Beats News

All vinyl pressed to extra heavy 180g.

Another extra-terrestrial movement from Space Cadets.
* Australian artist Nether returns with three tracks of understated and on point dub-influenced electronica.
The much sought after Glacial Dub finally finds its way onto wax, with the 8 minute long roller proving one of the label's most soundsystem orientated tracks so far and a firm favourite with fans.
* A side Neptune builds with a tuned delicacy, layers of reverb hosting a restrained beat alongside melancholic synth work. Sea of Glass typifies Nether's atmosphere driven sound, furthering his explorations into deep sonic space initiated on his previous release for Space Cadets
* Original sleeve artwork is once again contributed by US illustrator Theo Ellsworth.

Strictly Ltd Ed. 300 White Label Press
*It's time to unleash once more the ferocious creative talents of one of the most esteemed electronic music producers working today, Rockwell. Having proved himself time and time again, with a versatility and dynamism matched by few, Tom Rockwell continues to astound critics and fans around the world, never afraid to push pre-conceived ideas and boundaries in favour of forward-thinking, uninhibited music. Here for his latest Shogun installment he does it again, so get ready to be utterly and unequivocally blown away; this could just be his biggest moment yet.
*Rockwell begins with his ode to techno, 'Detroit'; an incredible journey stitched together with sounds and samples from bygone years that proves Rockwell truly is in a league all of his own. Defying all of your previous perceptions of how drum & bass should sound, this is an absolute smacker that's been rewound several hundred times no doubt at clubs across the globe by those lucky enough to have it over the past few months. Essential Rockwell.
*Then 'Back Again' continues to push even further, intro'ing with hip-hop vocals lending themselves to a very trap influenced excursion that sees Rockwell cutting and splicing together some of the craziest sounds yet to have come from his studio. With ideas and vibes flowing freely, this is Rockwell at his most ingenious and the perfect B-side to an outrageously out there release from one of the most exciting heads in the business.
*Support from Zane Lowe - BBC Radio 1 "It blew our bass bin! This is ridiculous, a phenomenal slice of drum and bass from Rockwell" http://www.youtube.com/watchv=dcjK_7t_wNc
Support from MistaJam, BBC Radio 1Xtra "How special is this! Absolute smasher! Rockwell is just taking the mick!" http://www.youtube.com/watchv=zzAE5lo9xwM
*BBC Radio 1xtra - Mistajam's 'Jam Hot' track of the week - week of release - everyday play plus introduction from Rockwell
BBC Radio 1 - B Traits (in for Annie Mac) played 'Back Again' Fri 31st May "Crazy vibe on this one!"
Namone
BBC Radio 1 - Zane Lowe - 'Future Music' feature Tuesday 28th May
'Friction Fire' Track of the week - BBC Radio 1 Drum and Bass Show
Lots of radio support from MistaJam, Zane Lowe, B Traits, Friction on BBC Radio 1 and 1xtra
- 80,000 views on You Tube - 2 weeks
- Online support from Vibe Mag, Mostly Junk Food, Stereoboard, Phuturelabs, Data Transmission, Resident Advisor, Drum and Bass Arena
- Print - Tune of the month - Mixmag
- Club support from Friction, High Contrast, Sub Focus, Machinedrum, Andy C, Rustie
*Press / Promotion: Backdrop Promotions, adam@backdrop-promotions.com

* A three pronged attack, the latest release on Bryan Gee's imprint features seasoned V soldiers Artificial Intelligence combined with the lyrical talents of Dan Bowskill as well as a remix of their seminal hit Let it Be ft Steo by legends Marky and Spy. The release is rounded off with a sick joint effort with Command Strange and the first lady of DnB, MC Tali.
* Artificial Intelligence - Mind Control ft Dan Bowskill
Classics vibes sharpened up for 2013, Mind Control is already destroying clubs. Featuring the reggae tinged vocals of Dan Bowskill and a iconic AI bassline, Mind Control shifts gears is a track designed to take over the dancefloor. Combine a thick, churning bassline, punchy drums and those immediately recognizable vocals and you have another high-quality Artificial Intelligence banger.
* Artificial Intelligence - Let It Be ft Steo (DJ Marky & S.P.Y Remix)
Already two huge producers in their own right, DJ Marky and S.P.Y team up to rework Artificial Intelligence's huge Let it Be ft Steo. Maintaining the classic vibes and vocal lines of the original but with a gritty bassline and injection of freshness, this one's going to be all over 2013.
* This 12' has gained huge support from across the board showing that this really is a HOT release! Andy C has been dropping 'Mind Control' in his latest sets and BBC 1's very own Friction has also spun it on his show as well as 1Xtra's Crissy Criss. It has also featured on a number of podcasts from Hospital and Bryan Gee's Ministry Of Sound show.

*META009 Signals the long overdue return of A.I to Metalheadz with the release of 'Dillirious' & 'What You Had' featuring Steo on Vocals.
*'Dillirious' gives an insight into the darker side of Artificial Intelligence's repertoire with a twisting journey through sonic textures, pitchshifting pads, amens, heavyweight drums and fx all culminating in a low frequency teardown of epic proportion.
*'Dillirious' is a clear platinum slab of greatness featuring the perfect measure of all of those essential and integral elements required to smash dancefloors into lots of tiny pieces, this is definitely one for the speaker stack soldiers and main floor marauders - eyes front, head down, early morning stomping time for the true headz.
*The Flip 'What You Had' Featuring Steo switches up the focus from darker mood to melody with the reverbed vox of Steo injecting a healthy measure of emotional narrative to AI's backdrop of inter winding swells of pads and bass.
*Artificial Intelligence were the first to bring Steo's hypnotic tones to Drum and Bass wax and its easy to hear why as 'What You Had' confidently delivers hits the sweet spot of modern D&B genius.
*Yet again Metalheadz deliver another outstanding outing of sheer Drum and Bass brilliance adding yet another definitive release to their unrivalled catalogue of Drum and Bass future history.

*Over the years, drum & bass has seen literally thousands of record labels come and go. But amid the seemingly infinite imprints that have provided an outlet for the music, very few can claim to have had anywhere near the influence of the mighty Virus Recordings.
*Ed Rush & Optical, alongside fellow 'tech step' luminaries Matrix, Trace, RymeTyme and later Bad Company and Cause 4 Concern, layed down the Virus template on timeless tracks such as 'Gasmask', 'Watermelon' and 'Medicine', as well as LPs 'Wormhole' and 'Sleepwalk', and within just a couple of years had a seismic influence on the sound of Drum & Bass.
*2012 has been a vintage year for Virus with the release of Optiv & BTK's highly acclaimed 'Dirty Tricks' LP, now comes a second instalment of precision future-funk in the guise of the completely off the chain AUDIO, a producer who has earned his reputation as the champion of heavy-weight bass music in all genres. His first LP on Virus, 'Genesis Device', was a huge hit in the scene and established Audio as the one of the best of the best. Part two, entitled 'Soulmagnet', see's Audio rising to even higher heights, obviously an artist at the top of his game.

Hurtling towards the release of their sophomore album 'All Or Nothing' on the mighty Ram Records, Calyx & TeeBee display their versatility on this, their new single. Having proven their worth with a decade and a half of success, the duo take their unique sound and apply it to two haunting tracks that are sure to get fans of expertly crafted D&B excited for the forthcoming long player.

'All Or Nothing' is the long-awaited follow up to Calyx & TeeBee's debut album 'Anatomy' set to be released on one of the bass music scene's longest running and most highly respected labels, Ram Records. The duo's first single from their new album has already been supported by Zane Lowe, Annie Mac, Trevor Nelson and many more of the world's leading tastemakers, and 'All Or Nothing' looks set to catapult this incredible production partnership to all new heights.

Brand new white label single from the dnb crossover stars who have previously collaborated with Plan B, Cee Lo Green, Rihanna, Example and Tinie Tempah.

