New exhibition on UK hardcore and jungle has opened in London

A new exhibition taking place at the University of Greenwich's Stephen Lawrence Gallery is exploring the influence of London imprint Brain Records on the development of UK hardcore and jungle.

Trackers and Breakbeats: Celebrating Brain Record's Underground Revolution runs from October 11 to November 2 as part of Black History Month. It is free to enter.

Launched by community art initiative Rendezvous Projects, the show aims to celebrate the label's influential legacy and the crucial achievements of its founder, Bizzy B, redressing his absence from current mainstream narratives on UK dance music.

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It will also delve into Brain Records' pioneering use of Amiga computers and OctaMED software to shape the breakbeat sound and pave new ways for music production, as well as looking at the broader implications of this on the early 90s' demoscene (an international computer art subculture that helped to redefine cultural structures).

According to a statement on Instagram: "The exhibition is the first of its kind to recognise the innovative use of this software on the hardcore and jungle sound."

Featuring key releases, studio equipment, photography, flyers, and oral history extracts, Trackers and Breakbeats offers substantial insight into the label's history.

Founded in Leytonstone in 1992, Brain Records worked with many influential jungle and hardcore producers including DJ Red Alert & Mike Slammer, Peshay, Equinox and TDK, and played a vital role in the evolution of both genres.

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Curated in collaboration with Bizzy B himself, the show further highlights the grassroots nature of the scene, where ‘bedroom studios’ were often the focal point of innovation and creativity.

Katherine Green from Rendezvous Projects says: “In the mainstream narratives of jungle and drum and bass, the influence of Brain Records and its distinct sound is often overlooked. This exhibition seeks to correct that imbalance by honoring and recognising these true pioneers and innovators who have played a crucial role in shaping the UK music scene.”

“Bizzy B and the crew around Brain Records, particularly through their innovative use of technology like the Commodore Amiga, have left an indelible mark on the genre and deserve to be celebrated.”

Meena Sears is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Instagram