphasized self-belief and determination as key factors that propelled them to success in an interview after winning Best British Single at the Brit Awards.

Gender Representation in Drum and Bass

The discussion delves into gender disparities within drum and bass music production.

Challenges Faced by Women

• Female artists like Honolee recount experiences of unequal treatment within the industry, highlighting issues related to payment disparity based on gender.

The Evolution of Female Talent in Drum and Bass

The transcript discusses the evolution of female talent in the drum and bass music scene, highlighting the challenges faced by women DJs and producers, the role of social media in visibility, and the impact of platforms like Boiler Room on exposure.

The Pioneering Female DJs

• Harriet Jackson emerges as part of a new wave of women and non-binary artists reshaping drum and bass.

• Despite being considered an anomaly a decade ago, female DJs like Harriet started gaining recognition through bookings at venues like Brixton Jam.

Overcoming Barriers with Social Media

• DJ Mantra notes that while women were always present in crowds, social media played a crucial role in enhancing visibility for marginalized DJs.

• Platforms like Facebook and Instagram revolutionized connectivity, enabling easier outreach to build connections within the music community.

Inspiring a New Generation

• The 2010s saw a surge in female talent with artists like Molly Collins, Kyris Coven, Gin Amma finding platforms to showcase their skills.

• Exposure to talented female DJs inspired many newcomers to enter the scene, creating a snowball effect of inspiration across generations.

Navigating Boiler Room: A Test of Skill and Resilience

This segment delves into Storm's experience playing at Boiler Room parties curated by Mum Dance. It explores the pressure, technical challenges faced during live sets, and the transformative power of such platforms on artists' careers.

Playing at Boiler Room

• Storm recounts her invitation to play at Boiler Room after connecting with Zara and Mum Dance's personal story about his introduction to DJing.

• Despite technical difficulties at the start of her set, Storm perseveres through pressure reminiscent of her pirate radio days.

Embracing Challenges

• Storm reflects on overcoming criticism during her set due to technical mishaps but acknowledges support from fellow DJs defending her skill.

• Exposure on platforms like Boiler Room presents a significant shift for underground DJs accustomed to smaller audiences but offers unparalleled visibility.

The Impact of Live Streams on Artist Careers

This part highlights how live streaming platforms like Drum & Bass Arena TV and Boiler Room have revolutionized exposure for artists like Shirelle. It emphasizes how these streams can propel careers into global recognition.

Elevating Artists' Careers

• Shirelle's career soared after her dynamic Boiler Room set went viral globally, showcasing how live streams can catapult artists into stardom.

Music Scene and Equality Initiatives

In this segment, DJ Flight discusses the impact of the music scene and British broadcasting on breaking barriers for individuals like herself. She also delves into the creation of EQ 50, an initiative aimed at enhancing access for femme and non-binary producers in drum and bass music.

Impact of Music Scene and Broadcasting

• DJ Flight, along with others, established EQ 50 in 2018 to support femme and non-binary producers in drum and bass music.

• The initiative was launched during the pandemic alongside the Black Lives Matter movement to promote inclusivity and address systemic racism within organizations.

EQ 50 Mentorship Program

• The EQ 50 mentorship program paired six women and non-binary producers with established record labels to provide guidance, advice, and connections.

• Witnessing the growth of participants highlighted their inherent talent as they contributed to shaping the future of drum and bass culture.

Empowering Marginalized Voices in Drum & Bass

Harriet Jackson reflects on the evolving landscape of drum and bass music, emphasizing the importance of empowering marginalized voices within the genre.

Shifting Representation in Drum & Bass

• A new wave of talented producers is reshaping drum and bass culture by sharing diverse narratives through their music.

• Increased representation of women in lineups signifies progress towards a more inclusive industry that embraces diversity.

Celebrating Drum & Bass Culture

DJ Flight concludes by highlighting the resilience and growth of drum & bass culture over its 30-year history while emphasizing unity between veteran pioneers and emerging talents.

Resilience Through Generations

• Despite challenges, drum & bass continues to evolve, adapt, thrive, attracting both seasoned veterans and fresh faces.