We’ll explore the bass music artists who had an extraordinary breakout year or set new standards for their genres in 2024.
Whether it’s dubstep, drum & bass, UK garage, or jungle, the growth and impact of bass-driven music in 2024 have been nothing short of remarkable. From its roots in the deepest corners of the underground to its current status as a genre enjoying widespread commercial appeal, the progression of bass music has been incredibly inspiring to witness.
Despite its increasing popularity, one thing the bass music community has consistently upheld is its commitment to quality. This dedication has resulted in a steady stream of exceptional releases throughout the year. Artists, producers, and DJs alike have continued to push creative boundaries, blending innovation with authenticity, and ensuring that the genre remains vibrant and forward-thinking.
These genres, once niche and understated, have now found their way into the mainstream without losing their essence or edge. So, as 2024 draws to a close, it’s the perfect moment to spotlight the artists who made a significant impact this year—those who broke barriers, reimagined the genre, and achieved monumental breakthroughs.
We’ll also honor the trailblazers who propelled bass music to unprecedented heights, showcasing that this genre isn’t just holding its ground in the mainstream but flourishing like never before.
KASRA
Even if Kasra were to retire today and take the well-earned rest he deserves, his contributions to drum & bass would still be remembered for generations to come. That enduring legacy is exactly what defines him as a trailblazer. This year, Kasra’s music flowed consistently, showcasing his signature low-end, brooding, and innovative approach to jungle and drum & bass. A standout moment was the release of his mini-album ‘Dream Metal,’ which encapsulated his unique style. However, the real highlight came towards the year’s end with the launch of his new label, ‘Best Intentions.’
True to its name, the label not only embraces the diverse styles Kasra explores but also serves a greater purpose: donating a portion of profits from each release to a charity chosen by the releasing artist. Kasra wrapped up the year with two tracks that delved into darker, more experimental sonic realms, setting the stage for an exciting 2025 from him, Critical Music, and Best Intentions.
FREDDY B
Some artists have breakout years, and then there’s the year Freddy B has had—one that has positioned him for an exceptional 2025. His powerful, commanding vocal style has now made its way onto some of the most respected drum & bass imprints. 2024 saw the Manchester-based MC and producer release his music on Overview Music, Transparent Audio, Critical Music, and Delta9 Recordings, among others. It’s tempting to call this just the beginning, but at the pace Freddy B is setting, it won’t be long before he cements himself as one of the most distinctive and respected voices in drum and bass.
LOKAL
The Manchester-based trio Lokal has become a powerhouse of creativity, seamlessly blending influences from across the bass music spectrum. Since their breakthrough in 2023, they’ve explored drum & bass, dubstep, UKG, and jungle, delivering a dynamic range of tracks. Their partnership with Incurzion Audio has been transformative, with the label releasing the EP that established them as prodigies in the bass music scene. This year’s ‘Illicit Trade’ EP has only solidified their reputation, offering a bold fusion of deep dubstep, funky garage, and trap. It’s a standout release that has us eagerly awaiting Lokal’s next moves in the new year.
GYROFIELD
Gyrofield stands out as a true creative powerhouse, consistently pushing the boundaries of electronic music with their limitless imagination and technical prowess. Their ability to craft music across genres is a testament to their boundless imagination and unrelenting creative drive. With productions that radiate raw emotion and energy, they connect with listeners on an intensely cathartic level. Whether it’s the pulsating rhythms, innovative sound design, or evocative melodies, Gyrofield’s work in 2024 has consistently showcased their ability to translate raw emotion into stunning sonic creations on labels like XL Recordings, VISION, Critical Music, Best Intentions and Overview Music, to name a few.
As their artistry and influence continue to evolve, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for gyrofield. They will continue to surprise and inspire, delivering more groundbreaking music that challenges and captivates in equal measure.
ATRIP
While it doesn’t fall strictly under the bass music umbrella, the German-Polish DJ and producer ATRIP has carved out a unique space in electronic music with his emotive sound. His ability to blend UK garage, melodic house, and IDM into deeply moving yet danceable tracks has made his work one of the year’s standout contributions to the electronic scene.
Consistently delivering tracks that are as funky and vibrant as they are introspective and heartfelt, ATRIP’s music this year has been a testament to his innovative approach to fusing groove-driven beats with emotional depth. One highlight of his creative output has been the ‘TANZPARTEI II’ mixtape, which brought his distinct blend of styles to life and has steadily propelled ATRIP into the spotlight as one of the scene’s most forward-thinking producers. With a growing fan base and an ever-expanding musical vision, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for ATRIP and those who have fallen in love with his sound.
FORBIDDEN SOCIETY
Czech bass music legend Forbidden Society continues to amaze with his relentless output and boundless creativity across a wide range of genres. In 2024, he delivered a groundbreaking album on VISION Recordings—a project we see as the pinnacle of his career, embodying his signature innovation and intensity. Following this milestone, he released a series of powerful tracks on his self-titled label, including ‘To The Threshold Part 2.’ This album marked a return to his roots, delivering an unrelenting drum & bass experience that pushes the genre’s boundaries.
As he gears up to begin a new sonic chapter after such a monumental year, 2025 promises to be another exciting ride for Forbidden Society and his ever-evolving artistry.
CHARLIE TEE
There are artists who bring drum & bass to the people, and then there are those who elevate the genre to new heights—Charlie Tee is undoubtedly one of the latter. In 2021, she made history as the first female host of BBC Radio 1’s Drum & Bass Show, a landmark achievement that solidified her influence within the genre. Since then, Charlie has consistently pushed the boundaries, establishing herself as a prominent DJ and broadcaster.
Through her shows, she amplifies the voices of artists from all corners of the scene, while playing live shows that spread drum & bass worldwide. Whether she’s on air or featured on podcasts discussing the genre she loves, Charlie Tee has become a foundational pillar in the drum & bass community—a role she continues to prove in 2024. As the genre continues to grow, all eyes should be on Charlie Tee, as she’s bound to push some of the most exciting music in 2025.
LAURIE CHARLESWORTH
Laurie Charlesworth is another powerhouse who’s been tirelessly pushing drum & bass forward. Her dedication to promoting the genre and supporting artists at all levels has earned her a respected spot as one of the scene’s most influential figures. With over a decade of experience as a seasoned radio presenter, podcast producer, and music journalist, Laurie has made notable contributions to platforms like Kiss FM and BBC, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to elevating drum & bass across various outlets.
In 2024, Laurie continued her influential work within the drum & bass community, hosting regular shows on Rinse FM that mixed drum & bass, liquid, and jump-up tracks. A standout moment came on January 23, 2024, with her show “Drum & Bass with Laurie Charlesworth.” Looking ahead to 2025, Laurie is set to keep championing drum & bass—whether through her radio presence, live DJ performances, or new creative ventures that push the genre to even greater heights.
SMG
Someone really needs to tell SMG to take a breather because the speed at which his music is coming out is almost frightening. A true champion of the darker, more intense side of drum & bass, SMG has been on a relentless creative streak, and this year has seen him rise to new heights within the scene. His signature sound—heavy, marauding, and deep—has made waves across various platforms, and his ever-expanding catalog has made him one of the most exciting and talked-about artists in 2024.
SMG’s run of releases this year has been nothing short of impressive, with standout tracks landing on labels like Overview Music, MODUS, Invicta Audio and Critical Music. These releases have showcased his ability to tap into the most raw and powerful aspects of drum & bass, and the energy and emotion in his work have left listeners captivated. One of the defining moments of 2024 was his invitation from Mefjus to remix one of the tracks from Mefjus’ groundbreaking ‘Emulation’ album. This collaboration not only cemented SMG’s place at the forefront of the genre but also marked a significant milestone in his career.
As we look ahead to 2025, fans can expect even more from SMG. With his unyielding creative flow and knack for pushing the boundaries of dark and atmospheric drum & bass, 2025 is set to be another groundbreaking year for him.
WAEYS
The Dutch producer has been making waves ever since his breakout into the scene nearly four years ago, and his momentum shows no signs of slowing down. In 2024, Waeys continued to solidify his position at the forefront of drum & bass, with a string of releases on respected labels such as Critical Music, Hospital Records, and Overview Music. These tracks not only showcased his incredible versatility but also his unwavering commitment to pushing the genre forward, blending innovative sounds while staying true to his roots.
In addition to his solo efforts, Waeys teamed up with a range of talented artists like Duskee and Particle. These collaborations produced tracks that were met with widespread acclaim from both listeners and DJs, further enhancing his reputation as a producer who can create bangers that resonate across the global drum & bass community.
Looking ahead to 2025, you can expect Waeys to continue breaking new ground. With his knack for creating fresh, cutting-edge productions, we can anticipate even more dynamic collaborations and a continued evolution of his unique sound.
Looking at how 2024 has panned out, it’s clear that the bass music scene is thriving and evolving at an exhilarating pace. From the explosive releases across genres like drum & bass, dubstep, garage, and more to the rise of fresh talent pushing the boundaries of sound, this year has been a pivotal moment for bass music.
As we move into 2025, the momentum built in 2024 promises to usher in even more fresh creativity, unexpected collaborations, and new sonic experiments. It’s going to be another thrilling year for bass music, full of uncharted territories and bold new directions for both established and up-and-coming artists.
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