drum and bass
electronic music genre
Drum and bass is a heartbeat of sound, pulsing with rapid-fire breakbeats and deep, rumbling basslines that can ignite any dance floor. Its energy is frenetic yet immersive, inviting you to lose yourself in layers of intricate rhythms and rich textures. The genre oscillates between euphoria and intensity, often evoking an overwhelming sense of urgency while remaining deeply atmospheric. It’s music that demands movement—whether you're nodding your head or losing yourself in the crowd at a late-night rave.
Emerging from the UK during the early 1990s, drum and bass was born out of a fertile scene that included jungle and rave culture, reacting against more commercial pop sounds of the time. The genre thrives on innovation and experimentation, influenced by hip-hop, dub reggae, and techno. Pioneers like Goldie with his groundbreaking album "Timeless," Roni Size's "New Forms," and the iconic sounds of LTJ Bukem pushed the boundaries and defined its vibrant sonic palette. This era marked a creative explosion where raw energy met artistic ambition, leaving an indelible mark on electronic music.
For newcomers looking to dive in, start with Goldie's "Timeless" for a quintessential blend of orchestral elements and hard-hitting beats. Roni Size’s "New Forms" captures the essence of live instrumentation within the electronic landscape. Pendulum's "Hold Your Colour" brings a fresh take with its fusion of rock influences. You might also enjoy tracks from DJ Fresh for a more mainstream approach to the genre. Once you’re hooked, keep your ears open for some jungle sounds or even explore liquid drum and bass for a smoother vibe.
212 artists in the catalog.
Guides for drum and bass artists
Top drum and bass albums
See essentials
All drum and bass artists
ATB
Eurodance, ambient music
Pendulum
Drum and bass electronic rock, alternative rock
Tinie Tempah
UK rap, dubstep
Rudimental
Lee "Scratch" Perry
dub music, jungle
Wiley
UK garage, grime
Labrinth
alternative rock, contemporary R&B
Sub Focus
DJ Fresh
Mike Paradinas
ambient techno, intelligent dance music
Netsky
liquid drum and bass
Bomfunk MC's
breakbeat, electro
Towa Tei
Shibuya-kei, big beat
Becky Hill
UK funky, bassline
Joost Klein
Dutch hip hop, comedy hip-hop
Noisia
neurofunk
About drum and bass
What is drum and bass?
electronic music genre
Where should I start with drum and bass?
Start with "Kryptonite" by DJ Fresh. It captures what makes drum and bass worth exploring.
What are the best drum and bass albums?
The drum and bass albums worth hearing first: "Kryptonite" by DJ Fresh, "Escape from Planet Monday" by DJ Fresh, "Fix Your Face" by TRV$DJAM, "Contact" by ATB and "The DJ™ 6: In the Mix" by ATB.
How many drum and bass artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 212 drum and bass artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.