Drum & Bass Fandom
Bubble
Interest
Drum & Bass Fandom refers to the global community of fans and enthusiasts united by a shared passion for drum & bass music and its subg...Show more
Drum & Bass Fandom
Bubble
Interest
Drum & Bass Fandom refers to the global community of fans and enthusiasts united by a shared passion for drum & bass music and its subgenres. Members of this community engage in scene-specific rituals, use insider jargon, and connect through events, online platforms, and music sharing.
Statistics
Estimated Global Reach
300K
Popularity
Medium
Regional Hotspot
Worldwide
Country Hotspots
GB
+4
General Q&A
This bubble revolves around a deep passion for the fast-paced, breakbeat-heavy genre known as drum & bass (DnB), celebrating its music, culture, and community worldwide.
Community Q&A
This bubble revolves around a deep passion for the fast-paced, breakbeat-heavy genre known as drum & bass (DnB), celebrating its music, culture, and community worldwide.
The community thrives through specialist forums like Dogs On Acid, social media groups, regular club nights, international festivals, and local underground parties.
Community Q&A
Summary
Key Findings
Subgenre Tribes
Identity MarkersFans strongly align with specific DnB subgenres like liquid or neurofunk, forming distinct tribes with unique jargon and styles, creating a layered insider identity rarely grasped outside the scene.
Dubplate Prestige
Gatekeeping PracticesExclusive dubplates and rewinds symbolize insider status, acting as social currency and gatekeeping tools reinforcing respect and authenticity within the community.
Event Rituals
Social NormsDedicated dance moves, MC call-outs, and collective hype moments at raves are rituals that unify fans and mark belonging, often mystifying outsiders unfamiliar with this embodied culture.
Information Hubs
Communication PatternsSpecialist forums like Dogs On Acid serve as central nodes for debate, music drops, and evolving slang, controlling how new ideas and trends spread within the fandom.
Sub Groups
Jungle Enthusiasts
Fans focused on the jungle subgenre, often with its own events and online groups.
Liquid Drum & Bass Fans
Community centered around the melodic, soulful side of drum & bass.
Producers & DJs
Aspiring and established artists sharing tracks, production tips, and collaborating.
Event-Goers & Ravers
Fans who primarily engage through attending live events, festivals, and club nights.
Online Collectors & Archivists
Members dedicated to cataloging, archiving, and sharing rare or classic drum & bass tracks online.
Statistics and Demographics
Platform Distribution
1 / 4
YouTube
20%YouTube is a major hub for drum & bass music sharing, DJ sets, music videos, and community discussions in comments.
SoundCloud
18%SoundCloud is a core platform for drum & bass producers and fans to share tracks, remixes, and connect directly with artists.
Reddit
10%Reddit hosts active drum & bass subreddits where fans discuss music, share news, and organize meetups.
Gender & Age Distribution
Ideological & Social Divides
Community Development
Discover Similar Bubbles
Insider Knowledge
Terminology
Greeting Salutations
Example Conversation
Insider
Big up, fam!
Outsider
Huh? What do you mean by that?
Insider
'Big up' is like saying respect or props, and 'fam' is short for family—it's a warm greeting among community members.
Outsider
Oh, cool! So how do I reply?
Insider
Say 'One love!' to return the positive vibes.
Cultural Context
This greeting reflects the culture’s roots in rave unity and community respect, using street slang that signals belonging.
Inside Jokes
‘You say ‘Amen,’ I say ‘Break!’ Repeat 4 times.
This references the famous repetition of the Amen break in early jungle and DnB sets, humorously mimicking the constant sampling and looping obsession.
‘Jump-up and wave your hands in the air – not the most subtle dance move!’
Pokes fun at the often unpretentious and exuberant dance moves favored in jump-up DnB parties, which contrast with the head-nodding of more cerebral subgenres.
Facts & Sayings
„Rollers“
Refers to smoother, groove-based drum & bass tracks that keep dancers moving steadily; often prized for their fluid basslines and rhythmic flow.
„Amen break“
A legendary drum break sample originating from The Winstons’ 'Amen Brother', foundational in creating the characteristic DnB breakbeat rhythm.
„Rewind that!“
A shout often made by fans and MCs during live sets requesting the DJ to replay a standout track, emphasizing its cultural significance and energy.
„Headz“
A term used to describe serious, knowledgeable fans or producers of darker and more complex forms of drum & bass, such as neurofunk or techstep.
„Dubplate“
Exclusive, often one-off vinyl or digital tracks that DJs use for special performances; prized for their rarity within the community.
Unwritten Rules
Show respect by not recording entire DJ sets on your phone.
This preserves the live experience, respects the DJ’s performance rights, and keeps exclusive tracks special.
Know your subgenre before debating.
Each subgenre has its own vocabulary and history; misunderstandings can lead to disrespect or exclusion.
Support underground labels and artists.
Purchasing vinyl, digital releases, or attending smaller shows sustains the community’s ecosystem beyond mere casual listening.
