Rhythm and Blues-Drum and Bass: Collaboration between Satl and Brandy Haze Yields a Blended Genre Sound
In the ever-evolving world of underground dance music, the fusion of R&B and Drum & Bass (D&B) has caught the attention of niche audiences who appreciate genre-crossing innovation. This hybrid approach can foster more melodic, soulful textures within D&B, particularly in underground and experimental dance scenes known for valuing fresh sounds.
Polish-born drum and bass producer Adrian, better known as Satl, and Los Angeles-native vocalist Brandy Haze have collaborated to create an EP titled 'LA Fling' on The North Quarter. The five tracks at the 174 tempo blend R&B with D&B, bringing a warmer and butterier sound to the standard liquid roller.
Brandy's vocals on the EP are rich and rooted in R&B, bringing sounds and content largely untapped to the world of liquid underground D&B. Particularly on the tracks 'Anxious', 'Unfortunate', and 'All Night', the moments of half-tempo or no percussion reveal a truly R&B sound that's getting a lift in energy from the beats.
The pair, who currently only know each other virtually, have chemistry, particularly on the track 'Call Me' done in collaboration with EIJER. Brandy adapted to the D&B tempo on the tracks 'Call Me' and 'Today' by following the energy of the track and trying different things.
Brandy had never heard of drum and bass before collaborating with Satl. Adrian discovered Brandy on Instagram and introduced her to the genre. The first two tracks 'Today' and 'Call Me' were instrumental tracks sent to Brandy, while the other three were vocals that Brandy already had. Brandy, an audio engineer herself, sends Satl ready-to-go vocals, which is the reason 'Call Me's chopped and screwed sound is executed so well.
Satl starts the instrumental without any drums to have a full idea laid down before putting any drums in to give it the rhythm. Adrian's music has gained a larger fanbase in the US, and drum and bass is having a big rise in the US. Both artists believe there's a lot of exciting things going on in the genre.
Brandy is excited to be getting involved in drum and bass in the US and helping it grow. She has plans for more releases this summer, including collaborations and a Kali Uchis-type project. Adrian is dedicated to pushing new sounds and interesting collaborations this year. He has several upcoming releases scheduled, including some surprising ones on Critical and 1985.
Submorphics is pushing the underground D&B sound with US influence, and Soulection is trying to explore D&B more, which is exciting for Satl. The EP's release comes at a time when the fusion of R&B and D&B is gaining traction, with peers such as Halogenix and GLXY also pushing an R&B-inspired take on D&B.
Adrian is working on obtaining a US visa for live shows, and Brandy hopes to visit Adrian's side of the world for a potential London tour next year. The reception and influence of the fusion of R&B and D&B by Satl and Brandy Haze in the underground dance music scene as of August 2025 are not fully documented, but their unique blend is certainly stirring up excitement and inspiring other artists to explore different genres.
Entertainment and music intertwine as Polish-born drum and bass producer Adrian, better known as Satl, and Los Angeles-native vocalist Brandy Haze collaborate on an EP titled 'LA Fling'. Their collaboration, especially on tracks like 'Call Me' and 'Anxious', brings a melding of R&B and D&B, creating a unique sound that adds a layer of richness to the standard liquid roller of underground dance music.
