We are listing some drum & bass labels whose music should definitely be on your crate-digging radar.
Since the inception of drum & bass, record labels have almost been the second most important cog of drum & bass. Labels have been instrumental in shaping the sound, fostering talent, driving the genre forward, pushing boundaries, and introducing innovative elements that keep the genre fresh and exciting; and when things looked bleak for the scene, they consistently acted as the backbone, providing a platform for both emerging and established artists to express their creativity.
Three decades into its existence, drum & bass boasts a rich history defined by some of the most iconic imprints in electronic music. Legacy labels such as Moving Shadow, Metalheadz, RAM Records, Reinforced Records, Renegade Hardware, Critical Music, and Shogun Audio are no less than institutions. Alongside the legacy of the key players, the genre has exploded with creativity, giving rise to an impressive network of over 200 labels, each contributing to the scene’s vision and purpose.
When the scene thrives, so does the collective confidence of everyone involved, from listeners and DJs to producers, promoters, and clubgoers. This flourishing culture within drum & bass has allowed people the freedom to experiment and contribute to the scene’s growth in ways that resonate with their personal interests and passions. In recent years, we’ve witnessed a wave of new energy being injected into the scene, which has resulted in the rise of numerous labels that have made a significant impact on the drum & bass landscape.
This new wave of labels has allowed the genre to expand, and offer fresh perspectives into the genre. There are tons of labels that have inspired us, but we thought it would be a good idea to list a bunch of labels that, without worrying about the spotlight, operate with a clear sense of purpose, maintaining the integrity of the genre while delivering incredible music that resonates deeply with both fans and artists alike.
Some labels have established themselves over the years, playing a crucial role in the genre’s growth, while others are just starting to make their mark. So, hold tight as we explore the labels that are actively shaping the sound and nurturing a vibrant community rooted in artistic expression, all while preserving the essence of the drum & bass underground.
PHASE RECORDS
Starting with Gifta’s Phase Records imprint, the label has quickly cemented itself as a prominent name in the darker and more intense realms of drum & bass. With a roster that has featured renowned names like Exile, Coppa, Intertia, and Noise Parfumerie, Phase Records has consistently showcased a diverse range of international talent, making it a go-to destination for those who seek the more obscure side of the genre.
Blending minimalistic and aggressive sounds, Phase Records have carved out a unique sonic identity, one that Gifta has dubbed as “Skatimal drum & bass.” The sound term encapsulates a style that thrives on dark, hypnotic rhythms and stripped-back production, allowing power-packed basslines and sharp percussive elements to take control. If this sounds like something you like, hop on to the ever-expanding Skatimal aesthetic.
INCURZION AUDIO
One of the most forward-thinking newcomers to bass music as a whole has witnessed recently, Incurzion Audio hasn’t put a foot wrong with its music and its carefully curated promotions. Founded by Zak King, who caters to a broad spectrum of bass-heavy genres like drum & bass, dubstep, UKG, and footwork in some capacity, Incurzion Audio has been sending some solid bass frequencies from the South of Wales since 2018. If you’re looking to explore the label’s cutting-edge approach to bass music, standout releases such as Censored The Audio’s Diumba EP and Eth:er’s Temporal EP serve as excellent starting points.
Incurzion’s roster features an impressive array of talent, with names like Lokal, Nemy, Dedman, and Umbra contributing to the label’s growing catalog, as it continues to set the standard for innovative bass music, solidifying its place as a label to watch in the global scene.
DOMAIN
If there’s one thing we know about Overview Music is the consistency with which they have released their music, and this consistency has come with them sticking to their ethos for every single release they have made. This dedication to their craft and their ability to consistently deliver standout releases has allowed Overview to carve out a distinct identity in the scene, attracting both established artists and up-and-coming talent ever since their inception in 2018.
After six years of releasing critically acclaimed music, Overview took things a step further by launching their affiliate label, DOMAIN. With Overview’s schedule being water-tight throughout the year, DOMAIN aims to make it easier for artists to release their music without the need to adhere to specific aesthetic guidelines and just let their creativity speak. This new venture allows for greater creative freedom, and since its first release in March, DOMAIN has featured artists like ABLE, Tryst Temps, Dub Ten, and Notequal, each delivering stripped-back, minimalist sounds that push the genre forward.
YAMATAI RECORDS
Staying true to their ethos, consistently delivering high-quality music, and maintaining their signature sound without compromise has been Yamatai’s game for the past four years, and they haven’t let this intensity dip even for a second. Since their inception in 2021, Yamatai Records have been dedicated explorers of the darker and moodier realms of drum & bass, and their evolution with this sound has made Yamatai one of the hubs for fresh and innovative sonics.
Delivering quality music while promoting fresh talent has been Yamatai’s biggest strength, and there is a long list of top-notch names like Kalane, Yatuza, R3IDY, Leks, and many others who call Yamatai their home. They were recently picked as Beatport’s Label of the Month, and if we are to go by what’s been promised by the Yamatai head honchos in the Beatport feature with respect to upcoming releases, gear up because we’re in for an absolute treat.
FAST SOUL MUSIC
Every underground scene needs a pioneer and a visionary like Tony Colman, aka London Elektricity. Starting his Hospital Records journey in 1996, nurturing talent, turning them into superstars, and having a big say in the global explosion of drum & bass, London Elektricity took Hospital Records from a small independent label into one of the genre’s most influential institutions. Most importantly, he’s done all this while releasing breathtaking music himself.
Now, after nearly three decades, London Elektricity is embarking on a new creative chapter by starting a new label, which is named after his well-renowned podcast. ‘Fast Soul Music’ from London Elektricity has taken center stage; and carrying the torch of his signature style, the label has already dropped its first release featuring the head honcho alongside Doktor. Soulful, uplifting, and meticulously crafted drum & bass that we all love and look forward to from London Elektricity.
If his adventures with Hospital Records are any indication, you just know Fast Soul Music is simply set up for greatness. Keep a close eye on Fast Soul Music—it’s just getting started.
TRUST AUDIO
To put it simply, Trust Audio is a creative powerhouse and an essential force in the world of the drum & bass underground. Founded in 2017 by two respected figures of the scene – Trex and Quest, Trust Audio has established itself as a breeding ground for fresh, underground talent that is consistently delivering high-quality drum & bass. What sets Trust Audio apart is its ability to maintain and balance its underground ethos by catering to the contemporary cutting-edge sound while retaining a strong connection to the genre’s deep roots and, in doing so, appealing to the wider scene of the genre.
Starting with Trex in 2017, the label has hosted names like T>I, Teej, SMG, Molecular, Benny V, En:vy, Madcap, Dave Owen, Hystatus, Frame, and Missing. These are some of the names that represent some of the most innovative and forward-thinking producers in the genre today and Trust Audio has been influential in helping them hone their sound to perfection.
Releasing tunes throughout the year, 2024 has been another landmark year for Trust Audio; so, if you are a lover of the underground, Trust Audio’s release notifications should be the first thing you should switch on once you’re done reading this.
We’re not even halfway through the list of labels we believe deserve a spot on your radar. But one thing’s for sure—by the time you finish this feature, you’ll be immersed in some of the finest music the genre has to offer. So stick around as we chalk up part two.
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