Drum and Bass: A Family That Thrives Together
Drum and bass isn’t just a genre. It is a movement, a culture, and most importantly, a family. Unlike many other music scenes where artists feel untouchable, DNB has always been about accessibility, respect, and a shared love for the music. Whether you are a bedroom producer, a veteran DJ, or a dedicated fan, you’re part of something bigger. It is this unity that keeps the scene alive and evolving.
But while we already have an incredible foundation, we have room to grow. We need to double down on what makes us special: our willingness to support each other, to lift each other up, and to make sure that no one in our scene gets left behind. A strong scene isn’t built on a few big names, it is built on every individual contributing their skills, their passion, and their time.
More Than a Scene—A Family
Step into any DNB show, jump into an online forum, or dig through social media, and you’ll see it at once: people looking out for each other. From well-known producers taking time to share production tips to DJs promoting each other’s mixes, there’s an authenticity here that’s rare in the music world.
It’s not about ego. It’s about pushing the music forward.
Major artists in other genres can feel like distant celebrities, existing in a different world from their fans. In drum and bass, though, you can DM a DJ on Instagram and get a reply. You might run into one of your favorite producers at a local show and have a real conversation. That level of connection fuels our culture, making it feel less like an industry and more like a tight-knit group of people who genuinely care about the music and each other.
Helping Each Other Grow
That said, we can do better. As much as our scene thrives on organic support, we need to be more intentional about artist development. Right now, too much of it happens by chance—new artists either stumble into the right connections or struggle in the dark. We need to change that.
Imagine if we had structured mentorship programs where experienced artists took newcomers under their wing. Imagine a dedicated space where DJs and producers could share mixes and tracks, not just for plays but for real, constructive feedback from people who know what they’re talking about. Imagine more workshops, both online and in person, where production techniques, mixing strategies, and industry knowledge are passed down, keeping the scene strong for future generations.
This isn’t just a dream—it’s something we can make happen. It starts with us taking the time to listen, to teach, and to support. We’re only as strong as the weakest member of our community, so let’s make sure no one gets left behind.
Expanding Our Reach Without Losing Our Soul
One of the biggest challenges drum and bass faces is visibility. We all know how powerful this music is, but outside our circles, it still struggles for mainstream recognition. The beauty of DNB, though, is that it doesn’t need a corporate machine behind it. It spreads through passion, dedication, and word of mouth.
If we focus on lifting each other up, helping artists develop their craft, and supporting every aspect of our scene—from DJs and producers to promoters and fans—we can take this music to places it’s never been before. And we can do it without compromising what makes it special.
This is our music. This is our culture. We all have a role to play in keeping it strong and making sure the world hears it. Let’s build together!
Chad Pearson ( Infraction)
DJ/ Producer / Writer/ Fan
Drum and Bass Proper
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