American Grime

Yooo fam welcome to our miniseries where together, we are going to explore the sounds of New England. We’ve curated a lineup of some of the finest DJs across the northeast to deliver you a diverse look at the area.

Today, hailing from Litchfield CT, we present Evac Protocol. With a background in classical music, and more recently, as a deathmetal drummer, Evac Protocol has had music coursing through his veins.

In 2008, his wealth of genre blurring musical prowess helped him rise through the ranks of Bass DJs and producers in New York. As the owner of BroTown Records and longtime manager at Dieselboy’s “Planet Human,” Evac’s work has found a home amongst some heavy hitting record labels.

He’s thus far had an amazing run of shows, including residencies at Webster Hall’s “BASSment Saturdays”, his own “SUB:MERGE” and “Raging on the River” events series, and GBH’s nostalgia event, “The Drop.” Heading up “The Evac Protocol Show” on the internationally renowned Rood.fm, Evac has pushed the weekly bass music radio show to feature much of the industry’s top talent from around the globe.

Now, with an angle of attack that includes radio shows, festival appearances and original productions, he finds himself constantly on the move, destroying dance floors with relentlessly bass heavy beats and energetic performances.

It’s an honor to end this regional miniseries by introducing you to Evac Protocol.

Ladies and Gentlemen, get yourself ready for 30 mins of New England.

Yooo fam welcome to our miniseries where together, we are going to explore the sounds of New England. We’ve curated a lineup of some of the finest DJs across the northeast to deliver you a diverse look at the area.

Today, hailing from Portland Maine, we present Daze Inn. Specializing in halftime and dubstep, with a notable homage to hip hop, Daze Inn serves up a mix filled with heaters.

Known for his top tier track curation, as well as his knack for clean transitions, he’s become a staple in the New England Bass scene.

In 2015, Daze Inn started a weekly bass event called “Sundaze”, which provided a platform for countless emerging artists.

Now, with the success of one of New England’s longest running bass music weekly under his belt, he fondly reflects on his role in the rise of powerhouse crews such as Sub・Cul・Ture & Bass Face Productions.

What more needs to be said? can we say? He keeps it fresh and fun, just the way it should be. Its with great respect and love that we introduce you to Daze Inn.

Ladies and Gentlemen, get yourself ready for 30 mins of New England.

Background Noise Editorial coming soon!

Yooo fam welcome to our miniseries where together, we are going to explore the sounds of New England. We’ve curated a lineup of some of the finest DJs across the northeast to deliver you a diverse look at the area.

Today, hailing from Boston, MA, we present the Wubson.

Pushing a mix that is made up of originals and remixes, Wubson comes on with an energy all his own.

With a dedication to his own production and exploring the depths of his own sound, Wubson continually embarks on a journey of development.

His joy for life is matched only by his passion for creating as evidenced by his 7 years of crafting music.

Now, although self aware that there is much to learn, he gifts us with his progress thus far on the road to greatness.

Its my pleasure to introduce you to Wubson.

Ladies and Gentlemen, get yourself ready for 30 mins of New England.

Background Noise Editorial coming soon!

Yooo fam welcome to our miniseries where together, we are going to explore the sounds of New England. We’ve curated a lineup of some of the finest DJs across the northeast to deliver you a diverse look at the area.

Today, hailing from Danbury CT, we present the Apothecary.

Formerly known as Abomnabl, the name Apothecary has steadily been climbing the New England bass scene.

But this rise is no accident. The hard work he’s put in is coupled only with his undeniable passion for the music he has dedicated himself to. This is evidenced by the crew he helped found, the Goop Troop Collective.

Armed with what seems to be an endless supply of hard-hitting originals, this producer/DJ knows how to put on a show, with mixes that are both punchy and dark.

His music has been described as an “utter abomination that transcends genres and delves into the darkest corners of the mind.”
Those are the vibes that landed The Apothecary a feature on the first WidFam compilation.

Now, coming off an extensive festival season that included spots on Yonderville, Sub•Cul•Ture, Circus of Life, and more, he looks to keep building his momentum straight into 2022.

It’s my pleasure to introduce you to Apothecary.

Ladies and Gentlemen, get yourself ready for 30 mins of New England.

Background Noise Editorial coming soon!

Yooo fam, welcome to our miniseries where together, we are going to explore the sounds of New England. We’ve curated a lineup of some of the finest DJs across the northeast to deliver you a diverse look at the area.

Today, hailing from Boston, Mass., we present DJ Glowworm.

With a budding interest in various musical genres, DJ Glowworm came from humble beginnings, hijacking the aux cable at parties. This gave her an early taste for being the one to control the musical ambiance.

That taste grew into hunger, as her love for music and dancing with her friends ushered her into the New England rave scene.

There, DJ Glowworm was able to find a home amongst the other audiophiles, performing at shows all over the US and even reaching Panama.

Now, with a heart swayed by the sounds of drum and bass, she looks to sink her teeth into the industry that has fulfilled her passions by playing events forever and ever. Amen.

It’s my pleasure to introduce you to DJ Glowworm.

Ladies and Gentlemen, get yourself ready for 30 mins of New England.

A structure of hexagonal cells, spontaneous flair,
and communal roots.

By Sarah Styles

With his intoxicating personality and lustrous music identity Honeycomb is a name that holds movement. An inspiration to many up-and-coming and established producers alike, and a comfort space for fans around the globe, Honeycomb holds a unique ability to defy genre boundaries.

His performance space is deep rooted in an auditory act of spiritual transformation through multiple instrumental outlets both man made and spoken. Even through the complexity of his musical adaptation you can see a natural affinity for this vocation through his every movement. Honeycomb is proof that defining yourself through music goes beyond any label or chart. It is an ongoing journey that tests your strength and perspective in every project and performance moment.

Throughout his years of being a musical phenomenon, Honeycomb has toured around the country supporting identities that cover a diverse range of genius, while building his harmony amongst his collaborators and peers. Notable names such as Moon Hooch, Mija, Liquid Stranger, 12th Planet, Claude vonStroke, Big Gigantic, Break Science, and Twiddle – to name just a few.

Honeycomb draws influence from many artists, genres, and life experiences. He is drawn to natural elements and community comradery as motivation and inspiration for his craft. He hopes that his American Grime (AG) Presents: mix will encourage listeners and aspiring musicians to have courage and an open mind to pursue the things we love.

As a native to New England, American Grime welcomes the first installment to our locals series with open arms and ears.

In this week’s episode of AG Presents: New England, Honeycomb creates a delicate yet wholesome audible experience for you to explore.

Tune in next week Monday, December 20th with DJ Glowworm, another highlight local in the New England community.

Forming DnB Futures: American Grime Features NECROMANCER in Grand Finale of DnB Podcast Series

By Jimmy O’Hara

Perhaps no form of electronic music intertwines so many genres nor influences numerous producers across time & place as the beloved Drum N Bass (DnB). From its formation within the breakbeat hardcore and ragga jungle sounds of early-mid ‘90s U.K. scenes to its reemergence at the turn of the 2020s, DnB’s remarkable impact on electronic music spans decades.

DnB is more than a music genre, it’s a social response rooted in resistance to normativity, an imaginative space for artists and listeners alike to dream collective futures. Although the legacy of DnB’s past and present is celebrated among soundsystem communities the world over, its future rests on music culture maintaining the genre’s recent surge in momentum. Producers like Tyler Hawkinson aka NECROMANCER are leading the way.

“The history of DnB is what really got me so involved in the genre; it’s rich in culture and has a bpm range unlike any other, with a timeless sound that never gets old,” says NECROMANCER. “Coming from the deep-rooted sounds of Jamaica and having swept across London, this genre embodies a full sound of heavy bass and percussion that just doesn’t quit.”

Based in Minneapolis, NECROMANCER is a veteran to the electronic scene, frequently mixing and producing DnB for local and regional crowds. His daytime set at the Pyramid Stage during the 2021 Infrasound Festival engulfed listeners in thick, earth-shattering drumlines to remember. NECROMANCER recalls being struck by one transformative festival set in particular a couple years back.

“I always play a bit of DnB in all my sets. In 2019, I got to play a lot of DnB at the Even Further Festival. I also had no idea that I was about to get my mind blown in the audience as well,” explains NECROMANCER. “I got to see the amazing Rey Keith rip a 2-hour set. It changed my life forever.”

