DNB Takeover: How Drum & Bass Conquered the American EDM Scene

While drum & bass (DNB) has long been a cornerstone of electronic music scenes in places like the UK, its adoption in the United States has been slow. Often relegated to side stages in American EDM, with little support from mainstage headliners, DNB has recently made a significant impact on the American scene. Major festivals such as EDC now feature numerous DNB artists on their main stages, and even artists like Martin Garrix incorporate DNB tracks into their sets. DNB has truly arrived in America and shows no signs of fading away.

The rise of DNB has been remarkable to witness. As a subgenre of bass music, DNB thrives on distinctive rhythms that create a unique groove, distinct from the heavy basslines of dubstep. This movement is powered by prominent artists intentionally exploring DNB, with figures like Zeds Dead collaborating with Brownies and Lemonade to highlight DNB artists at huge pop up events, and major artists such as Subtronics regularly praising DNB during performances. Movements are first and foremost powered by fans though, and fans have latched onto tracks like “MHITR” by Hedex and “Baddadan” by Chase and Status.  You can hear these songs in basically every festival across America. These tracks are considered “jump up,” a subgenre blending space bass elements, and one that most likely resonate well with American’s due to their growing love for space bass.

The impact of the DNB movement is evident when reflecting on events just a year ago, such as the North American tour by Sub Focus, Dimension, Culture Shock, and 1991 under the supergroup name “Worship.” This collaborative effort by four DNB legends underscored the genre’s rising influence in the States, marking a pivotal moment in its acceptance and popularity. With such momentum, the future promises exciting developments in live music. If you’re contemplating attending your first DNB event, now is the time to dive in—it’s an experience well worth embracing!