The MC is the Marmite of Drum & Bass culture. Revered by some and hated by others, this argument has been going on for as long as the music has and we're not going to get into it here.
One thing you may have noticed though, is the recent predominance of MC led tracks particularly in the more 'minimal' techstep influenced side of Drum & Bass. Granted, these tracks have always been around over the years. A little hook here, a sampled phrase there and even full vocal tracks. Just dig out Reprazent's classic Brown Paper Bag or Technical Itch's Soldiers with Jakes' menacing vocals driving the tune forward.
Something's different this time round though. Last year you could seldom go out to a bass oriented night without hearing Strategy's indecipherable lyrics on Dub Phizix & Skeptical's smash, Marka. Now everyone's doing it. And it's bloody good.
So why now?
A few corners of the scene have been raising concerns that modern day techstep is "too minimal" and samey. This is perhaps a reaction to such complaints, a compromise as it were; the track retains its essence whilst at the same time filled out with the addition of a few bars of vocals.
Simultaneously serving to keep the mind engaged, fans who quickly tire of droney bass and sparse soundscapes may find their appetites for that something more satiated. This also lends itself well to the ever more popular ethos of tracks standing up to home listening as well as working on the dancefloor.
What about commercial viability?
Is Drum & Bass moving into a new era of mainstream acceptance? This is a question for another time but it can certainly be argued that electronic music and DJ culture has exploded into mainstream media of late. The UK even had a Drum & Bass single chart at number one recently. Coupled with a whole host of tunes making it onto daytime radio playlists, the future is looking pretty bright.
This is all very exciting but it has to be said: no one starts making Drum & Bass to get famous and make a big pile of cash.
As much as it sounds like a cop out, it seems more likely that simply the right minds are around at the right time.
This is simply another step in the ever evolving experiments of its pioneers, let's enjoy it!
Showing posts with label enei. Show all posts
Showing posts with label enei. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Free: Everybody's Favourite Price!
There have been a rash of quality free tunes given away recently so we thought we'd compile a short list of our favourites in case you missed them. Enjoy!
SpectraSoul have been unusually but understandably quiet over the last year as they prepare for the release of their debut long player this summer. The first single from the album, 'Light In The Dark' feat. Terri Walker/'Shackles' feat. Fox is out now on Shogun Audio and we suggest you pick it up ASAP.
To celebrate the release, Shogun gave away the VIP version of SpectraSoul's classic 'The Tube'. Click the link above and 'Like' SpectraSoul's fan page to download. Dare we say it's better than the original?
Critical Music are offering a free WAV of Enei's One Chance VIP to mark his reaching 10,000 fans on Facebook. Just click the link above and sign up to the Critical mailing list, you'll then be presented with a download link.
Enei has also just secured a handful of dates around the UK, click here to see if he's playing in your area. Given how long it took to have a visa arranged, you don't want to miss him if you get the chance!
Kmag recently offered up Blu Mar Ten's 'All Or Nothing' for an exclusive remix competition in association with Finyl Tweek, Loopmasters, Soundcloud and Surus.
This was Krakota's effort which he put up for free download a few weeks ago, an uplifting little roller perfect for bringing it down a notch in the wee hours.
Click through to Krakota's Soundcloud page to download, where you can also find an amen driven VIP version of 'Be Myself', his first release on Ingredients Records.
The Funktion, one half of Mob Tactics and an accomplished solo artist in his own right, celebrated reaching 1000 Soundcloud followers by giving away 'Straitjacket' this week. This one's a crisp, funky stepper with some nice drum edits thrown in.
Head over to The Funktion's Soundcloud page to download.
Granted, this was given away almost a year ago but it's still one of our favourites. Originally penned for his excellent long player Béton Armé which was released on Offkey last year, Raiden gave this rolling stomper away as part of the promotional effort for the album.
You can grab it from his Soundcloud page by clicking the link above. Check the percussion!
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