Keen on community education in the electronic music scene, NECROMANCER holds the history, present, and future of DnB in high regard. He draws artistic inspiration from legends who have shaped and evolved the dynamic genre, namely Joe Nice, Mala, Goth-Trad, Ray Keith, DJrum, Alix Perez, Skeptical, Goldie, D-Bridge, Mister Shifter, J:Kenzo, and the Subsequential crew.

“It’s hard to pinpoint one area or person, but there have been so many people that push me to dig deeper,” says NECROMANCER.

Collectives like Background Noise and American Grime (AG) stand true in a shared vision to bring the promising future of DnB into the fold. In the sixth and final episode of the ongoing podcast series AG Presents: DnB, NECROMANCER unleashes a carefully curated half-hour mix for the masses. This producer’s passion for DnB’s past and his optimism for the genre’s future shines through the mix’s uniquely imaginative take on what it means for musicians to dream.

“I hope to show a variety of sounds from this genre. There’s a little bit of something in there for every different person passionate about bass music culture. This mix hits a lot of my favorites,” says NECROMANCER. “From the smooth jungle and liquid bits to the Heavy Rollers and Jump Up, I try to give each track room to breathe and reveal it’s full self to the listener.”

NECROMANCER believes the future of DnB is bright. He credits AG for illuminating this timeless genre through the power of podcasts and for working diligently to keep the drumline light aflame.

“One thing that draws me to the AG crew is how they are bringing proper attention to the grime and DnB scene here in the U.S.,” says NECROMANCER. “I hope to help do the same.”

Drum N Bass Takes New Form with Rising Talent Across North America

By Frank Wiedmann

American Grime (AG) Presents: Drum N Bass has taken us on a ride through the DnB space, providing listeners with a variety of unique sounds and artists. This week’s episode, featuring Klippee, shows what the U.S. scene is all about. 

“The U.S. has a ton of awesome artists and DJs, and it’s great that the American Grime guys want to highlight some of them,” Klippee states. “I hope the series brings more awareness to DnB in the states.” 

Each of the artists in AG’s DnB series have mentioned how much DnB means to them and how the genre has shaped their personal growth.

“I’ve loved DnB for as long as I can remember. In fact, my buddy Ken (from Combine) just got me Quadrant 6 by Dom & Roland on vinyl,” says Klippee. “That track was released in ‘97 and is one of the tunes that made me want to produce DnB.”

Although DnB has been lurking in the background of U.S. club spaces since the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, the genre didn’t gain much traction until early- to- mid-2021. Now that DnB is increasing in popularity among the electronic scene, we are seeing a ton of fresh talent and new subgenres begin to unfold. Artists are also beginning to draw influence from other genres previously left unexplored. 

For example, dubstep is derived partially from DnB, but nowadays the two distinct genres are starting to fuse and coincide.

“Lately I’ve drawn much influence from all the awesome 140bpm stuff being produced, specifically Ternion Sound and Skeptical,” says Klippee. 

Now that these genres are intertwining, electronic fans are gaining a better understanding of how similar yet different they are. DnB also empowers listeners to examine the recent electronic past and appreciate the brilliance that has been in front of us the whole time.

“DnB is incredibly versatile,” says Klippee. “DnB goes so deep in terms of history. I highly recommend that folks who are getting into DnB for the first time go back through label catalogs. There are so many gems from 10 and even 20 years ago that still go off.” 

A lot of the tracks we hear today are descendants of the revolutionary groundwork laid by DnB’s pioneers just a few decades back. Up-and-coming artists are starting to make their own way by experimenting and bringing a fresh look to the genre. 

“Just look at Seattle. We have some awesome DnB talent, and it all sounds different. Quadrant & Iris, Kumarion, Homemade Weapons, Rebel Scum, Root for the Villain, Yukon Sucker Punch… I could go on.” Klippee says. “There is so much you can do at 174, 87, 160, and every bpm in-between.”

For this week’s AG mix, Klippee is cooking up a unique half-hour adventure for the masses. This mix will take fans on a journey, immersing them in yet another deep dive into the vast world of DnB. 

“I wanted to play a set that I would play live,” says Klippee. “It’s stompy, techy, rolling, and full of weird sounds.”

Klippee reflects fondly on a memory close to his heart and that keeps him devoted to the genre.

