Top Drum and Bass Artists Worldwide

Drum and Bass (D&B) music has evolved from its humble beginnings in the UK underground scene to become the global phenomenon that it is today. Characterized by its pulsating beats, intricate rhythms, and powerful basslines, D&B has garnered a massive fan base worldwide. At the forefront of this electronic music genre are artists who have not only shaped its trajectory but continue to push boundaries and innovate the sound. In this article, we delve into the realm of drum and bass to unveil the top artists who stand as beacons of creativity and mastery in this exhilarating genre.

If we are being completely honest, there is literally an enormous amount of talented artists, producers, and DJs in the drum and bass music industry right now. Picking just a few to mention isn’t just a challenge, it has become nearly impossible these days. There are just so many exceptionally talented drum and bass artists out there that narrowing them down to a short list becomes one of the hardest things one could be asked to do. But, asked we were, and try will might…

So, without further ado, here is our list of some of the top drum and bass artists in the world today:

Goldie: The D&B Pioneer

Goldie is often hailed as one of the pioneers of drum and bass, having played a crucial role in shaping its early sound. Goldie has maintained his status as one of the biggest names in drum and bass music for decades and for good reason. As a producer, DJ, and founder of Metalheadz, Goldie’s influence on the various genres within drum and bass music is immeasurable. His seminal album “Timeless” (released in 1995) is a masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of drum and bass, solidifying his status as a true visionary in the electronic music scene. With a long list of chart-topping releases Goldie stands the test of time as one of the most sought-after Producers/DJs in the Drum & Bass music industry.

Andy C: The Executioner

No list of top drum and bass artists is complete without mentioning the legendary Andy C. Often referred to as “The Executioner,” Andy C has been a pivotal figure in the D&B scene for decades. As a DJ, producer, and founder of Ram Records, he has consistently delivered groundbreaking tracks and electrifying performances, earning him widespread acclaim. His meticulous mixing and unmatched stage presence make him a true icon in the world of drum and bass. His skills behind the decks have caused many of the top DJs and Producers in the electronic music industry to consider Andy C’s mixing abilities second-to-none when it comes to drum and bass music.

Noisia: The Dutch Virtuosos

Hailing from the Netherlands, Noisia is a trio that has redefined the boundaries of drum and bass creating breakthrough tracks in the DnB subgenres of neurofunk and techstep. With an unparalleled ability to blend intricate sound design and mind-bending rhythms, Noisia has become synonymous with innovation in the genre. Their recent performances at some of the world’s top electronic music festivals have helped them bridge gaps introducing drum and bass to fans from other electronic music genres, often for the first time. Their tracks are a sonic journey, showcasing a level of production expertise that has set new standards within the electronic music landscape.

Camo & Krooked: Austrian Fusion Masters

Austria’s Camo & Krooked have risen to prominence with their distinctive fusion of drum and bass, dubstep, and other electronic elements. Their genre-defying approach has garnered widespread acclaim, and they continue to push the envelope with each release. With a keen sense of melody and a commitment to pushing sonic boundaries, Camo & Krooked have secured their place among the top drum and bass artists globally. Their recent U.S. performance at Jungle Bells 2023 literally left the crowd jaw dropped and we all anticipate their continued success among the best of the best in the drum and bass music community. 

DJ SUV: A Truly Groundbreaking Drum & Bass Legend

DJ SUV is a pioneering figure in the drum and bass music scene, celebrated for his influential contributions that helped shape the genre’s foundation. Known for his innovative mixing techniques and distinctive sound, SUV was instrumental in bringing the genre to a broader audience in the 1990s. As a key member of the Mercury Prize Award-winning group Roni Size Reprazent, he played a vital role in the collective’s groundbreaking fusion of jazz, funk, and electronic elements, exemplified in their iconic album New Forms, for which DJ Suv produced the title track among other hit songs. His work not only pushed the boundaries of drum and bass but also paved the way for future artists in the genre. SUV’s legacy continues to resonate through his dynamic performances and the lasting impact he has made on the electronic music landscape. The entire drum and bass music community owes a great deal of respect and appreciation for this amazingly talented DnB DJ/Producer/Remixer and label owner. 

