Drum and bass is a genre that emerged in the early 1990s from the UK’s vibrant underground rave scene. Characterized by rapid breakbeats, heavy basslines, and intricate sound design, DnB has evolved into a powerful cultural movement that spans continents. Its roots in jungle, hardcore, and electronic music showcase a diverse blend of influences, ranging from reggae to hip-hop, creating an energetic and often futuristic soundscape.
At the heart of drum and bass’s growth and sustainability are the record labels that have nurtured the genre from its infancy. Labels have been instrumental in developing talent and pushing the boundaries of DnB. They provide platforms for both established and emerging artists, shaping the genre’s sound and ensuring its progression. Record labels not only offer the structure needed for music distribution, but they also create communities that support and celebrate innovation within the genre. In a world driven by digital streaming, these labels continue to play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity, quality, and culture of drum and bass music.
This guide delves into some up and coming record labels, as well as a handful of well-established ones. With a brief background and overview of notable artists, there is also a demo submission email or portal link included for each one.
Additionally, we’ll provide some tips for preparing and submitting your music, as well as good practices for interactions with labels and A&R representatives. By mastering these elements, you’ll be better positioned to make a powerful impression and harness the full potential of your music within a dynamic and competitive drum and bass scene.
UP AND COMING LABELS
Crucast is a leading UK-based label that has become a dominant force in the world of bass music, with a strong presence in the drum and bass, bassline, and UK bass scenes. Crucast quickly gained recognition for championing high-energy, dancefloor-driven tracks that fuse elements of DnB with other bass-heavy genres.
Known for its powerful lineup of artists, Crucast has built a reputation for releasing forward-thinking music that appeals to both underground fans and mainstream audiences. The label has grown into a collective that not only releases records but also hosts massive events and tours across Europe, helping to introduce new listeners to bass-heavy music.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted via email to [email protected].
Elevate Records has swiftly become a key player in the DnB world. The label focuses on releasing high-energy, dancefloor-ready tracks with a particular emphasis on heavy basslines and uplifting melodies. Elevate Records serves as a sister label to the iconic Shogun Audio, allowing it to tap into the expertise and history of one of DnB’s foundational imprints while carving out its own niche in the modern scene.
With standout releases, Elevate has solidified its reputation for delivering music that balances technical mastery with crowd-pleasing anthems. Known for its powerful, dynamic sound, the label has gained a loyal following, becoming synonymous with adrenaline-fueled performances and quality drum and bass production.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted via the Shogun Audio portal HERE.
Born On Road Records, founded in 2013 by a collective of producers and DJs, including Aries and Kelvin 373, has become a vital force in the drum and bass and jungle scenes. With a focus on the genre’s roots, Born On Road blends the foundational sounds of reggae, dub, and jungle with modern drum and bass, creating a distinctive and energetic style that resonates with fans of both old-school and contemporary bass music.
The label has built a reputation for fostering a community-driven approach, supporting both established and emerging talent. Known for its diversity in sound, Born On Road releases encompass everything from heavyweight rollers to more melodic, reggae-infused beats, highlighting the label’s dedication to preserving the spirit of jungle while evolving with the times.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted via their website HERE.
Experts Only was founded by DJ and producer John Summit in 2020, as a way for him to maintain creative control over his work, and his vision of blending styles and genres together. While John Summit is primarily known for his work in house and tech-house music, his record label Experts Only embraces a wide spectrum of electronic genres, including drum and bass. By incorporating DnB into the label’s roster, Experts Only showcases its commitment to diversity within electronic music. Drum and bass’s high-energy rhythms and deep basslines add a dynamic edge to the label’s catalog, appealing to a broader audience and giving space for emerging and experimental DnB artists to thrive alongside house and techno talent. This genre blend helps Experts Only stand out as a forward-thinking label in the global dance music scene.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted via their portal HERE.
Founded in 1993 by Bryan Gee and Jumpin Jack Frost, V Recordings is one of the most iconic and influential labels in the history of drum and bass. While it is not “up and coming”, the label still operates independently and openly accepts demos. Known for pioneering the genre’s development, V Recordings has played a key role in shaping the global sound of DnB, particularly by championing the fusion of jungle, reggae, and soul influences. Through its various sub-labels like Liquid V and Chronic, V Recordings continues to support a wide range of drum and bass styles, from soulful liquid funk to hard-hitting rollers.
As a cornerstone of the genre, V Recordings remains dedicated to preserving the roots of drum and bass while consistently pushing the music forward, hosting global events and delivering cutting-edge releases.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted via their website HERE.
Overview Music is a modern drum and bass label founded in 2018. Based in the UK, the label has quickly gained recognition for its focus on the darker, more experimental side of drum and bass, often leaning toward techy, minimal, and deep sounds.
Overview Music has established itself as a forward-thinking label, nurturing emerging talents while maintaining a high standard of production. In a relatively short time, Overview has built a reputation for innovation within the drum and bass community, curating releases that balance underground appeal with cutting-edge production techniques.
Notable artists include:
Overview Music can be reached at [email protected].
Low Down Deep Recordings is a well-known drum and bass label founded in 2005. Based in the UK, the label specializes in jump-up drum and bass, a subgenre characterized by its heavy, energetic, and bass-driven sound. Low Down Deep has become a leading name in the jump-up scene, often releasing high-impact tracks aimed at the dancefloor.
