Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
Drum and bass genres are electronic music styles that include liquid, jump up, neurofunk, darkstep, and mainstream DnB. Each genre features fast-paced beats (160-180 BPM), distinct bass patterns, and unique sound characteristics that set them apart within the DnB family.
Have you ever wondered about the exciting world of drum and bass music? Let’s explore the many different types of DnB that make this electronic music style so special. Whether you’re new to the scene or already love the fast beats, this guide will help you understand all the different drum and bass genres.
Drum and bass music started in the UK in the early 1990s, growing from the roots of jungle music and rave culture. According to Music Radar’s comprehensive history of electronic music, DnB changed how people think about electronic music. The basic idea is simple – fast drums mixed with heavy bass lines, usually playing at 160-180 beats per minute (BPM).
In this guide, you’ll learn about the main types of drum and bass music, how they sound different from each other, and which artists to check out. We’ll also share some great tracks to start with, recommended by BBC Radio 1’s essential mix archives.
Table of contents
What is Drum and Bass Music?
Think of drum and bass like a fast-paced recipe. The main ingredients are quick drum beats and deep, rolling bass sounds. Just like how you can tell the difference between pizza and pasta, each DnB style has its own special flavor that makes it unique.
The heart of drum and bass is its speed. Most tracks play at 160-180 beats per minute – that’s about twice as fast as regular pop music! The drums follow a pattern called “break beats,” which comes from old funk and soul records. The bass lines weave through these beats like a snake, creating that special DnB feeling.
The Evolution of Drum and Bass
The story of drum and bass is like watching a tree grow from a tiny seed. It all started in London during the early 1990s. Back then, people were playing jungle music at parties and clubs. DJs started speeding up these jungle tracks and adding heavier bass lines. This new sound quickly caught on.
In 1994, artists like Goldie and Roni Size started making tracks that would shape the future of DnB. They took jungle’s wild energy and turned it into something more polished. Soon, different DnB styles started popping up as artists tried new things with the sound.
Today, drum and bass has spread from London to every corner of the world. It’s played at huge festivals and tiny clubs alike. The sound keeps changing as new artists bring fresh ideas to the style.
Popular Drum and Bass Genres Compared
Let’s look at the main types of DnB in an easy-to-understand way. Think of these genres like different flavors of ice cream – each one is good, but everyone has their favorite!
| Genre | Speed (BPM) | Main Features | Feel | Popular Artists |
| Liquid | 170-175 | Smooth bass, musical | Happy, relaxing | High Contrast, Netsky |
| Jump Up | 170-180 | Big bass drops, simple beats | Energetic, fun | DJ Hazard, Original Sin |
| Neurofunk | 172-176 | Complex sounds, dark bass | Sci-fi, intense | Noisia, Black Sun Empire |
| Mainstream | 170-175 | Catchy melodies, clean production | Radio-friendly | Pendulum, Chase & Status |
| Darkstep | 170-180 | Heavy bass, scary sounds | Dark, mysterious | Technical Itch, Dylan |
The great thing about these genres is that they often mix together. Many artists make music that fits into more than one style. This keeps the DnB scene fresh and exciting.
Liquid Drum and Bass
If regular DnB is like a strong cup of coffee, liquid DnB is more like smooth hot chocolate. This style focuses on musical elements that make you feel good. It uses gentle melodies, flowing bass lines, and often includes real instruments or singing.
Liquid DnB started in the early 2000s when artists wanted to make drum and bass more relaxing. They added elements from jazz, soul, and even classical music. The result was a style that works just as well at home as it does in clubs.
Many people start their DnB journey with liquid because it’s easier to listen to. Artists like High Contrast and London Electricity showed that drum and bass could be both gentle and powerful at the same time. Their tracks often tell stories through music, making them perfect for both new fans and old-school listeners.
Jump Up DnB
Jump Up is like the party starter of the DnB family. If you’ve ever been to a drum and bass event, you’ve probably heard this style. It’s known for its big, bouncy bass sounds that make people want to dance right away.
This style got its name because it makes crowds ‘jump up’ when they hear it. The bass lines are often silly and fun, using sounds that might remind you of cartoons or video games. Jump Up keeps things simple – it’s all about having a good time on the dance floor.
DJ Hazard helped make Jump Up popular with tracks that everyone remembers. The bass sounds are often described as ‘wobbling’ or ‘honking,’ which might sound strange but works perfectly in clubs. This style shows that sometimes the most fun music doesn’t need to be complicated.
Neurofunk DnB
Picture robots making drum and bass – that’s kind of what Neurofunk sounds like! This style came from artists who wanted to push DnB technology to its limits. They use computer software to create sounds that would be impossible to make any other way.
Neurofunk got its start in the late 1990s, but it really took off when better music software became available. Artists like Noisia showed what was possible when you mix technical skill with creative ideas. The result is a style that sounds like it came from the future.
The ‘neuro’ part of the name comes from how scientific and precise everything sounds. Every little sound is carefully designed. The bass often sounds like machines or alien technology. While it might not be everyone’s cup of tea at first, many people grow to love how different and exciting it is.
Darkstep and Techstep
If DnB genres were movies, Darkstep and Techstep would be science fiction thrillers. These styles focus on creating spooky, industrial sounds that transport listeners to a darker place. Think of it as the horror movie of drum and bass!
