Lists
14 of the most influential drum 'n' bass labels of the last decade
A perfect starting point for the best of the best in drum ‘n’ bass
We're celebrating the last 10 years of dance and electronic music with the Label Of The Decade poll. Here, Dave Turner charts the most influential drum 'n' bass imprints of 2007-2017
Drum 'n' bass has been a consistent force since its foundations in the early '90s and the last 10 years have proved the quality is still there.
The old guard such as Goldie and Calibre are still very much in the limelight, while artists such as Lenzman and LSB are representing the newer school of producers.
Below (in no particular order) are the labels that have been integral in pushing the sound forward over the last decade.
C.I.A Records
With 21 years behind it, Total Science's C.I.A is still well at the forefront of the drum 'n' bass scene. The label celebrated two decades last year with 'C.I.A 20', a compilation featuring cuts from Calibre, S.P.Y, Break and more. Total Science's 'Method'/'Rotation' kicked things off in fine style in '96, before Q Project, D Kay, DJ Marky and more linked up with the imprint later on. Input by Lenzman, Zero T and Ed:it have ensured it's still got the goods in more recent years.
Cosmic Bridge
Quite young in comparison to many of the labels in this list, Om Unit's label has made the most of its six years with heavy-hitting releases from the boss, Danny Scrilla, Kromestar, Moresounds and J:Kenzo. As well as straightforward drum 'n' bass, you'll find juke and dubstep among the back catalogue. Check out the 'Cosmology' compilations to get the full scope of material.
Critical Music
Hitting its 15th birthday this year, Critical may well be at the peak of its powers. Led by Kasra, the label's a hotbed of worldwide talent, being a home for the likes of Enei and Ivy Lab. Mutant, tech-leaning cuts dominate its back catalogue, but you'll definitely find some smooth vibes knocking about, too, Ivy Lab's 'Twenty Questions' being one of them. It launched its Binary series in 2014 as a platform for new artists to showcase what they're about, so there's plenty more to look forward to.
Exit Records
dBridge's label is all about musical variation. It kicked off with a straight d'n'b release in 2003 - dBridge's fierce 'Libra'/'The Bride' - but it's made a point of veering away from the norm since. From Steve Spacek's hip hop-leaning instrumentals and Synkro & Indigo's mellowed beats to the glossy footwork of Stray, the label's got plenty to choose from. Straight up d'n'b has been there the whole way through, though, welcoming the likes of Calibre, Alix Perez and Spectrasoul into the fold.
Good Looking Records
LTJ Bukem's Good Looking Records was the place for atmospheric jungle explorations during the '90s. The DJ contributed tunes himself, also pulling in the likes of Source Direct, Peshay, Photek, Blu Mar Ten and Total Science for glistening soulful cuts. Bukem's 'Logical Progression' compilation is unforgettable, as is his track 'Atlantis', one of the most important jungle tracks ever made.
Hospital Records
Is there a bigger label in d'n'b right now? Probably not. Having been set up by London Elektricity and Chris Goss in 1996, Hospital's produced some of the most melodic liquid d'n'b going, taken its Hospitality parties all over the world and, last year, launched its own festival Hospitality In The Park. Initial reaction following the first release - Peter Nice Trio's 'Harp Of Gold'/'Son Of David' - wasn't all positive, with one store going as far to say "We don't sell gay jungle!" The guys took it on the chin and marched on, though, London Elektricity's 'Billion Dollar Gravy' being a key album along with High Contrast's 'High Society' and 'Tough Guys Don't Dance' and Nu:Tone's 'Brave Nu World'. Just what the doctor ordered.
