Drum ‘n’ bass, a fast-paced genre of electronic music recognized for its breakbeats and heavy basslines, started in the UK’s underground music scene back in the 1990s. It combined elements of jungle, reggae, and electronic styles, quickly gaining audience recognition and becoming a favorite.
While the genre had its ups and downs over the years, it never fully disappeared. Classic names like Goldie and Roni Size helped shape its sound, and newer artists have continued to experiment and evolve it. Now, drum ‘n’ bass seems to be making a real comeback, especially with listeners discovering it through streaming platforms and collaborations with mainstream artists. One of the latest examples of its renewed popularity is Dom Dolla’s recent collaboration with Tove Lo on the track – Cave.
According to a recent report by Spotify, UK streams of drum ‘n’ bass tracks have surged by 94% since 2021. This resurface is largely due to a younger audience – 68% of listeners under the age of 34. The genre’s top artists include Chase & Status, Rudimental, Bou, Sub Focus, Charlotte Plank, Skepsis, Hybrid Minds, and more.
To support this resurface, Spotify posted a mini-documentary titled “DnB: In for Life,” putting a spotlight on Charlie Tee and Flight. The documentary explores the genre’s evolution from underground raves to mainstream stages. DJ Flight said: “We’ve seen a real explosion of drum ‘n’ bass within the mainstream. It’s really amazing to see the new wave adopting the music, putting their own spin on things, doing things for themselves.“