* Ram Records are delighted to announce their second new signing of 2013... Chords. A man who's rise through the ranks of drum & bass has been astonishing. Not surprising; producers who shine with such crisp musicality and production power on their earliest releases always get spotted quickly. And after his previous smashers, the next chapters in his exciting career will be written with Ram. In the words of Andy C..
* 'Chords is an incredible talent. His melodies, textures and arrangements are next level... We're very excited about this producer... He's gonna blow some minds!'
* The mind blowing starts with a deep hypnosis session. Deep, warm and relentlessly pumping, 'Biting Point' is one long piano pounding shock out. Rolling and rush-soaked with a timeless progressive sound palette, this one's an elevator - enveloping your floor into a trancelike state, ready for the next level.
* Our minds continue to blow as we hit 'Amygdala'. Literally: It takes its title from a crucial part of your brain that powers memory and emotional senses. Opening with a deep wash of synths and faraway thunder drama drums, we're soon whisked off on a distorted bass roller coaster, dipping and rising on a hooky, infectious riff. Memories of the opening, inward-looking synth intro are soon triggered as we hit the breakdown. The only emotions your amygdala will be triggering right now are happiness and love.
* Confident yet understated, these are two purring pieces of full-bodied contemporary D&B. Consistent in their quality but triggering different sonic senses and dancefloor motions, this marks a very exciting new chapter for both Chords and Ram Records.

Danny Byrd is back and ready to blow 2013 away with this rambunctious double A-side sampler, as we approach the release of his third studio album later this year.
* First he teams up with Bristol based Full Cycle legend and Mercury Music Prize winner Roni Size for the explosive, dancefloor-driven 'Grit'. Bringing together two legends of the D&B scene for the first time 'Grit' has an exuberant, larger than life appeal that will surely make it a favourite amongst DJs and punters alike. Dropping like a car alarm going off in the dance and answered by a juddering sub of gargantuan proportions, the track rolls out with a robotic gospel choir adding intrigue and melodic soul.
* The double A is Danny Byrd's 'Love You Like This'. Guaranteed to charm and impress, this is an uplifting, vocal-driven slice of D&B, accessible and engaging and will set the dancefloors on fire with its hands-in-the-air panache. Classic 'Stardust' era French House recalled thanks to a tasty Alan Braxe sample, giving this record cross genre appeal. Recalling the halcyon days of disco drum+bass at its funky finest, this record has become an instant classic at Hospitality with the likes of Netsky, High Contrast and Danny Byrd himself pulling it back for the rewind.
* Watch out for the video promo (featuring a number of familiar faces in unexpected places) - forthcoming on Hospital Records YouTube channel.
* 'Grit' has already seen strong BBC Radio One support and airplay from tastemakers such as Zane Lowe and Mistajam.

With UK top 40 success and multiple A-List singles at Radio One already under his belt, Hospital Records' man of the moment, the mighty Danny Byrd, presents his most consummate and ambitious project to date. Ladies and gentlemen, boy and girls, prepare yourselves for the ultimate 'Golden Ticket'.
* Featuring a high calibre supporting cast of featured artists and a broad sound palette, 'Golden Ticket' takes in a broad spectrum of UK garage, house, hip-hop all underpinned by a 174bpm breakbeat backbone.
* Across the 16-track album there is production assistance from such scene stalwarts as Jaguar Skills and The Brookes Brothers, as well as vocal talent from such stars as Tanya Lacey, Cleopatra, Serocee and Rhymestar.
* Watch out for previously released singles '4th Dimension' and 'Bad Boy (Back Again)' which provide a powerful jump-start to this epic album as well as such early highlights as the upbeat and soaring sing-along number, 'Bad Monday'. *Elsewhere, we have UKG influenced 'Battle (feat. Cleopatra)', the stomping 4/4 beats of 'Touchline (feat. Serocee)' and the experimental 'JFK (Holy Mackerel)'. With the beginning and the end firmly marked by skits, the epic outro 'Golden Ticket' brings the album to a beautiful, shimmering finish.
* The album launch for 'Golden Ticket' will take place at Hospitality Brixton on Friday 24th May 2013 and is set to be a landmark occasion. Make sure you're there.
* Radio / Internet: Hospital Podcast - Multi award-winning podcast with over 30,000 subscribers, 100k + individual downloads, onsistently in iTunes top 10 podcasts; E Marketing - Dedicated Hospital mailing lists reaching over 35,000 subscribers; YouTube - Hospital YouTube channel (120k+ subscribers); Social Networking - Facebook: Hospital Records = 185k+ likes Twitter: @hospitalrecords = 40k + followers
* Tracklist:

Arguably 'the' classic Virus single,

250 press on a black vinyl to follow shortly.
*Rooted follows their debut in November with two excellent tracks for the dancefloor.
*Ed:it has been getting good support of late & 'Cargo Dub' is a fine track to grace and DJ's set.
*Fade's 'Insider' really showed this guy's talents, and Krakota steps-up to give it some Bristol-style jungle remix work.
*DJ support comes from Hype, Marcus Intalex, Krakota, Doc scott, Dub phizix, Skeptical

250 press on a black vinyl
*Rooted follows the success of 'Cargo Dub' with a remix from Total Science.
Total Science have worked their magic on what was already a hard hitting dancefloor tune from Ed:it.
*Mikals 'Kick Back' Is the perfect flipside, a fine example of this producer skills.
*DJ support comes from Hype, Marcus Intalex, Krakota, Doc scott, Dub phizix, Skeptical

* Hardcore Underground's Sister Label 'HU Breaks' is afforded its own CD release, bridging the ever decreasing gap between Drum 'n Bass and Breakbeat Hardcore. Fresh off the back of HU's 'Best Label' win at the Hardcore Heaven Awards 2012, and with an eye to trying new and exciting things, a thunderous collection of breakbeat music featuring label stalwarts and new signings alike is ready to be unleashed! HU Breaks has already had number 1's on the TrackitDown Drum 'n Bass chart, hundreds of thousands of views (per track!) on YouTube via the Liquicity channel, amongst others, and tracks featured on the arcade dance game 'ReRave' all adding up to an ever increasing reputation amongst worldwide breakbeat followers as THE new label to watch.

This 2xCD album appeals to both DJs and casual listeners alike, with a broad range of breakbeat styles and artists featured on the unmixed CD as well as an epic journey of a DJ mix by rising star Gavin G.
CD1: Unmixed

* Amsterdam local, Ivory Coast progeny and Grime-Juke-Jungle gene-splicer, H-SIK makes his Black Acre debut in rude style with two concrete-junglist chemical weapons. First up is the muscular drum workout 'Sonic Rage' which layers a ridiculously powerful, yet deftly chopped 808-Amen bombardment with delicate citric pads, bleeps and lost droideka language. On the flip is the Orwellian 'No Promises' a natural pairing of Vangelis atmospherics and committed drum-funk workout, building with undead voices and B-Boy breakdowns.
 

Once again, Hospital Records brings you the ultimate soundtrack to your holiday season with the massive 'Hospitality Summer D&B 2013', mixed by Hospital director Tomahawk.
* The album is jam-packed with 29 essential hot new tunes and unreleased exclusives from Hospital artists such as Metrik, Danny Byrd, High Contrast, Netsky, S.P.Y, Nu:Logic and Fred V & Grafix as well as tracks from further afield from the likes of Wilkinson, The Upbeats, Phace & Noisia, Fracture, Ivy Lab, recent Med School signing Rawtekk and many more.
* As Hospitality continues to go from strength to strength, we look forward to another exciting summer, which kicks off with our May bank holiday special - Hospitality Brixton on Friday 24th May. This year we will also be hosting Hospitality stages at Parklife, Beach Break, Urban Art Forms, Lovebox, Global Gathering, Sundown as well as takeovers at Glastonbury and Bestival.
* Summer just wouldn't be the same without a 'Hospitality Summer D&B' album and this is another sizzling album to add to your collection.


























27. Fred V & Grafix 'Basilisk'
28. Danny Byrd '4th Dimension' (303 Mix)
29. Nu:Logic (feat S.P.Y) 'Start Again'

* Having made its debut on Annie Mac's BBC Radio 1 show and already clocked up 400,000 views on UKF Dubstep 'Black & White' sees Loadstar effortlessly showcasing a brand new side to their sound. The Bristol-based duo are well known for their incredible drum & bass and now they gear up for the release of their debut album on Ram Records with a 140bpm slice of sublime bass music that's sure to set dance floors from London to Los Angeles alight with a fresh flavour.
* As fans of Ram Records would expect, the vinyl edition has two incredible drum & bass tracks. First up is Loadstar's 'Vatican Roulette' - an absolute monster of a tune crammed with heavy bass energy, intense alarm synths and pounding drums. This is an undeniable dance floor killer!
* Then label mate Hamilton steps up to rework 'Black & White' into a huge drum & bass number that's sure to have the faster floors jumping this autumn!
* With this new single Loadstar show that they have the diversity and maturity to produce a wide range of sounds and styles. A fact that will surely have everyone excited for their coming long player.

