Classic Track: Lenny De Ice – We Are I.E.

It should come as no surprise that Drum & Bass is a genre that means a lot to us at DNB Dojo. We enjoy celebrating the vibrant legacy and culture of this music, and it is an undeniable fact that we have Black artists to thank for filling the world with the remarkable sounds and styles that we’ve come to know and love.

Drum & Bass as a genre was predominantly birthed by Black artists and is thus inextricably linked to Black culture. To pay homage to the indelible impact of Black artists in Drum & Bass we are dedicating the next four weeks of Classic Track to productions solely from Black artists, a special dedication to their visionary achievements in the scene.

Let’s take Classic Track back to the roots to what is considered one of the first jungle tracks ever: We Are I.E. released on i.e. Records in 1991. Lennie De Ice struck gold with this monumental work, becoming an instrumental force in starting a musical movement that would forever change the music world.

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Classic Track: Justice & Mercy – Soothe My Soul (94) (Blame’s Mix)

Soothe My Soul (94) (Blame’s Mix) by Justice & Mercy is an undeniably unique tune. Blame’s mix of Soothe My Soul is a decidedly different take on the original that blends curious interpretations of Techno and Hip-Hop into a striking fusion that graced the White House Records catalogue in 1994.

Smart drum programming, wonderful sampling, and clever arrangement come together in a song that could understandably be played on repeat; I certainly had to hear it a second time immediately after the first play. This charming classic emanates a warm and cheerful vibe perfect for welcoming the summer months! Even better, the tracks were recently remastered from the original DAT; the vinyl release is already sold out but you can hit up the Modern Urban Jazz Bandcamp for a digital copy

Written by Luke Kessler

DNB Dojo Podcast #43 – May 2020

Hex returns with 90 minutes of fresh D&B as summer begins to peak its head around the corner. New beats inside from Kings of the Rollers, Henry, Mahakala, Kutlo, gyrofield, Konstructor and Ricky Force, plus many more – crossing all the styles of D&B as always.

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: J Plates – Witness

J Plates lands on In Reach Records with an old-school banger in the form of Witness! Chunky breaks and an infectious hook paired with rapid sub punches makes for a tasty combination; check it out below and watch out for the EP coming May 15th!

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DNB Dojo Podcast #42 – Apr 2020

Spring rolls around in our new life in quarantine…and Hex is here to distract you from lockdown with 90 mins of new D&B! New tunes inside from FFF, Ahmad, Echo Motion, Doom Poets, Gydra, dgoHn and many more, plus dubs from H20 DnB and Boredome. There are also tracks from new charity compilations via P Lab Recordings and Rebel Music, so be sure to grab those and support the causes if you can.

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: GY96 – 2 Chevrons

That vintage jungle sound on today’s premiere as GY96 drops a brand new release. Vintage synths and outboard gear power a tune which sounds exactly that – vintage. Check it out and hit up Bandcamp to grab a copy right now.

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DNB Dojo Podcast #41 – Mar 2020

In these uncertain and slightly surreal times we could all use some distractions, and with that in mind Hex is back with a fresh selection of D&B. New cuts inside from VRUM, Data 3, Nickbee, Lux, Special Victims, InsideInfo and many more, plus a brand new track from Hex himself.

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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Classic Track: Parallax – Watercolours

In times of hardship such as what we’re currently seeing in the world, a respite, an escape, is sorely needed. Today we dig deep to find a 1997 Drum & Bass gem by Parallax that can offer a breath of fresh air. This delightfully mellow A-Side comes from the archives of Urban Flavour Records, the brainchild of Tricksta, that would eventually evolve into Nu-Directions – a label that featured notable artists including ASC, Need for Mirrors, and BCee, among others.

Watercolours paints a picture of rich tones filled with pleasing, even pensive, auras. Gentle stabs punctuate phrases that emanate vibrant, ambient acuity. This song glides about with an elegant air, aided by tasteful piano and synth runs. A pure bassline and smart breaks congeal into a jazzy groove that breathes a dynamic spirit into the track. And that switch-up in the latter half? A stroke of genius. A much needed escape, indeed!

Written by Luke Kessler

State of Bass Book Released!

One for the jungle historians…the iconic State of Bass book has been revised and reissued for the first time since it’s original publication. Written by Melody Maker journalist Martin James and originally published in 1997, the revered tome covers the origins of jungle and D&B and explores the social, cultural and musical roots of the genre we all love so much.

The revised edition bolsters the original content with previously unpublished interviews with the likes of Fabio, Goldie and LTJ Bukem, plus coverage of Roni Size’s Mercury Prize win for New Forms. General release is coming in April 2020 but if you can’t wait til then you can grab a copy right now over at the Velocity Press website.

Premiere: RMS & Dublic – Inna Dub

RMS and Dublic bring the jungle fiya on today’s exclusive! Dubwise guitar chords and old school chopped breaks all the way on this one…watch out for Inna Dub dropping alongside a selection of other RMS collabs on Inner City Dance’s Stereo One imprint, coming Mar 9thy at all good digital stores.

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