Respect the MC’s role.
MCs hype the crowd, cue dubplates, and contribute to the event’s energy; ignoring them is seen as poor etiquette.
Fictional Portraits
1 / 3
Liam, 23
Music StudentmaleLiam is a university music student from London deeply passionate about drum & bass and actively seeks to understand its history and production techniques.
AuthenticityInnovationCommunity Support
Motivations
- Discovering new tracks and producers
- Improving his own DJing and production skills
- Connecting with like-minded peers in the scene
Challenges
- Balancing academic workload with event attendance
- Navigating the overwhelming volume of new releases
- Finding affordable gear and software for music production
Platforms
Discord servers dedicated to drum & bassReddit r/drumbassLocal music forums
Amen breakNeurofunkRollersRiddimSub bass
Insights & Background
Historical Timeline
Main Subjects
1 / 3
People
Andy C
Pioneering UK DJ/producer and co-founder of RAM Records, instrumental in shaping modern DnB DJ culture.↗
Mixcraft LegendRam FamilyUK Icon
Goldie
Founder of Metalheadz and early innovator blending breakbeat re-edits with cinematic sound design.↗
Neurofunk PioneerJungle VeteranVisionary
Roni Size
Mercury Prize–winning producer who brought jazz-influenced DnB to wider audiences via Reprazent.↗
Jazzstep InnovatorBristol SceneLive Band
Noisia
Dutch trio known for dark, technical productions that pushed the boundaries of sound design.
Neurofunk MastersStudio WizardsLow End Architects
LTJ Bukem
Architect of the atmospheric and “intelligent” side of DnB through Good Looking Records.
Liquid ForerunnerAtmospheric GuruSmooth Grooves
Shy FX
Jungle revivalist and crossover hitmaker (“Original Nuttah”), bridging reggae and DnB.
Jungle DefenderCrossover HitBassweight
DJ Hype
Rave-era stalwart and jungle/drum & bass DJ known for legendary MC collabs on True Playaz.
Rave VeteranMC ChampionAll Time Selector
High Contrast
Welsh producer synonymous with liquid funk’s melodic and soulful side.
Soulful SoundscapesLiquid FunkHospital Family
Calibre
Northern Irish producer revered for minimal, emotive liquid DnB compositions.
Liquid MinimalistEmotive GroovesUnderstated
Pendulum
Australian band/DJs who infused rock energy into DnB and popularized it in mainstream festivals.
Rock FusionFestival FillersAnthem Makers
1 / 3
First Steps & Resources
Get-Started Steps
Time to basics: 2-4 weeks
1
Listen to Foundational Tracks
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Explore classic and influential drum & bass tracks to understand the genre’s sound and evolution.
Details: Begin your journey by immersing yourself in the essential sounds of drum & bass. Start with classic tracks from the 1990s and early 2000s, as well as influential modern releases. Use curated playlists or recommendations from established fans to avoid being overwhelmed by the genre’s diversity. Focus on listening actively—note the fast breakbeats, basslines, and the energy that defines drum & bass. Beginners often struggle to distinguish subgenres or may get lost in the sheer volume of music; curated lists and genre guides help. This step is crucial for developing an ear for the music and understanding what excites the community. Evaluate your progress by recognizing key artists, tracks, and being able to describe the genre’s core elements.
2
Join Online D&B Communities
1-2 daysBasic
Summary: Register and participate in online forums or social media groups dedicated to drum & bass discussion.
Details: Engage with the drum & bass community by joining online spaces where fans and artists interact. Look for active forums, Discord servers, or social media groups focused on drum & bass. Introduce yourself, read community guidelines, and start by observing discussions about new releases, events, and scene history. Beginners may feel intimidated by insider jargon or passionate debates; don’t be afraid to ask questions and use search functions to find beginner threads. This step is vital for connecting with the culture, learning scene etiquette, and discovering new music. Progress is shown by feeling comfortable posting, recognizing recurring topics, and making connections with other fans.
3
Attend a Local D&B Event
1 eveningIntermediate
Summary: Find and go to a drum & bass club night, festival, or listening party in your area to experience the scene live.
Details: Experiencing drum & bass in a live setting is a rite of passage. Search for local club nights, festivals, or listening parties featuring drum & bass DJs. If possible, go with a friend or connect with community members beforehand. Pay attention to the atmosphere, crowd energy, and DJ techniques. Beginners may feel out of place at first—arrive early, dress comfortably, and be open to meeting new people. This step is important for understanding the communal and physical aspects of the fandom. Evaluate your progress by feeling more at ease in the environment and recognizing tracks or DJs from your listening sessions.
1
Listen to Foundational Tracks
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Explore classic and influential drum & bass tracks to understand the genre’s sound and evolution.