Over the years, the label has featured releases from some of the most prominent names in jump-up. With a focus on gritty, high-energy beats, Low Down Deep has played a key role in shaping the modern sound of jump-up, regularly supporting new talent while staying true to the genre’s roots. Its music is a staple in clubs and festivals, resonating with drum and bass fans who seek harder and more intense tunes.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted via their website HERE.
Eatbrain is a prominent drum and bass label founded in 2011 by Hungarian producer Jade. Based in Budapest, Eatbrain focuses on the darker, neurofunk side of drum and bass, characterized by its aggressive basslines, complex sound design, and futuristic, high-energy aesthetic. The label quickly gained a reputation for pushing the boundaries of neurofunk, with releases from a roster of top-tier artists. Eatbrain is known for its cutting-edge, cinematic approach to production and its distinct visual identity, often featuring dystopian, sci-fi-inspired artwork.
As a leading force in the neurofunk scene, Eatbrain has helped to shape the modern sound of drum and bass, influencing both underground and mainstream audiences with its intense, forward-thinking music. The label also hosts its own events and is a staple at drum and bass festivals worldwide, further cementing its role in the global drum and bass community.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted via email to [email protected]. Further demo submission instructions can be found on their website HERE.
The Sauce Recordings is a relatively new drum and bass label founded in 2019 by a trio of respected producers: DLR, Hydro, and Spinback (from Total Science). The label was launched as a creative outlet for the group’s collaborative project, The Sauce, which focuses on bringing a fresh, funk-driven sound to drum and bass, blending old-school influences with modern production techniques.
The Sauce Recordings is known for its deep, rolling basslines, intricate rhythms, and a playful, soulful approach to the genre. With each member contributing decades of experience in the drum and bass scene, the label’s releases are marked by high-quality production and a balance between musicality and dancefloor energy.
Though still young, The Sauce Recordings has quickly gained attention for its innovative releases and continues to contribute to the evolution of modern drum and bass.
Notable artists include:
The Sauce Recordings can be contacted at [email protected].
Gossip is a drum and bass label founded by Manchester-based DJ and producer Bou, one of the genre’s rising stars. Launched in 2020, Gossip serves as a platform for Bou to release his own music and showcase emerging talent. The label is known for its focus on jump-up and dancefloor-driven drum and bass, characterized by heavy basslines, catchy hooks, and energetic rhythms.
Gossip has quickly gained attention in the drum and bass scene, with Bou’s reputation for producing chart-topping tracks, and collaborations with top artists helping to boost the label’s visibility. Gossip has become a hub for fresh, forward-thinking drum and bass, contributing to Bou’s growing influence in the genre.
Notable artists include:
Gossip can be reached via email at [email protected].
ESTABLISHED LABELS
Founded in 2002 by Kasra Mowlavi, Critical Music has become one of the most respected and influential labels in the drum and bass scene. Known for its forward-thinking approach, Critical has consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre, blending experimental sounds with the genre’s core elements of intricate rhythms and deep basslines.
The label has played a pivotal role in shaping modern drum and bass, championing both established artists as well as supporting new talent through its carefully curated releases. Critical Music is known for its high standards of production and commitment to innovation, often releasing music that challenges genre conventions and explores new sonic territories.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted via their website HERE.
Hospital Records is a prominent UK-based drum and bass record label founded in 1996 by Tony Colman and Chris Goss. Known for its melodic and soulful take on drum and bass, the label has been instrumental in shaping the genre’s modern sound. Hospital Records is recognized for pushing liquid funk, a subgenre that blends drum and bass with jazzy, atmospheric elements. Over the years, it has garnered a reputation for high-quality production and innovation, hosting the iconic “Hospitality” event series around the world, which showcases their artists and influences global drum and bass culture. Hospital Records has contributed to both the underground and mainstream success of drum and bass, remaining a key player in the genre for nearly three decades.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted via their website HERE.
Viper Recordings is a renowned drum and bass label founded in 2004 by British producer and DJ Futurebound. Based in the UK, Viper has built a reputation for delivering high-energy, melodic drum and bass, blending elements of the genre’s heavier and more accessible sides. The label has been instrumental in launching the careers of several major artists.
Known for its diverse catalog, Viper Recordings releases span a wide range of drum and bass styles, from uplifting, anthemic tracks to harder, more aggressive sounds. The label has also gained recognition for its successful compilation albums, such as the “Drum & Bass Annual” series, which showcases top tracks from both emerging and established artists.
Viper Recordings plays a significant role in shaping modern drum and bass, regularly featuring in clubs and festivals worldwide and helping to bridge the gap between underground and mainstream audiences.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted via their portal HERE.
UKF is a digital music platform and label founded in 2009 by Luke Hood, originally created as a YouTube channel to promote dubstep and drum and bass music. It quickly became a key online hub for bass music, helping to elevate both established and emerging artists in the drum and bass scene. UKF played a significant role in bringing drum and bass to a global audience through its expertly curated content, high-quality releases, and wide reach on platforms like YouTube, SoundCloud, and Spotify.
UKF’s influence extends beyond being just a label, as it has become synonymous with promoting cutting-edge drum and bass. The platform has featured iconic tracks and artists, including Netsky, Camo & Krooked, and Sub Focus, and has helped to shape modern drum and bass by providing a vital space for fans and artists to connect. Through its events, compilations, and regular releases, UKF continues to be a driving force in spreading drum and bass culture worldwide.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted via their website HERE.
TIPS & TRICKS
When preparing your music for release and submission to a record label, having a thorough checklist can ensure you present your work in the best possible light. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get ready:
