Minimal Drum and Bass
A quiet, detailed drum and bass style that uses very few sounds and lots of space.
History
Minimal drum and bass appeared in the 2000s as producers stripped the music back s1. The style uses few sounds, a soft bass and lots of space between the drums s1. In 2009 the producers dBridge and Instra:mental began a series of mixes and radio shows called Autonomic s1. These helped bring together a group of producers with a similar quiet, detailed style s1. Instra:mental's 'No Future' (2009) is a well-known record from this scene s1. dBridge's 'So Lonely' (2009) and Commix's 'Be True' (2003) are also often named s1. The style is sometimes called microfunk or autonomic, after the radio show s1. It is popular with listeners who enjoy subtle, headphone-friendly drum and bass s2. The Autonomic shows were released as podcasts and compilations, which helped the sound travel s1. The style influenced later halftime and deep drum and bass s1. It is often played at small, quiet club nights s2.
Sound
- Very few drum sounds at once
- Soft, deep bass
- Lots of space in the rhythm
- Quiet, detailed textures
- A calm, serious mood
Key figures
- dBridge — Producer and co-founder of Exit Records
- Instra:mental — Duo of Kid Drama and Boddika
- Commix — British duo behind 'Be True'
- Consequence — Producer in the Autonomic scene
Labels
- Exit Records — London , 2003
- Nonplus Records — London , 2009
- Metalheadz — London , 1994
Defining tracks
Connections
Came from: Drum and Bass , Ambient , Dub Techno
Led to: Halftime
Sources
- Lost guide: Autonomic — Absolute Loss
- Drum and bass — Wikipedia