Last years 'Overthinking' EP has become an underground monster, cementing LSB's place in the record boxes, CD walltes and USB sticks of musical d&b lovers worldwide.
* Enei steps up and re-works 'Overthinking', adding his trademark heavy beats and chest shattering bass while still maintaining the musical goodness of the original.
* Due to popular demand for the track to see a vinyl release, LSB has given 'This City' a DJ friendly 2013 rework which retains all the goodness of the EP version and adds a little extra energy.
* Support from Friction - Radio 1, Crissy Criss - 1xtra, London Elektricity - Hospital Podcast, Nu:Tone, Drumsound, TC, S.P.Y and more...

As everyone knows The Metalheadz label was built on a solid foundation of nothing other than a commitment to the absolute highest calibre of future thinking music, an attitude that was inherent at day one and continues to this day, the driving element that holds Metalheadz head and shoulders above the rest as the best known and loved genre defining imprint for Drum and Bass Music.

As the label quickly approaches its milestone 20th anniversary next year and as Metalheadz enters another exciting chapter the continuing emphasis on the absolute pinnacle of quality music continues this time courtesy of one of Manchester's most respected and revered scene heavyweights Marcus Intalex.

Marcus signals his long overdue return with META008 which features both 'Riots' & 'Hell To Pay, two outings that illustrate why Marcus is still deservedly regarded as one of the scenes most important ambassadors.

'Riots' kicks things off with a driving, gritty hard-edged dark stepper carried perfectly by a heavy helping of splashy rides and low-end grunt, steadily building and rolling in combination to devastating effect Marcus provides a soundscape which is reflective of the title itself. A tune that looks back to London's troublesome past by taking 'Riots' of the streets and transferring them straight to the dance floor.

Meanwhile on the flip 'Hell to Pay' features a very healthy nod to the past in bang up to minute standard. All of the golden elements are here that defined the early tech era - Heavy tech stabs, plenty of reece and a massive helping of live drums - Everything that is right about this sound is found right here in perfect balance. Elements that are tried tested and in this case perfect!

Another unmissable 2013 Metaheadz release

Nu:Logic is the collaborative alias of brothers Nu:Tone and Logistics, here joining forces in the studio for the first time since 2010's 'New Technique EP'. Expect soothing, cerebral D+B of the highest calibre here coupled with a fiercely unique approach that will have you clamoring for more.
* Opener 'Morning Rain' starts the 12' with a flurry of twittering birds and murmuring atmospherics. Calm and mellow from start to finish, this blissed out track pairs pattering drums with cooing vocals for maximum effect, whilst guitar strumming and sub-heavy upright bass add weight and depth.
* Over on the flipside we have the not-so-cuddly 'Grizzly' which switches up the tempo and goes for the jugular with superb trigger-clicking, bass-ridden stabbing beats. The trippy tinkling intro drops swiftly into a raw and rugged affair and continues to menace right til it's all over.
* Fans of Nu:Logic can also look forward to the outfit's debut album which is dropping in Spring 2013. Stay tuned for more info.

now repressed !!!

There's no doubt that Rockwell has made one of the most astounding and acclaimed contributions to the drum & bass scene since he first arrived several years ago. With a production technique like no other and a musicality others can only strive for, Tom Rockwell has been a solid blast of fresh air. Now though the bar's about to be raised even further; we have a game changer on our hands.

*Ruffhouse follow up their last storming single with another gem for those who like it deep.
Their distinct sound and arrangement comes to fruition in the shape of 'Strangers' - an unbelievable tune, that has moments throughout, culminating in a roll-out just when you think you've heard enough. On the flip 'The Domino Effect' sees them revert to some straight-forward stepping drums, with their industrial cold vibe and throbbing subs.
*DJ support comes from dBridge, Loxy, Skeptical, Storm, Doc scott

On this limited 4-piece vinyl product there are selected tracks and remixes from: High Contrast, Gridlok, Madeon, Maldini, Nu:Logic, Optiv & CZA, Total Science and Technimatic. Limited to 1000 copies.

