Guest Mix: Habit

Kiwi producer and DJ Habit lands on the decks for our latest guest mix! Between a packed calendar of appearances in his homeland (where clubbing is actually a thing…we envy you so New Zealand) and releases for ProgRAM, The Dreamers, Samsara Beats, SBK and more, Habit has been a busy man over the last few years, crafting his signature brand of high-energy D&B.

The mix feels like the mirror of Habit’s production style; energetic, but varied in style, crossing dancefloor, neuro, halftime and deeper beats to boot (including a fistful of his own tunes, of course). As always you can check out the mix via Soundcloud below or head to Youtube or iTunes to stream. You can also grab a download from Google Drive.

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Evolved – Encounter 001

When three labels from three countries join forces for a new series of releases you know you’re in for something special. Enter T3K, Sine Function and Hanzom, as they unite for the Encounter series. With three labels collaborating on the release it seems appropriate that the music itself is also a collaborative venture – Evolved sees four producers from Brussels pooling their talents, and thus far the results have been impressive, not least their recent EP for Delta9 Recordings.

On this release the Evolved gang are flexing their creative muscles to create some finely sharpened, futuristic D&B cuts. The influence of the harder-edged neurofunk sound is audible here in the sound design and percussion but the overall aesthetic is one of restraint; detailed atmospheres have largely been prioritised over brutalising basslines.

The result is three detailed, enthralling tracks taking in different styles; Brainless delivers a dark and ominous roller, while Intuition goes deeper, serving up futuristic android soul against sharpened percussive presence. The Cure rounds things out with a menacing halftime swagger, keeping the atmosphere but adding a hint of hip-hop swing.

Overall this is a powerful statement of intent and some of the most interesting music we’ve heard so far this year, combining technicality with soul and depth. We look forward to hearing more from Evolved and more from Encounter…in the meantime Encounter 001 is available right now via digital stores and streaming.

Premiere: Hex – Vats of Acid

Dojo boss Hex is back with new music this month for Quentin Hiatus’s Free Love Digi imprint, and we’ve got the premiere today for Vats of Acid. Living up to its title this one is all acid synth leads, set over a stomping halftime beat and meaty bassline, with a hint of trap in those hat rolls. Watch out for this one exclusively at Beatport & Bandcamp Feb 26th; all other stores follow two weeks later.

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DNB Dojo Podcast #52 – Feb 2021

It’s that time once again; Hex is back on the Dojo decks with a fistful of new beats from GEST, Phonograph, Zero T, Radiax, Loxy & Resound, Sleepnet and many more, plus unreleased music from Joakuim and a new track from Hex’s forthcoming EP on Free Love Digi. Check it out!

As always you can check out the podcast via Soundcloud below or head to Youtube or iTunes to stream. You can also grab a download from Google Drive.

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Get To Know: Rua Sound

Based in Galway, Ireland, Rua Sound have been operating for just under five years, but in that relatively short period they’ve already established themselves as purveyors of some of the most exciting sounds in the 170 sphere. The main label plays host to the melting pot of sounds crossing grime, dub, jungle and D&B while sister-imprint Foxy Jangle sprang up to provide more “straight up” jungle outings.

Quality control has been their hallmark on both fronts, with just 11 releases on the main label and 6 more Jangle 12″s, but the results speak for themselves; all killer, no filler. Read on for five of our faves…

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Premiere: Mystic State & Captivate – Departure

Mystic State join forces with Vancouver producer Captivate for a new single on The Chikara Project, and we’ve got the premiere of B-Side Departure for you today! Halftime beats, skittering percussion fills and a healthy dollop of atmosphere…yes please! Food for the soul…look out for this coming Feb 5th at digital stores.

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DNB Dojo Podcast #51 – Jan 2021

Hex returns to the Dojo decks for the first podcast of the year. New music inside from Data 3, Boston, Scartip, Tephra, Qua Rush and many more, plus dubs from Soul Defiance, Patience and an unreleased track from Hex to boot!

As always you can check out the podcast via Soundcloud below or head to Youtube or iTunes to stream. You can also grab a download from Google Drive.

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Premiere: Basic Biology – Compelling

Tuscon production duo Basic Biology return to Quentin Hiatus’s Free Love Digi imprint with a new EP, and we’re hyped to have the exclusive on title track Compelling! Haunting atmospheres, halftime drum lines and filtered bassline grooves make for a potent brew…look for this coming to digital stores Jan 29th.

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Get To Know: Beat Machine Records

Our first label showcase feature of 2021 takes a dive into the discography of Italian electronic label Beat Machine Records. While not exclusively focussed on drum & bass, between their main catalogue and the excellent Swinging Flavors 7″ series they’ve played host to a number of excellent hybrid bangers, melding footwork, jungle, D&B and bass for some really innovative releases. Read on for our favourites from the BM vaults…

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Premiere: Dub Beans – Never

Dark halftime vibrations from Dub Beans on our first exclusive of the year! Eerie atmospheres, metallic percussion and serious bassweight…watch out for this coming via Samsara Beats at digital stores Jan 11th…

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