Drum+n+Bass

toc =Drum n' Bass= (aka DnB, Drum and Bass, Hardcore, Darkcore)

This relatively new genre of music is characterized by fast tempo breakbeats (literally, broken beats opposed to 4/4/ time) (Broyer). The BPM (beats per minute) ranges anywhere from 160 - 180 (Broyer) and the sound is often described as "mixed reggae basslines with sped-up hip hop breakbeats and influences from techno" (jahsonic.com). While drum n' bass was previously synonymous with the genre //Jungle//, drum n' bass is now considered a separate genre. A major difference between the two genres is that Jungle emphasizes the reggae style with ragga vocal tracks while DnB is akin to jazz in it's various sounds and moods found within one track (Broyer).

History
While the origin of DnB is debatable, all theories agree that it's roots were based in the UK. Peter Shapiro in "The Rough Guide to Drum n' Bass", states that British producers and DJs began to tire of the House and Techno sound in the late 80's and reinvented the sound by adding "chest-caving sub-bass and hyper-kinetic breakbeats" (ix). Over time, the sound evolved into rave, Jungle, Hardcore and drum n' bass but as in any genre, there are the artists that break the genre mold and create their own distinctive sound. The first DnB record may have been released as early as 1989 (jahsonic.com) but a few certain DJs were leading the forefront in ushering the new sound.

Aphrodite
Gavin King started out in Lemington as a House DJ in 1988, but as Aphrodite, he rose to become one of DnB's biggest contributors. His first DnB track was a collaboration with Mickey Finn in 1992 and was a sped-up version of a House track by Ce Ce Rogers with added bass, breakbeat drums and "rapid-fire effects" (Shapiro 12). The following year, Aphrodite started is own label and churned anthem after anthem. Never forgetting his House roots, Aphrodite understood that DnB was music to dance to and his tracks were fun and experimental. Along with other DJs, Aphrodite pushed DnB into the scence via Pulse FM, a pirate radio station based in London. As the sound of DnB was redesigned time and again, Aphrodite remained current by integrating new sounds and techniques into his tracks.

Goldie
For an underground genre, it may not be beneficial to be well-known to the general public, but Goldie is one of the few who shot to fame but did not lose his street credibility. Goldie has various tracks that made a small blip on the radar but it wasn't until 1992's "Terminator" track that brought Goldie recognition (Shapiro 80). Every track that Goldie has released since "Terminator" has reinvented the scene and spawned countless clones. His 1998 album //Saturnz Return// was disappointing to fans due to it's explicit commericalization with collaborations with David Bowie and Noel Gallagher, it is undeniable that Goldie is the public figure for drum n' bass. His label Metalheadz has pumped out some of DnB's most popular newcomers including Ed Rush, Dillinja and Lemon D.

Grooverider
Hailed as the "godfather" of drum n' bass, Grooverider can make or break a young DJs future in the genre. Even Goldie attributed much of his success on "Terminator" to Rider (Shapiro 83). Grooverider built-up his reputation not by releasing albums buy by spinning in clubs with his partner Fabio. Together, they currently host a drum n' bass show on BBC Radio 1 showcasing the newest talent and remixing classic tracks.

The Sound
As indicated by the name, DnB is bass heavy and often cannot be replicated with home equipment. The breakbeat component defines the sound and can be erratic to the unassuming ear. Many of the beats are sampled but there are DJs who will record their own drum beat. Samples can come from any genre and artist such as James Brown, Kanye West, Madonna, The Fugees and Christina Aguilera. A typical track can have multiple lines of melody/bass/breakbeats that overlap to produce a coherrant sound.

Drum n Bass is first and foremost a form of dance music, played in clubs with people dancing. Tracks are produced on 12" vinyls and a DJs plays it back to the crowd while adding some scratching and remixing. The vinyls have long intros and outros so that the DJ is able to mesh one track's beat to another (wikipedia.com). Almost all DJs will play their own tracks but usually play a combination of new tracks and tried-and-true anthems to get the crowd moving. If the crowd is providing feedback to show they are enjoying a track, a MC will often ask for a "rewind" or "reload" where the track is spun back and replayed. A DnB set flows from lighter beats to heavy, deep bass sounds and if done properly, the crowd will flow with the music and respond via dancing. The MC plays a minor but crucial role as a conduit; letting the audience know which DJ is on stage next, last call and various other news (Muers). The MC can also accompany the music by rapping, "spitting" or "chatting". While having an MC is important, he or she must know their role and step back to let the music speak for itself.