BBC Radio 1 - Turn It Up: A Short History of Drum & Bass Episode 5

[Music] Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for a discussion on drum and bass music, highlighting its prevalence in various settings.

Drum and Bass Evolution

• One Extra radio station provided a dedicated platform for drum and bass music, showcasing 11 hours of programming per week.

• The emergence of One Extra marked an important era for artists like DJ Flight, expanding exposure to diverse sounds globally.

• The golden era of drum and bass featured artists like Caliber producing soulful and reggae-influenced tracks, broadening the genre's appeal.

Global Influence

• The mid-2000s witnessed a surge in global talent within the drum and bass scene, transcending traditional UK boundaries.

• International growth mirrored by the rise of dedicated drum and bass stages at major festivals like Creamfields, signaling broader acceptance.

Drum and Bass Festivals Impact

Festivals played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of drum and bass music, influencing sound adaptations to cater to wider audiences.

Sound Evolution

• Shift towards bigger, more accessible sounds coincided with the transition from nightclubs to festival settings.

• Festivals necessitated top hits or pop remixes to engage diverse audiences while still incorporating deeper tracks for enthusiasts.

Positive Exposure

• Festival exposure introduced new listeners to both underground and mainstream drum and bass sounds, fostering appreciation for the genre's diversity.

Music Evolution and Influence in Drum and Bass

The discussion revolves around the evolution of music in drum and bass, highlighting the impact of mentors, new talents, and the changing landscape on artists like Sub Focus.

Sub Focus's Musical Journey

• Sub Focus started releasing tunes in the early 2000s with mentorship from scene veteran Andy C.

• Andy C advised Sub Focus on adding unique elements like vocals or speech samples to his tunes for identification.

• Intergenerational dynamics played a role as Andy C sought advice from Sub Focus on mixing techniques.

Pendulum's Rise to Fame

• Pendulum's journey began when they approached Doc Scott with their music, leading to the creation of their iconic tune "Vault."

• "Vault" marked Pendulum's breakthrough moment, showcasing their exceptional talent and unique production style.

• Pendulum's success challenged perceptions about drum and bass acts originating from Australia, inspiring global confidence in producers.

Pendulum: Transition to Mainstream Success

The narrative shifts towards Pendulum's transition to mainstream success under DJ Fresh's guidance, emphasizing the importance of live performances and band influences.

DJ Fresh's Guidance

• DJ Fresh recognized Pendulum's potential and aimed to bring them to the UK to infuse their sound with British influences.

• The idea of taking Pendulum live was proposed by DJ Fresh, drawing inspiration from bands like Prodigy for a new direction.

• Encouraged by DJ Fresh, Rob Swire embraced the concept of a full live band setup for Pendulum's performances.

Impact of Live Performances

• Pendulum released their first album "Hold Your Colour" in 2005, incorporating metal guitars and arena-scale pyrotechnics into their shows.

New Section

In this section, the speaker reflects on the evolution and impact of drum and bass music in the mid-noughties, highlighting its instrumental role in shaping the music scene.

Evolution of Drum and Bass

• The mid-noughties marked a period where drum and bass was thriving, contributing significantly to the development of diverse music genres.

• BBC Radio One Extra shows played a crucial role in showcasing drum and bass music, creating an exhilarating atmosphere for both artists and audiences.

• Despite having faith in the genre's potential, the speaker acknowledges that the extent of success achieved by drum and bass during that time exceeded everyone's expectations.

Crossover Achievements and Underground Reaction

This part delves into significant milestones within drum and bass history, including DMB's first UK number one hit. Additionally, it explores how dubstep's rise impacted the underground music scene.

Milestones in Drum and Bass

• DMB's attainment of their first UK number one track is highlighted as a remarkable crossover achievement within the genre.

• The surge in popularity of dubstep prompted varied reactions from the underground music community, reflecting shifts in musical preferences and trends.

Promotion of Drum and Bass Shows

Here, promotion strategies for drum and bass shows are discussed along with notable guest appearances on podcasts.

Promoting Drum and Bass Shows

• Recommendations are made to explore BBC Sounds for access to top-tier drum and bass mixes alongside renowned guest appearances.