Emerging Figures to Monitor in 2023
In the ever-evolving world of drum and bass, several artists are making a significant impact, both established and emerging. Here's a roundup of some of the key figures shaping the scene today and those to watch in the coming year.
Established Artists
Veterans like Andy C, Goldie, Hybrid Minds, and Wilkinson continue to hold sway over the drum & bass landscape, consistently delivering high-quality music that resonates with fans. However, they are often considered more mainstream or legacy acts.
Emerging Artists
Pinks
Pinks, a self-proclaimed 160-180 bpm selectress, has been a rising star in the drum & bass community. Her major involvement in Queer Collective Unorthodox, the UK's leading queer Drum & Bass movement, has put her on the radar of many. Pinks is also a resident of the 'just be' collective and has been a part of the Unorthodox family since its inception. She will be playing at Unorthodox events in London in February and in Brighton in March, and will be supporting TC at The Funky End Aldershot on February 11th and playing at Unorthodox at Peckham Audio on February 17th and at Volks, Brighton on her birthday, March 24th.
Bensley and Justin Hawkes
Recognized as leading figures in the growing U.S. drum & bass scene, Bensley and Justin Hawkes have been making waves with their collaborations, signaling their rising profiles.
Speaker Louis
A French-born London-based artist, Speaker Louis is known for his unique blend of jungle, dub, and dancehall, making him a strong presence in the drum & bass underground.
Omar+ and camoufly
While not explicitly labeled for 2023, artists like Omar+ and camoufly are gaining attention for their distinctive, genre-blending approaches, which may reflect the evolving drum & bass soundscape around this period.
Stuart Rowe
Stuart Rowe, a hidden gem in the drum and bass scene, has been making waves with recent releases on Carnelian Music and is expected to have more collaborations with established producers this year.
Sam Binary
Sam Binary's track 'Surface Tension' was a highlight of The North Quarter's inaugural NQ State of Mind compilation. His EP 'Reality Slip' was released on The North Quarter in 2022. He has also had guest appearances on Rinse FM and the SUNANDBASS podcast.
Gabriel
Gabriel's latest track 'Hypnotise' was released on Toronto Is Broken's YANA Music. His upcoming single and EP are scheduled for release on French based Vahana Records in 2023.
No Nation
No Nation's style encompasses a unique blend of jungle breaks, experimental patterns, and influences from liquid, hip-hop, techno, and UKG, finding a home on the wildly experimental label Different Music.
Other Notable Mentions
- Pinks' latest mix can be heard on 1 More Thing, featuring a few dubs from this compelling producer herself.
- Unorthodox hosted their own stage at Tomorrowland in 2021.
- CaitC, the dancefloor queen of the Netherlands, has been producing for a while now, with tunes on labels like LUX and Viper Recordings. She will be one of the opening acts on Rampage in March, in the UKF room.
- Natty Lou has been announced as one of the mentees of the newest Dynamics x Overview mentorship.
These artists represent key rising talents in the drum & bass community, and their contributions are shaping the future of this dynamic genre.
Music enthusiasts should look forward to the innovative creations of Pinks, a queer Drum & Bass movement pioneer, who will be performing in London, Brighton, and other locations this year.
Bensley and Justin Hawkes, known for their collaborations, are two U.S-based contributors making significant waves in the growing drum & bass scene.