Details: Begin your journey by immersing yourself in the essential sounds of drum & bass. Start with classic tracks from the 1990s and early 2000s, as well as influential modern releases. Use curated playlists or recommendations from established fans to avoid being overwhelmed by the genre’s diversity. Focus on listening actively—note the fast breakbeats, basslines, and the energy that defines drum & bass. Beginners often struggle to distinguish subgenres or may get lost in the sheer volume of music; curated lists and genre guides help. This step is crucial for developing an ear for the music and understanding what excites the community. Evaluate your progress by recognizing key artists, tracks, and being able to describe the genre’s core elements.
2
Join Online D&B Communities
1-2 daysBasic
Summary: Register and participate in online forums or social media groups dedicated to drum & bass discussion.
Details: Engage with the drum & bass community by joining online spaces where fans and artists interact. Look for active forums, Discord servers, or social media groups focused on drum & bass. Introduce yourself, read community guidelines, and start by observing discussions about new releases, events, and scene history. Beginners may feel intimidated by insider jargon or passionate debates; don’t be afraid to ask questions and use search functions to find beginner threads. This step is vital for connecting with the culture, learning scene etiquette, and discovering new music. Progress is shown by feeling comfortable posting, recognizing recurring topics, and making connections with other fans.
3
Attend a Local D&B Event
1 eveningIntermediate
Summary: Find and go to a drum & bass club night, festival, or listening party in your area to experience the scene live.
Details: Experiencing drum & bass in a live setting is a rite of passage. Search for local club nights, festivals, or listening parties featuring drum & bass DJs. If possible, go with a friend or connect with community members beforehand. Pay attention to the atmosphere, crowd energy, and DJ techniques. Beginners may feel out of place at first—arrive early, dress comfortably, and be open to meeting new people. This step is important for understanding the communal and physical aspects of the fandom. Evaluate your progress by feeling more at ease in the environment and recognizing tracks or DJs from your listening sessions.
4
Learn Scene Jargon & History
3-4 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Study key terms, subgenres, and the history of drum & bass to better understand community conversations.
Details: Familiarize yourself with the unique language and history of drum & bass. Research common terms (e.g., “rollers,” “amen break,” “liquid”), important subgenres, and pivotal moments in the scene’s evolution. Use glossaries, documentaries, and fan-written histories. Beginners often feel lost in conversations due to unfamiliar slang or references; keep a personal glossary and don’t hesitate to ask for clarifications online. This step deepens your appreciation for the culture and helps you participate more meaningfully in discussions. Progress is measured by your ability to follow and contribute to conversations without confusion.
5
Share and Discuss Music
1-2 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Start sharing your favorite tracks and opinions in community threads or social media, and engage in discussions.
Details: Actively participate by recommending tracks, posting reviews, or joining discussions about new releases. Use community guidelines to format your posts and respect others’ tastes. Beginners may worry about their opinions being dismissed; focus on sharing genuine enthusiasm and asking for feedback. This step is crucial for building relationships and establishing your presence in the fandom. Evaluate your progress by receiving responses, engaging in back-and-forth discussions, and feeling your confidence grow in expressing your views.
Welcoming Practices
„Sharing mix recommendations“
Offering favorite DJ sets or label compilations helps welcome newcomers by connecting them to the sounds and history valued by the community.
„Inviting new fans to events or online forums“
Inclusivity through personal invites breaks barriers to participation and builds new connections enhancing scene longevity.
Beginner Mistakes
Assuming all DnB sounds aggressive and fast-paced.
Listen to a broad range of subgenres like liquid and atmospheric styles to appreciate the genre’s diversity.
Talking over the MC or DJ during a set.
Respect the performance by keeping noise down and engaging with the music and MC appropriately.
Facts
Regional Differences
Europe
European DnB scenes often emphasize liquid and atmospheric styles with sizable festival presence, whereas UK scenes maintain a strong jungle and neurofunk tradition.
North America
North American DnB fandom tends to be more underground with emphasis on community-run events and hybrid cross-genre fusions like bass music.
Asia
Asian DnB scenes integrate local musical influences and are rapidly growing, with emerging hubs in Japan and Singapore showcasing innovative subgenre blends.
Misconceptions
Misconception #1
All drum & bass sounds the same with an extremely fast beat.
Reality
The genre includes diverse substyles ranging from smooth liquid rollers to dark neurofunk and minimal techstep, with tempos typically between 160-180 BPM.
Misconception #2
DnB is just loud party music without sophistication.
Reality
Many producers focus on complex sound design, intricate breakbeat manipulation, and emotive melodies, recognized and celebrated within the community.
Misconception #3
DJ sets are just random song playlists.
Reality
DJing in DnB is a curated, skillful performance involving beatmatching, dubplate exclusives, and reading the crowd’s energy for maximum impact.
Clothing & Styles
Label-branded apparel (e.g., Metalheadz hoodies, Hospital Records tees)
Wearing merchandise from iconic labels signals allegiance and insider knowledge, marking someone as a committed member of the community.
Rave jackets and utility wear
Functional clothing common at events for comfort and carrying essentials, also rooted in underground rave culture aesthetics.
