2022 has been another epic year for drum and bass overflowing with tunes from fresh and seasoned artists as the genre continues to expand and evolve; an unstoppable beast with the sickest beats and earth shattering basslines that smash dancefloors worldwide. Hopefully the ‘Artists to Follow’ series has successfully helped listeners discover some of the new talent in DNB! Wrapping up the year Volume 4 is here to focus on the newer and upcoming labels that have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to push drum and bass to the next level and beyond. Without them so much of this music wouldn’t see the light of day and we’re here to celebrate these amazing record labels for all they do!
ABDUCTED LTD
Abducted LTD has been running the game on U.S. based neurofunk labels and their latest release ‘100’ has shot up the charts finally bringing them recognition long overdue. Constantly pushing and promoting drum and bass from all angles Abducted guides artists into the spotlight from fresh faces to fan favorites, putting the funk back in neurofunk with every tune. This endless effort earns Abducted LTD a spot as a staple in the scene and in a prime position to make big things happen in 2023 and beyond so get on board!
Check out Abducted’s ‘100 LP’ out now featuring 19 tracks of absolute insanity: GET IT ON BEATPORT!
BOOMSLANG RECORDINGS
Boasting an artist roster of heavy hitters that is constantly growing Boomslang Recordings is continually cultivating the scene with fiercly fresh releases of DNB. One of the hardest pushing labels in USDNB Boomslang pulls artists from around the globe to groom their catalouge of killer tunes providing a dark and devious yet dance floor friendly groove. 2023 will welcome more new faces and returning legends to the list as Boomslang continues to evolve their imprint bringing the BOOM to every room. Stay tuned because Boomslang is on the move!
Catch up on the best of Boomslang Recordings this year with ‘THE 2022 ANNUAL’: CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
DIRTBOX RECORDINGS
Dirtbox Recordings is rising in the ranks, smashing out releases with quality and consistancy, pulsing through the scene spanning the sub genres of DNB with a dangerously desirable sound. From dark and dirty tech step to more dance floor friendly funky neuro and some absolute bangers to boot, Dirtbox is gaining support from big names and DJs across the board. Dirtbox Recordings absolutely smashed through 2022 and we can’t wait to see what they continue to do!
Check out the latest release from Dropset on Dirtbox with ‘IMMINENT ATTACK’ and get a peek at the start of ’23 with ESKR’s ‘MECHANISMS EP’: BUY ‘IMMINENT ATTACK’ HERE and PRE-ORDER ‘MECHANISMS’ HERE
ELEVEN ONE ONE MUSIC
A change of pace in 2022 created Eleven One One Music pioneered by Nurve with the goal of giving new life to the tech step sound providing cutting edge music and consistency in the scene. Several releases from Nurve have given the label a real boost with tracks like “Sandman”, “Don’t Poke the Bear” and “Virtue”. It’s clear to see this path Nurve is blazing will make a massive impact long term in the sound of DNB. More music from Eleven One One is highly anticipated and we can’t wait to see what other artists come on board as Nurve continues to build a library of technically sound tunes with Eleven One One Music.
Grab the latest release from Nurve on Eleven One One Music ‘FIRST FATE (CLOTHO)’: CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
EVOLUTION CHAMBER
Evolving the future sound of DNB Evolution Chamber has brought forth several banging releases this year continuing to build their brand and push the forward focused signature sound with mind bending releases that break the mold every time. Booming cinematic compositions that tower in the mix you can always expect thick, high quality tracks with animated effects that grab some serious attention. We can’t wait to see what Evolution Chamber has planned next!
Grab the latest release from Evolution Chamber ‘MALUX – JERICHO’: BUY IT ON BEATPORT
GRAND THEFT AUDIO RECORDINGS
Stealing our hearts and spots on top of playlists worldwide Grand Theft Audio Recordings offers a warm presence in the drum and bass scene covering the full spectrum of sub genres from smooth and snappy vibes to killer dancefloor compositions with flash and flare. Detailed and dedicated to building the scene and taking DNB to new heights Grand Theft Audio Recordings passionately pushes new and established artists to their fullest potential with consistency. A huge year in 2022 they’re sure to keep the momentum on the move and we can’t wait to share that with you, too!
Check out Grand Theft Audio Recordings ‘FRESH MUSIC ANNUAL 2022’: GET YOUR COPY HERE
HANZOM MUSIC
Hanzom Music bring serious heat stacking playlists with unique, genre bending DNB from notable artists within the scene. Hanzom Music offers an impressive catalogue of punchy, banging neurofunk and ideas outside the box which really make an impact for this growing label in drum and bass. 2022 kept the beats flowing furiously for Hanzom Music with a plethora of top shelf tunes and moving forward Hanzom is one to keep an eye on holding the fierce and funky groove.
Get a taste of ‘HANZOM PRESENTS: BEST OF 2022’: GET IT ON BEATPORT
ROOT 97
A fresh, new label Root 97 is pushing the sound of late 90’s tech step and neurofunk DNB with future forward thinking and modern technique. Check out Root 97’s Chapters 1-3 with various artists on board contributing to the catalogue as they sophisticatedly smash into the scene with this killer sound. We’re looking forward to more chronicles of this highly sought after style for many years to come, we’ll be keeping a close eye on this one!
You can get Root 97’s latest release ‘CHAPTER 3’: CLICK HERE
SHELL SHOCK RECORDINGS
Masters of the more maniacal side of DNB Shell Shock Recordings is stacking their catalogue of tracks with the nastiest drum and bass and hardcore sounds that are mighty and mean! Aggressive compositions keep the power at full force in the mix and the consistency in releases keeps the momentum in high gear grinding through the tracks year after year with new and seasoned artists on board. Keep it locked to Shell Shock for the heaviest artillery in 2023!
Get a taste of what Shell Shock has to offer with ‘SHLSHK: BEST OF 2022’: GRAB IT HERE
VAHANA RECORDS
One of the newest labels to surface this year Vahana Records are just dipping their toes into the scene but have made quite a splash with their future forward thinking and progressive styled DNB. 2023 should offer plenty from this label as they continue to form their presence and build their catalogue with dedicated design, creating tracks to break the mold and bend our minds. We can’t wait to hear it all!
Grab the latest release on Vahana Records ‘ELISA DO BRASIL, SKWIG, AGON, ‘THE FOOL EP’: GET IT ON BEATPORT
VTO RECORDS
VTO Records is the spot for 100% neurofunk! Only two years in the making this label presents powerful precision and class with every release composing a catalogue of absolute top shelf DNB. Floor stomping tracks flow fearlessly from this label that will influence the direction of drum and bass for years to come as VTO Records continues to unleash aggressive yet stylish neuro onto the masses and we’re here for it 100%.
Grab the latest from VTO with ‘KAIZEN FLOW – ‘TLM/OBJECT’: CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPY
