EDM Origins: Danny Byrd & Jungle/DnB

I was relatively new to the world of Electronic Music in 2018. By that point, I had attended my first rave (FUNTCASE) and my first major festival (Countdown NYE); gradually developing a love for this diverse kind of music. I started out with dubstep and heavy remixes before my whole perspective shifted. This was the moment when I discovered the music video for “Devil’s Drop” by British producer Danny Byrd. This lead to a love of the genres of Jungle and Drum and Bass.

I was fascinated by the intense drum patterns and grumbling low-ended bass. This drum pattern is a variation of the famous “Amen Break,” a common element of both genres. The steady rhythm and glitchy basslines drew me in before the drum breaks shattered my reality. I had no idea what sound or genre this was, but I was instantly HOOKED! “Devil’s Drop” even contains some slap bass, which spoke to my love of bands like Primus and Rush. “DD” also features echoing vocal samples and memorable ad libs like:

“MAKE SURE YOU PLAY THIS AT A HIGH VOLUME!” and “Funking it up”

The music video is shot in a Y2K style, complete with old computers and equipment. A woman is featured in numerous shots, complete with finger guns and glitchy dance moves. Live videos of ravers raging on the rail are spliced in, which inspired me to seek out a Los Angeles Jungle/Drum and Bass show. I wound up attending a Chase and Status show, which was a mind-blowing first impression. All inspired by discovering Danny Byrd.

“Sweet Harmony (feat. Liquid ” is another notable Danny Byrd track that inspired my love of these genres. It is the perfect mix of speed and melody, complete with gorgeous piano and string sections. The revving beat gives way to beautiful vocal harmonies (pun slightly intended) and a warbling baseline. The breakdown starting at the 2:40 mark was unlike anything I had ever heard before. “Tonight” features Netsky and further expanded my knowledge of the genre. However, one notable track busted down the doors and thoroughly blew my mind.

“4th Dimension” is the introduction to Danny Byrd’s 2013 album, Golden Ticket, and an absolute BANGER of a track. This song pushes the boundaries of the genres and remains one of the most intense and memorable first listens. The song does not hesitate and begins with otherworldly sounds. An ominous voice whispers: “FOCUS ON REALITY” over an intensifying drum beat. The drums briefly calm down as an alien sample repeats “INTERGALACTIC, PLANETARY! PLANETARY INTERGALACTIC!” A drum build up teases a drop as the sample repeats “ANOTHER DIMENSION.” Bass and synth gradually rise in the background before crashing like a digital wave. The samples repeat over rapid drums and cascading laser fire. The track fades out into a haze before ramping up again. Taking listeners on a wild ride through a wormhole. Sweeping instrumentals intensify over digital strings and ad libs before the song fades with a groovy breakdown.

“Enter the light. Kaleidoscope of color. Capture the moment. Focus on life!”

These songs forever changed my perspective on EDM and introduced me to a whole new world of Drums, Bass, and wonder! Enjoy everything that. Danny Byrd’s discography has to offer with the links below.

Connect with Danny Byrd: Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify | SoundCloud