Radio Play from Annie Mac, Friction, Crissy Criss and many more!
*Heavy Club Rotation from many many DJs including, Andy C, Hype, Friction, Netsky, Subfocus, High Contrast,

*Having made some of the biggest waves in drum & bass over the past 6 months since signing to SGN:LTD, men of the moment Technimatic get set to debut their first full EP on the label. With a growing reputation as ambassadors for the smoother liquid side, this array of top notch productions looks likely to cement their standing even further as the 'Intersection EP' arrives just in time for those long summer nights ahead.
*'The Evening Loop' drifts onto the horizon with sparkling keys, soft pads and a soul searching lead vocal that starts things off as they mean to go on. Listen in awe as the amens rain in with the feel- good drop and rich, warm bass making for a gorgeous slice of highly polished D&B for aficionados the world over.
*The title track 'Intersection' continues in similar fashion, all skyward bound but with a tough bassline doing the damage this time around. As the melancholic vocal chants 'you are mine', that's exactly what you'll be by the time this one ends. *'Frozen Leaves' is a crisp walk down nostalgia street with a huge LFO bassline that moves the feet. The Technimatic production prowess is in full effect once more with shimmering layers of synths and pads that build into a luscious musical mix that does SGN:LTD proud.It's left up to the stepping tones of 'Sphere' to finish off with its delicate hushed vocals that drip over the top of a slightly darker edged affair but still very much in keeping with the Technimatic traits seen throughout. A simply stunning show of music from a duo who've only just begun, so much more to come.

Having risen royally up the ranks over the course of last year, The Prototypes have been busying themselves back in the studio preparing for the next onslaught. After their seminal 'Born To Rise' and high profile remixes for the likes of Snoop Dogg and Ed Sheeran, it's now time to let rip with what is without doubt some of their most explosive work yet; just light the blue touch paper and stand well back...!!

DJ Support:
Goldie, Bailey, Fracture & Neptune, Total Science, Alix Perez, DJ Hype, S.P.Y, Flight & Friction. [A] a1 | TRESPASS

* After yet another sensational year for the label it's time for Shogun Audio to round it all off in typically heinous fashion with the fourth and very final ever installment of the most renowned EP series of recent years, Evolution. The word couldn't be more apt for a stable of artists who continue to defy the boundaries, astounding critics and fans all over the world and final part of the series picks up where the previously acclaimed EP's left off, aiming to end it on a high with the strongest issue yet. Offering an array of talent from different angles of the drum & bass spectrum this is without doubt an essential addition to the discography and the perfect way to draw a line under the Evolution EP's.
* Kicking off the EP is the very first outing on the label for Optiv & BTK who take a break from Ed Rush & Optical's Virus camp to deliver 'Understand', an awesome piece of tech wizardry that oozes class and vision. Brooding to the max with Sam Wills' robo vocal this one's a seriously dangerous piece of audio artillery in the right hands.
* It's left up to Shogun's own Prototypes to keep up the aural assault and they don't disappoint with 'Blackout'. This is The Prototypes as you've never heard them before, angry, underground and absolutely tearing! As MC ID intros telling 'it's time to blow the roof off', that's exactly what happens as the kicks drop and the pummeling bass blows us into kingdom come. Sick is an understatement, you won't believe your ears!
* Next up to take the reigns is the inimitable studio genius they call Icicle and you know when Icicle does it dance floor he does it different! 'Timer' is a warped escapade into the mind's eye of Jeroen Snik as he teaches us the finite art of how to roll out an ice cold banger pure and simple. One of his more out and out D&B cuts this is sure to please all of the Shogun faithful.
* Finishing off the EP is Sgn:Ltd's newest signing Technimatic, who dig deep into their liquid lounge of soothing atmospheric drum and bass to bring us 'Solace'. Cruising gently along with wide-eyed vocals and an elastic bassline that'll test any system this is a gorgeous way to end the last in the Evo series, a staggeringly great EP from a label that knows no different.

Benny Page has cemented himself as a Drum & Bass Legend, and this remix of "Champion" is yet another reason why his work
continues to be among the most played in the genre currently. Featuring the current crop of Europes finest reggae dancehall mc's Mr
Williamz, Million Stylez, Cali P, & Ziggi Recado, the trade mark extra large Bassline accompanied by energetic sound system samples
& beats makes this the drum & bass anthem for the summer!