Neurofunk

History

Neurofunk grew out of techstep at the end of the 1990s ^s1. It takes the dark, mechanical sound of techstep and makes the bass more complex and changeable ^s1. Producers spend a long time designing each bass sound, using computers to shape it ^s1. Ed Rush and Optical's 'Pacman' (1998) is often named as the record that started the style ^s2. In the 2000s the Dutch group Noisia became one of its widely known acts ^s2. Noisia's 'Stigma' (2009) is a widely played neurofunk track ^s2. Spor's 'Aztec' (2007) is another well-known example ^s1. The style is very popular with producers and DJs who enjoy detailed sound design ^s1. It is often played at loud, late-night club events ^s2. The style is often played at loud club nights and festivals with large sound systems ^s1. Many producers also release sample packs so others can learn the sound ^s2. It remains one of the most technical forms of drum and bass ^s1.

Sound

• Complex, twisted bass sounds
• Very precise, fast drum programming
• Science-fiction or horror textures
• A loud, aggressive mix
• Almost no vocals

Key figures

• Ed Rush — Producer and co-founder of Virus Recordings
• Optical — Producer and co-founder of Virus Recordings
• Noisia — Dutch trio behind 'Stigma'
• Spor — British producer behind 'Aztec'

Labels

• Virus Recordings — London , 1997
• Vision Recordings — Groningen , 2005
• Shogun Audio — Brighton , 2004

Defining tracks

• Ed Rush & Optical — Pacman (1998) YouTube
• Spor — Aztec (2007) YouTube
• Noisia — Stigma (2009) YouTube

Connections

Came from: Techstep , Drum and Bass , Industrial

Sources

1. Neurofunk — Wikipedia
2. Noisia: three kings of DnB — KWVA