“I would say landing in London and going to the 1985 night at Village Underground with my friends was something else. I got to see some of my favorite artists for the first time in an incredible setting, and Skeptical dropped one of my tunes. I legit could not process it for a moment. I flew halfway across the world to a place where the big boys play, and I heard my own track played on the soundsystem,” Klippee says. “It changed my life. That whole trip was like a DnB pilgrimage for me.” 

*****************************************************

Stay tuned for the sixth and final guest-mix in American Grime’s DnB podcast scheduled for release Friday, November 19 feat. Necromancer.

Each Friday, be sure to travel on over to the Background Noise newsroom for coverage, commentary and more. Throughout this six-week journey, our editorial team will cover each episode, uncovering the complex history and endearing optimism of DnB right along with you.

From Warehouses to Mainstages Lee Griffin Takes Listeners on a Journey Through the Evolution of Drum’N’Bass

By Frank Wiedmann

As Drum N Bass (DnB) has gained popularity in the U.S. electronic scene since early 2020 it’s worth noting DnB’s rich history throughout the development and evolution of modern electronic music.

American Grime (AG) presents: DnB is taking a deep dive into the dynamic genre. In this six-part series, each artist transports listeners on a journey through the vast world of DnB. From liquid to rollers and beyond, DnB empowers fans from all corners of the electronic music community to explore unfamiliar sounds and uncover new worlds.

This week’s episode features Lee Griffin, a DnB don known best for his collaborative project with Legion prior to launching his current solo alias. Lee Griffin credits the DnB space for cultivating some of his most joyful memories and helping shape the artist and person he is today.

“DnB isn’t a fad genre and hasn’t gone anywhere since its inception,” explains Lee Griffin. “Through all of the mixes featured in this series, I hope people will learn about the different subgenres of DnB. The evolution of drum and bass is time-stamped by its subgenres.”

Dating back to the early-mid ‘90s U.K. scene, DnB arose out of a variety of popular electronic genres, forming a novel underground sound. Drawing from elements of hip hop, breakbeat, electro, and pop, DnB took on a multilayered essence of its own. With the creation of this new genre came new talent.

“I draw inspiration from Logistics, Culture Shock, and Andy C,” says Lee Griffin. “Logistics for his flawless liquid DnB, Culture Shock for his consistent innovation, and Andy C for his unique style of DJ’ing.”

Imagine the early ‘00s of U.K. rave culture; DnB began spreading its wings, becoming a staple in warehouses across the country. Eventually, this genre would fly even further, working its way around the globe. However, DnB faced barriers to planting its feet in the U.S. scene. This was largely due to other genres, such as house and techno, taking the center stage. DnB quickly gained a reputation as the black sheep of the electronic music scene in the U.S., going on to thrive in dark basements and secret word-of-mouth parties.

Fortunately, DnB is seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. After more than a year of isolation, many electronic fans have found new sounds and embraced change for the better. From those word-of-mouth functions to mainstages across the world, DnB is seeing an abundant re-emergence across electronic communities.

Lee Griffin wants AG podcast listeners to know why DnB means so much to him and countless others in the music industry.

“As an artist, one of my favorite memories was playing Tomorrow World in 2015. And as a promoter, I’d have to say the Language 2-year anniversary was massive. Crissy Criss, State of Mind, AK1200 and Mystikal Influence killed it, and it was amazing when we brought Ed Rush & Optical,” says Lee Griffin. “DnB matters so much because of the shared, widespread love for this niche genre. I’ve met some of my favorite people through DnB, including my girlfriend. I get a feeling of pure joy bringing people together through DnB.”

AG presents: DnB is the perfect introduction to DnB. Lee takes listeners on a half-hour adventure that will be memorable for many months to come.

“In my mix, I wanted to go through a few different flavors. I wanted this mix to be something fun more than anything. Vocal, dancefloor, heavy, deep, epic, funky and cheeky vibes on deck for this one,” says Lee Griffin. “I hope more people gain exposure to DnB through this series. Even if one new DnB fan is made, I’ll be happy. The more the merrier.”

***************

Stay tuned for the fifth guest-mix in American Grime’s podcast scheduled for release Friday, November 12 feat. Klippee.

Each Friday, be sure to travel on over to the Background Noise newsroom for coverage, commentary and more. Throughout this six-week journey, our editorial team will cover each episode, uncovering the complex history and endearing optimism of DnB right along with you.