Mefjus: Austrian Precision Engineer

Mefjus, born Martin Schober, is another top-rated DnB artist form Austria, is celebrated for his precision-engineered drum and bass productions. His tracks are characterized by razor-sharp sound design, intricate percussion, and relentless energy. Mefjus has earned a growing reputation for delivering intense and forward-thinking music, making him a standout figure in the contemporary drum and bass landscape. With all of the attention Mefjus has been receiving with nearly every single new release, it’s no wonder why he has gained such a loyal following of fans within the drum and bass community all eager to catch him performing in their towns soon.

Justin Hawkes: One of the Stateside’s Finest

Justin Hawkes, a multifaceted artist in the drum and bass community in America, who many may also remember as Flite. Under both Flite and Justin Hawkes, this force in the American drum and bass scene has been making his mark with new releases that have captured the attention of drum and bass DJs and fans alike. Justin Hawkes emerged from the vibrant electronic music scene, born with an innate passion for sound exploration. Hawkes’ journey began during the rise of the UK’s music culture, where he developed an early fascination with the burgeoning drum and bass movement performing under the artist name Flite. Today Justin Hawkes is at the forefront of U.S. drum and bass culture and his music has been getting recognition and plays from some of the biggest names in drum and bass music around the world. Even legendary DnB producers like AK1200 have called Justin Hawkes one of the ones to watch in 2024 and beyond. So keep this man on your radar as we expect big things to come for Justin Hawkes.

OUR PICK FOR TOP DRUM & BASS ARTISTS THIS YEAR:

Chase & Status: Arguably the Best Drum & Bass Duo This Year

Chase & Status stand out as one of the premier drum and bass duos in music today, earning their reputation through a combination of innovative productions, dynamic performances, and a profound impact on the evolution of the genre. With a career spanning over two decades, the duo, comprised of Will Kennard and Saul Milton, has consistently pushed the boundaries of drum and bass, solidifying their status as trailblazers in the electronic music scene.

One key element of Chase & Status’s success is their ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical influences into their productions. Their tracks often incorporate elements of reggae, hip-hop, and dubstep, creating a unique sonic signature that appeals to a broad audience. This versatility has allowed them to reach beyond the confines of the drum and bass niche and attract a global fan base and successfully bridged the gap between the underground and mainstream, introducing countless new listeners to the dynamic world of drum and bass music. There is no argument that the track they did with Bou entitled “Baddadan” has been one of the biggest tunes of the year getting played on nearly every stage across planet earth in 2023 and beyond.

Live performances are another area where Chase & Status shine. Renowned for their electrifying shows, the duo has headlined major festivals and events around the world. Their ability to energize crowds with a mix of anthemic tracks and expertly curated sets has solidified their status as one of the most sought-after acts in the electronic music circuit. Let’s face it, the Chase & Status Boiler Room set that Saul Milton threw down, may be considered one of the most energetic and exciting Drum and Bass DJ sets the Boiler Room has ever seen getting over 100,000 Likes on YouTube within the first month alone.

In essence, Chase & Status’s position as one of the best drum and bass duos today can be attributed to their unwavering dedication to innovation, their seamless fusion of musical genres, and their ability to captivate audiences with both studio releases and live performances. As torchbearers for the genre, they continue to leave an indelible mark on the global electronic music landscape.

Conclusion:

The world of drum and bass is a dynamic and ever-evolving space packed with a wide range of sounds and even more diverse array of personalities. These artists represent just a fraction of the talent that propels the genre forward today. With their unique styles, innovative approaches, and dedication to pushing sonic boundaries, these top drum and bass artists continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, ensuring that the heartbeat of D&B resonates across the global electronic music stage for years to come.

With everything that has transpired over the last few years in the world of drum and bass music, we couldn’t be more excited for the future.

Find out who are our picks for the Top DnB Artists in America.