Metalheadz
Arguably the most recognisable drum 'n' bass label in the world thanks to its mean, skull/robot head logo, Goldie launched Metalheadz in 1994 alongside Storm and the late Kemistry. It might never have come to fruition had those two not taken the d'n'b icon to seminal club night Rage, so be thankful they did. Its first year was one of jungle magic, with releases such as DJ Peshay's 'Psychosis', the jazzy sound of Alex Reece's 'Fresh Jive' and Photek's majestic 'Natural Born Killa' EP. One moment that'll be hard to top, though, is the release of Goldie's album 'Timeless' in 1995, a joint release with FFRR. The record is deemed as one of the best electronic albums ever, setting a blueprint what could be done in drum 'n' bass and jungle. 22 years on, 'headz is providing a platform for the likes of Lenzman, Ulterior Motive, Artificial Intelligence and Commix. The bossman returns this week as well with album number three, 'The Journey Man'.
Playaz Recordings
The popularity growth of jump up drum 'n' bass around 2007 inspired Pascal and DJ Hype to close down True Playaz and launch Playaz Recordings. DJ Hazard took care of the first few releases, followed by Original Sin who was in prolific form throughout 2009. Other artists to contribute with brute force include Taxman, Prolix, Optiv & BTK, Lynx and Break. Their Playaz parties at fabric have gone down in history, too.
RAM Records
RAM is a d'n'b powerhouse led by the force that is Andy C. It was originally a platform for a young Andy (aged 15 when he launched it in 1992) and pals (Origin Unknown, Shimon) to release on, later welcoming Bad Company and DJ Fresh onboard for rigorous records like 'Space Hopper' and 'Without You' respectively. The last 10 years have seen Sub Focus, Chase & Status and Wilkinson take it into the mainstream.
Shogun Audio
If it wasn't for Friction and K-Tee's Shogun Audio, d'n'b fans might not have been treated to some very, very strong albums. Spectrasoul's 'Delay No More', Alix Perez's 'Chroma Chords' and Technimatic's 'Desire Paths' have all come from the Shogun camp, a place that's more of a family home than just a label. Most of the artists to have released on it once tend to return, as the aforementioned artists and the likes of Icicle, Fourward and Rockwell all have done. Sister label SGN:LTD is responsible for breaking the likes of Spectrasoul and Alix Perez, two of the best in the business these days. If it's atmospheric d'n'b you're after, Shogun's the place to visit. Spectrasoul's 'Memento' and Alix Perez's 'Forsaken' are just a few classics.
Signature Recordings
You don't read many interviews with Signature boss Calibre, but if shying away from the public eye means he's in the studio, then so be it. Looking at Signature's extensive discography dating back to 2003, it's clear to see he's spent a lot of time hidden away in the lab. The Northern Irish producer only releases his own music on the label, including albums 'Even If...' and 'Spill' and the 'Shelflife' series. No other label has this much soulful d'n'b under its belt.
Soul:r
The clue is in the name as to what style Marcus Intalex's label prides itself on. Calibre, DJ Marky and dBridge are just some of the d'n'b titans to have released on it, with Marcus appearing as M.I.S.T countless times and releasing his album '21' in 2011. The last few years have seen mega releases by LSB and DRS, and it continues to throw its Soul:ution parties. Thanks for the music, Marcus.
Symmetry Recordings
Bristol producer Break launched Symmetry in 2006 and it's been packed out with his own releases in the 11 years since. His own work is laced with funk elements, with his deep basslines becoming somewhat of a trademark. All four of his albums have been released on the imprint, including last year's '10 Years Of Symmetry' compilation which featured collaborations with Total Science, Spectrasoul and DLR. Expect to hear the crooning vocals of Kyo on much of his output.
V Recordings
Jumping Jack Frost and Bryan Gee's label has undergone some refurbishment over the years - switching to the V Records moniker for a while - but it's now back and firing as V Recordings. Drum 'n' bass heroes such as Roni Size, DJ Marky and DJ Krust have all released on it in its 24-year history, Marky's 'LK' being a key anthem for the label. On top of that, it counts era-defining compilations 'Planet V' and 'V Classic' as part of its discography.