KNOXZ SHARES KNOWLEDGE & KNACK FOR DNB IN LATEST AG GUESTMIX
By Drew Zwilling

Hailing from Florida, Patrick Felony created the KNOXZ alias around five years ago. In these five years, it’s evident that KNOXZ has made his mark on the DnB scene, and paved his own path setting him apart from other artists. As an MC and lyricist, KNOXZ versatility shines through his craft. Between his tracks charting on Beatport’s Top 100 and releasing with renowned labels like Renegade Hardware, Human Imprint, and Abducted, making KNOXZ a beloved name within the DnB community.

KNOXZ describes the deeper purpose of the American Grime (AG) presents: DnB podcast series is to serve as a platform for DnB newcomers and veterans alike.

“I suppose it was the year-long supply of tacos I was promised,” KNOXZ says jokingly. “Being long-time friends with Calvin and Serg and already releasing some grime tunes and bars for their AG label, I couldn’t have been more thrilled at showcasing my roots and passion for drum and bass.”

KNOXZ hopes the impact of this series will expose listeners to sounds they may not have heard before. He describes the deeper purpose of this AG podcast is to serve as a platform for DnB newcomers and veterans alike to appreciate this timeless genre.

In 2008, KNOXZ released his first DnB track. Now, he’s a veteran of the sound, with more than a decade of experience touring across the U.S., U.K., and Puerto Rico. KNOXZ holds DnB in high regard and strives to support his music community at-large.

“After appealing to the deeper side of 140 bpm, I immediately grasped onto grime,” says KNOXZ, a seasoned MC for DnB shows. “I resonated with the grime sound and knew I had to get involved. It didn’t take long for Jumanji, Serg, myself and a few others to begin bringing that sound to our local scenes.”

When it comes to the history and importance of DnB, KNOXZ brings it down to one concept: innovation. DnB’s signature dark basslines, reese synths, and unique drum loops & patterns all trace back to the genre’s inception in the early 90s U.K. scene.

“So hard to sum up, but simply put, innovation. DnB has a way of adapting to almost any sound but still making itself unique, different, and quite technical. It has a soul but can also be ‘too future’,” says KNOXZ. “It can evoke feelings that may be too complex for some, or a masterpiece to others.”

KNOXZ credits a variety of artists and genres that influence his art the most. The likes of legends like Teebee, Gydra, Teddy Killers, Audio, Gridlok, Jade, Optiv, Ink, Ed Rush, and Optical all reflect his niche interests in the world of DnB.

“I’m most drawn to dark, techy, and neuro subgenres,” says KNOXZ. “Old Virus, Renegade Hardware, Eatbrain, and Cause 4 Concern all invoke some of my favorite styles in DnB.”

KNOXZ’s guest-mix marks the third episode in AG’s ongoing DnB series. When crafting this thirty-minute gem, he filtered his approach through the genre of grime. KNOXZ hopes that adding hints of grime will help the mix appeal to a wider audience.

“I tried to incorporate more interesting basslines with longer note progressions, and added some tunes with lyrical content. I even dropped a few halftime bits to bring back some similarity,” explains KNOXZ. “I figured it couldn’t hurt when representing myself to also include some original productions as well.”

DnB fans and AG listeners will get an intimate look into KNOXZ’s favorite memories associated with his DnB journey.

“Throwing the first Winter Music Conference event with Tristan, Jonathan (aka Spor) and Chris Renegade back in 2006 was a wild time. We had a jacuzzi in the VIP area, and Gigantor of Evol Intent threw a chair in the hot tub,” recalls KNOXZ. “It was lots of rockstar vibes back then, and who can blame us? It was the golden era of DnB, a genre that creates many good memories, including family and friendships along the way.”

Through this week’s AG mix, KNOXZ takes fans on a journey through dark and technical basslines. This DnB veteran’s artistic influences permeate through his track selections. The blending and weaving of sounds pulled from other genres gives life to the mix, highlighting the riveting styles of drum and bass. KNOXZ seamlessly executes this blend of sounds, delivering a refreshing DnB experience.

Stay tuned for the fourth guest-mix in American Grime’s podcast scheduled for release Friday, November 5 feat. Lee Griffin.

Each Friday, be sure to travel on over to the Background Noise newsroom for coverage, commentary and more. Throughout this six-week journey, our editorial team will cover each episode, uncovering the complex history and endearing optimism of DnB right along with you.