The Roots of Drum & Bass in America

Influenced by Jamaican sound system culture, hip-hop, and breakbeats, Jungle Music, or what we commonly call today; Drum & Bass Music (or DnB), quickly gained traction in the British underground scene. As the electronic music scene and rave culture spread globally, Drum & Bass found its way to the United States and was championed by a select group of established DJs across the United States.

The roots of Drum & Bass music in America can be traced back to around 1989 thanks to some introductions made by legendary artists such as DJ Soul Slinger and DJ DB who originally started playing the music at raves and events such as the infamous NASA events in New York. In the early ’90s when the genre emerged as a distinct movement in the UK its influence gained traction and many DJs across the U.S. started to gravitate toward what we affectionately called Jungle Music. 

In the early years, Drum & Bass faced challenges in breaking into the mainstream American music scene dominated by genres like hip-hop, rock, pop, then more recently EDM and Dubstep. However, its unique blend of frenetic beats, bass-heavy grooves, and futuristic soundscapes attracted a dedicated following among electronic music enthusiasts and the eventual collaborations with mainstream artists, further helping the growth and expansion of the genre globally.

The US DnB scene has seriously grown over the last 30+ years. Credit due to way too many to list. From those who have championed the sound at events, side-rooms, side-stages, main-stages, nightclubs, and major festivals over the years to  promoters, venue owners, DJs, Producers, and even touring artists who have helped to elevate the US drum and bass scene. 

The Evolution of Drum & Bass in America

Over the years, Drum & Bass in America has evolved, drawing inspiration from various subgenres and incorporating diverse musical elements. The fusion of Drum & Bass with other electronic music styles such as dubstep, trap, and future bass has resulted in a hybrid sound that resonates with a broader audience. 

One notable evolution is the incorporation of live instrumentation and vocal elements into Drum & Bass productions. Artists and producers in America have been experimenting with live drums, guitars, and vocal performances, adding a dynamic and organic dimension to the genre, which has in turn become an inspiration across multi-mainstream music genres. This experimentation has helped bridge the gap between electronic and live music, attracting a wider range of listeners. 

Key Players & Influencers in DnB Music

The current growth of Drum & Bass music in America can be attributed to the contributions of both established and emerging artists. Renowned DJs and producers from the UK and beyond, who have pushed the genre on a global scale, such as Goldie, LTJ Bukem, Andy C, DJ Marky, DJ SS, Shy FX, Fabio, and High Contrast, have played pivotal roles in popularizing drum and bass music and influencing a new generation of artists and DJs alike. Additionally, American artists like Danny the Wildchild, Phantom 45, Machete, Craze, DJ DB, Dara, AK1200, Aphrodite, Dieselboy, Justin Hawkes / Flite, Dr. Apollo, Liondub, Fury, APX1, Reid Speed, Pish Posh, Contrast, DJ 3D, The Burner Brothers, Ming & FS, and many others, each have made significant contributions to the global Drum & Bass scene in the U.S., infusing their unique styles into the genre – laying the pillars on which the U.S. DnB movement has be built upon.

Many growingly popular DnB artists have even teamed up over the years to help push the genre to new highest for the stateside junglists scene as well as globally. Notable examples of which are the well-respected Planet of the Drums Tour, founded in the summer of 2000 (featuring Dieselboy, Dara, AK1200, and MC Messinian), the forthcoming Jump Up & Roll Tour (featuring two true OG’s Danny the Wildchild and Phantom 45), as well as the annual Jungle Bells drum n bass event produced by MJ Lee, Brandon Couturier and their team, which just celebrated its 25th anniversary on December 16th, 2023.

It truly has been the global collective of artists and dedicated stateside junglists who have contributed to the recent rise in popularity and acceptance over recent years. Every passionate person, dedicated to the genre can be thanked for getting us to where we are currently in the drum and bass community here in the U.S.

Drum & Bass Events and Festivals

The current rise in demand for Drum & Bass in America can be reflected in the increasing number of events and festivals now dedicated to the genre. Drum & Bass stages and one-off events at major electronic music festivals, such as Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) and Ultra Music Festival, have become platforms for showcasing the diversity within the genre.

Independent promoters across the country have also played a crucial role in organizing Drum & Bass-centric events, creating spaces for the community to come together and celebrate the music.

Historically, events focused on drum and bass music in the U.S. have been supported by some very dedicated promoters in the U.S. and beyond. Some of America’s premier drum and bass event promoters who have been at the core of supporting the genre… such as Respect Drum & Bass (Los Angeles – founded in March 1998), Torque DnB (Orlando – founded in August 1998), Konkrete Jungle (New York – founded in November 1994), Recon DnB (Denver – founded in October 2003), DrivenAM (New York – founded in 2006), DnB Tuesdays (Seattle – founded in November 1998), NOLA DNB (New Orleans), and Kontrolled Kaos (South Eastern U.S. – founded in 2023), Mississippi Drum & Bass, in addition to the Bassrush stage at EDC each year, and a very select group of others.

A tip of the hat should also be made to Ritesh Patel, founder of the LOCUS Festival held each year at the beach resort destination of Tulum Mexico. LOCUS is, hands down, the largest drum and bass festival in the Americas, which typically hosts the “who’s who” of drum and bass music globally. We can only hope that something of this magnitude can make its way to U.S. soil soon, as fans of drum and bass have been growing more and more eager for such events. Bassrush’s annual Apocalypse Festival can be considered as another clear indicator of this growing need for more and bigger drum and bass events in the United States of America. 

The Drum & Bass Community and Fans

The Drum & Bass community in America has grown steadily, fueled by the passion of both artists and fans. Online platforms, social media groups, and forums provide spaces for enthusiasts to share music, discuss the latest releases, and connect with like-minded individuals. The sense of community within drum-n-bass music has extended to local scenes in various cities, where dedicated promoters and collectives organize events that cater specifically to Drum & Bass enthusiasts.

Without the fans, downloading the music, buying event tickets, and showing up to shows in support of this amazing music, drum and bass would be nothing. So, frankly speaking, we all owe our deepest appreciation to every single drum and bass fan out there. Without you, none of this would even be possible. 

Conclusion:

The current state of Drum & Bass in America reflects a vibrant and evolving scene, with artists pushing the boundaries of the genre and a dedicated fanbase supporting its growth. From its humble beginnings in the UK to its current position in the American electronic music scene, Drum & Bass music continues to evolve and captivate audiences with its dynamic sound. As the genre gains momentum, it is poised to further establish itself as a significant force in the diverse and ever-expanding musical tapestry of the United States and the world.

Find out about our picks for the Top DnB Artists in the World.