Darkstep uses scary samples and harsh sounds to build tension. The bass often growls and screams, while the drums hit hard like thunder. Artists like Technical Itch and Current Value created tracks that sound like they’re from a dystopian future. Many newer fans find this style through video games that use similar sounds.
Techstep came first, bringing a more mechanical and stripped-down sound to DnB. It was like taking apart a machine and putting it back together in a new way. The style focuses on precise drum patterns and metallic sounds. While some find it intense, others love how different it is from regular music.
Intelligent Drum and Bass
Intelligent DnB is like reading a good book – it makes you think while you enjoy it. This style shows that drum and bass can be both smart and fun. It often uses complicated melodies and interesting song structures that reward careful listening.
The term “intelligent” started in the mid-1990s when artists like LTJ Bukem wanted to make DnB that worked both at home and in clubs. They added elements from jazz and ambient music to create something new. Many tracks tell stories without using any words at all.
This style proves that fast drums and deep bass can create beautiful music. Artists often use real instruments alongside electronic sounds. While some people didn’t like the word “intelligent,” the style helped show that DnB could be taken seriously as music.
Mainstream DnB
Mainstream DnB is where this music meets pop culture. These tracks often feature famous singers and catchy melodies that stick in your head. Think of it as DnB’s friendly face – the kind of music you might hear on the radio or TV.
Artists like Pendulum and Chase & Status helped bring DnB to bigger audiences. They mixed elements from rock music and pop songs with drum and bass beats. This created a sound that people who weren’t familiar with DnB could easily enjoy. Their success showed that this underground style could reach new listeners while keeping its core energy.
Some fans worry that mainstream DnB is too simple, but others say it helps the whole scene grow. When new people discover DnB through popular tracks, they often explore other styles too. This has helped the entire drum and bass family stay healthy and exciting.
How to Identify Different DnB Genres
Learning to spot different DnB styles is like becoming a music detective. Once you know what to listen for, telling them apart gets easier. Let’s break down what makes each style special in a way that anyone can understand.
First, pay attention to the bass sound. Liquid DnB has smooth, flowing bass lines that sound musical. Jump Up has bouncy, cartoon-like bass sounds. Neurofunk uses complex, robotic bass that might sound like machines. The bass tells you a lot about which style you’re hearing.
The other sounds in the track also give you clues. Liquid often uses real instruments and singing. Darkstep has spooky noises and harsh sounds. Mainstream DnB usually has clear melodies you can hum along to. After listening to different styles for a while, you’ll start noticing these details naturally.
Getting Started with DnB Genres
Starting your DnB journey is like trying new foods – it’s best to begin with flavors that aren’t too strange. Liquid DnB and mainstream tracks make great starting points because they’re easier to understand. From there, you can explore other styles as your taste grows.
Many new fans start by listening to DnB radio shows or playlists. Websites like BBC Radio 1’s Essential Mix have great mixes that showcase different styles. You can also find DnB communities online where fans share their favorite tracks and help newcomers learn more.
Local DnB events are another great way to explore the music. Many cities have regular drum and bass nights where DJs play different styles. These events let you feel how each genre works on a proper sound system and meet other fans who can guide you.
Conclusion
Now you know about the exciting world of drum and bass genres! From the smooth sounds of liquid to the high-energy bounce of Jump Up, there’s a style for everyone. Think of these genres as different colors in the same painting – each one adds something special to the bigger picture.
Remember that many artists mix different styles together, creating new and exciting sounds. Don’t feel like you have to pick just one favorite. Part of the fun is exploring different genres and watching how they change over time.
Most importantly, have fun exploring! Drum and bass continues to grow and change, with new styles popping up all the time. Whether you like smooth and musical tracks or hard-hitting bass, there’s always something new to discover in the world of DnB.
Want to learn more? Check out our other articles about electronic music and join our community of music lovers. The journey into drum and bass never really ends – there’s always another exciting track waiting to be heard!
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faqs
Most DnB styles share similar speeds, usually between 170-180 BPM. However, some Darkstep and Jump Up tracks can reach 185 BPM or higher. Remember, speed alone doesn’t define the genre – it’s more about how the track feels.
Liquid DnB often works best for newcomers because it uses familiar musical elements. Mainstream DnB is also beginner-friendly since it includes elements from pop music. These styles help new listeners get used to the fast drum patterns.
Focus on the bass sound and overall mood of the track. Each style has its own “personality.” Liquid feels smooth and musical, Jump Up is bouncy and fun, Neurofunk sounds technical and futuristic. With practice, spotting these differences becomes natural.
To start making DnB, you need a computer with music production software (called a DAW). Popular choices include FL Studio or Ableton Live. You’ll also want good headphones or speakers. Each genre needs different software tools (called plugins), but it’s best to master the basics first.
Jump Up and mainstream DnB often get the biggest reactions in clubs because they’re made for dancing. However, the most popular style varies by location. London clubs might favor darker styles, while European venues often prefer liquid and mainstream tracks.
Most DnB bass sounds come from synthesizers that are heavily processed. Each genre has its own techniques. Liquid uses simpler, cleaner bass, while Neurofunk producers spend hours designing complex sounds. Many beginners start by learning from online tutorials.