Drum & bass has captured the hearts of revelers worldwide, drawing them to gigs and music festivals everywhere ever since its inception. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the world of DnB, you’re at the right place! We’ve compiled a list of documentaries that explore the history of drum & bass. In addition to examining the rise of the genre and the underground scene, they also include insights and interviews from some DnB greats.
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Drum & Bass – The Movement
From Drum&BassArena comes ‘Drum & Bass – The Movement’ – a 1-hour 23-minute documentary film taking viewers through the history of the genre and also includes interviews with some of the biggest names in DnB. As per the description of the documentary, it captures “a specific and intense slice of drum & bass culture’s rapid acceleration from 1996 – 2016.” DJ Flight, Mefjus, Andy C, Grooverider, Chase & Status, and Goldie are some of the stars appearing in the film. ‘Drum & Bass – The Movement’ takes a look at how DnB accelerated from the underground scene to listeners worldwide. Viewers also get a chance to catch some exclusive unseen footage from drum & bass’ abundant history.
Watch Drum & Bass – The Movement on YouTube
The Rest Is History: The Early Days of Jungle & Drum ‘n’ Bass
If you’re curious about how drum & bass as a genre started growing before it became a worldwide phenomenon, ‘The Early Days of Jungle & Drum & Bass’ is a must-watch! Doc’n Roll calls it a “story of rave, resistance and resilience that champions the scene’s pioneers.” Through interviews with artists like Dillinja, G.Q., Ray Keith, Jumpin’ Jack Frost, as well as archival footage, ‘The Rest Is History: The Early Days of Jungle & Drum & Bass’ gives fans more insight into the genre.
Concentric Beats
Just like there are documentaries exploring drum & bass in the UK and its development in the world at large, Concentric Beats explores the genre in the US. This documentary centers on US DnB in three locations in particular – New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Containing a whopping 70+ interviews with drum & bass acts from the US scene, ‘Concentric Beats’ gives DnB heads an opportunity to see a number of people playing a variety of roles and provide information about the genre. Music journalists, promoters, DJs, producers, and record label executives, all are a part of this documentary!
Talkin’ Headz – The Metalheadz
Metalheadz is an esteemed drum & bass label in the UK. Released in 1998, the documentary film ‘Talkin’ Headz – The Metalheadz’ features drum & bass icons like Ed Rush & Optical, Adam F, Grooverider, Doc Scott, and Lemon D, along with label co-founder Goldie. Insights from significant and influential names in drum & bass, behind-the-scenes looks, and interviews make up this iconic documentary.
SaSaSaS – Up Another Level Drum And Bass Documentary
‘SaSaSaS – Up Another Level Drum And Bass Documentary’ follows award-winning drum & bass act SASASAS. It revolves around the group comprising 4 MCs – Harry Shotta, Stormin, Shabba D, and Skibadee and DJs Macky G and Phantasy. The film documents their time across the UK and Europe as they deliver hypnotic live sets to revelers for a year with behind-the-scenes footage.
SaSaSaS – Up Another Level Drum And Bass Documentary is available on YouTube
United Nation: Three Decades Of Drum & Bass
The founder of One Nation – Terry ‘Turbo’ Stone presents to you ‘United Nation: Three Decades Of Drum & Bass,’ a documentary centering on the drum & bass movement and its evolution. It highlights the genre’s rise to popularity and underlines the impact DnB has had on listeners and EDM. Directed and produced by Terry ‘Turbo’ Stone, it also includes interviews with DnB DJs, producers and MCs, who share their insights and views with the audience. ‘United Nation: Three Decades Of Drum & Bass’ gives fans an intimate look into the world of drum & bass.
Find United Nation: Three Decades Of Drum & Bass on Prime Video
Let It Roll documentary: How we made it!
Let It Roll is undoubtedly one of the most popular and biggest drum & bass festivals in the world hosting the hottest talents and legendary acts like Camo & Krooked, Andy C, Rudimental, Netsky, and more, welcoming its doors to over 25,000 revelers. Thousands of festival-goers assemble at this festival to witness the magic of drum & bass and get lost in infectious sets from some of the most stellar acts. Let It Roll started in 2002 in the Czech Republic and has since won the hearts of many drum & bass lovers around the world. ‘Let It Roll documentary: How we made it!’ gives fans a behind-the-scenes look into the festival, visuals of its productions, stage set up, interviews, and lots more!
Stream Let It Roll documentary: How we made it! on YouTube
Jungle Fever: 1994 – Jungle Drum & Bass Documentary
Get ready to be transported to studios and clubs where producers and DJs make fiery tunes, and deliver dancefloor rattling sets more than three decades ago by watching ‘Jungle Fever: 1994 – Jungle Drum & Bass Documentary,’ which aired on BBC2 in 1994. The documentary taps LTJ Bukem, DJ Rap, Shy FX, UK Apache, Fabio, and more to share their thoughts and explore the rise of jungle in the UK.
Catch Jungle Fever – 1994 Jungle Drum & Bass Documentary on YouTube
What Makes Something Jungle?
Resident Advisor’s ‘What Makes Something Jungle?’ delves into the early days of the jungle, its history, and its evolution. It is described as a “story of jungle, from its myriad roots to the present day; the sound’s unique characteristics and stylings; how it infiltrated the mainstream with tracks like “Original Nuttah” by Shy FX and UK Apache; and how, alongside the genre’s pioneers, artists like Nia Archives and Shy One are passing it down to the next generation.” The 13-minute clip came into being due to a BBC University Challenge wherein contestants were asked to name the genre of dance music that came from the early 1990s UK rave scene and reggae sound system culture.
Head to YouTube to watch What Makes Something Jungle?
The History Of The Amen break
A short 6-minute clip from Mixmag explores the history of the iconic 5.2-second drum solo Amen break by Gregory C Coleman, a member of the Winstons, which has been sampled more than 2000 times. Watch the history and importance of ‘Amen break’ in this short documentary.
Watch The History of The Amen break on YouTube
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