Drum and bass has experienced a major comeback over the past few years. Songs like “Baddadan” dominate festival stages, and the genre’s infectious rhythms spread across mainstream shows.
The fast breakbeats, heavy bass lines, and complex rhythms create an intense listening experience that keeps growing stronger.
Today’s drum and bass artists blend traditional techniques with fresh ideas, pushing the genre into new territory.
These producers spend countless hours in the studio perfecting their sound, creating tracks that move both underground clubs and massive festivals.
We introduce you to the top drum and bass artists who are actively shaping what DNB sounds like right now.
Best Drum and Bass Artists Dominating the Scene
The modern drum and bass landscape features both veterans who continue evolving their sound and exciting newcomers bringing fresh perspectives.
These artists represent the genre’s current state, from melodic liquid funk to aggressive neurofunk.
1. Netsky
Belgian producer Boris Daenen continues leading the melodic drum and bass movement with his signature uplifting sound. His bright production style and positive energy make him a festival favorite worldwide.
| Music Characteristics | Notable Songs |
|---|---|
| Euphoric melodies and major key progressions | Come Alive |
| Bright, polished production quality | Memory Lane |
| Positive, uplifting atmosphere | Rio |
| Soulful vocal collaborations | Iron Heart |
Impact on genre: Netsky introduced mainstream audiences to drum and bass through accessible yet sophisticated productions. His festival performances demonstrate how DNB can fill massive stages and compete with any electronic genre.
2. Sub Focus
Nick Douwma maintains his position as one of DNB’s biggest crossover acts. His recent releases show continued evolution while staying true to the high-energy sound that made him famous.
| Music Characteristics | Notable Songs |
|---|---|
| Polished, radio-ready production | Rock It |
| Strong melodic hooks | Turn Back Time |
| Vocal-driven tracks | Endorphins |
| Clean, powerful bass design | Solar System |
Impact on genre: Sub Focus proved that drum and bass belongs on commercial radio without compromising quality. His consistent output keeps bringing new listeners into the genre while satisfying longtime fans.
3. Andy C
The RAM Records founder remains the technical benchmark for drum and bass DJs. His “All Night” events showcase unmatched mixing skills and deep knowledge of the genre’s history and current sound.
| Music Characteristics | Notable Songs |
|---|---|
| Precise, clean production | Heartbeat Loud |
| Dancefloor-tested arrangements | New York |
| Technical mixing prowess | Workout |
| High-energy track selection | Back & Forth |
Impact on genre: Andy C set the standard for DJ technique in drum and bass. His influence extends through RAM Records, which continues to release quality music from established and emerging artists.
4. Chase & Status
This duo keeps drum and bass connected to UK urban culture. Their recent work blends DNB with grime, hip-hop, and alternative sounds while maintaining heavy bass and energy.
| Music Characteristics | Notable Songs |
|---|---|
| Urban, street-influenced sound | End Credits |
| Diverse vocal features across genres | Blind Faith |
| Dark, aggressive production | Time |
| Crossover appeal with grime scene | All Goes Wrong |
Impact on genre: Chase & Status brought drum and bass to audiences who might never have discovered it otherwise. Their mainstream success helped legitimize DNB in broader music culture.
5. Dimension
Robert Etheridge represents the new generation of drum and bass leaders. His modern take on classic DNB sounds appeals to both old school heads and new ravers discovering the genre.
| Music Characteristics | Notable Songs |
|---|---|
| Contemporary sound design | UK |
| Rolling, groovy basslines | Whip Slap |
| Classic amen breaks updated | Raver |
| Peak-time energy focus | Desire |
Impact on genre: Dimension proves drum and bass stays fresh and relevant for new generations. His success shows the genre continues growing while honoring its foundations.
6. Wilkinson
Mark Wilkinson creates uplifting drum and bass that bridges underground credibility with commercial success. His melodic approach and positive energy gained him a massive following across clubs and festivals.
| Music Characteristics | Notable Songs |
|---|---|
| Uplifting melodies | Afterglow |
| Feel-good vibes | Dirty Love |
| Strong vocal features | Half Light |
| Festival-ready sound | Take You Higher |
Impact on genre: Wilkinson showed how melodic drum and bass could achieve chart success without losing the energy that makes DNB special. His approach influenced many producers chasing a similar crossover appeal.
7. Hedex
One of the hottest names in current drum and bass, Hedex brings aggressive energy and technical skill. His sets and productions represent the harder side of modern DNB, gaining massive popularity.
| Music Characteristics | Notable Songs |
|---|---|
| Hard-hitting, aggressive sound | Ask & You Shall Receive |
| Technical production | Baddadan (remix) |
| Jump-up influences | Losing My Mind |
| High-energy dancefloor focus | Get Twisted |
Impact on genre: Hedex represents the resurgence of harder drum and bass styles. His popularity shows there’s a massive appetite for aggressive, no-nonsense DNB that hits hard on the dancefloor.
8. MUZZ
UK producer MUZZ creates “hybrid” drum and bass blending industrial rock, classical, and ambient elements. His work with artists like Illenium and Seven Lions shows DNB’s versatility across bass music.
| Music Characteristics | Notable Songs |
|---|---|
| Hybrid sound mixing multiple genres | Nothing Else Matters |
| Industrial and rock influences | Nemesis |
| Orchestral elements | Unspoken |
| High production quality | …Ready For It? |
Impact on genre: MUZZ demonstrates how drum and bass can absorb influences from rock, metal, and other genres while maintaining its core identity. His diverse remixes introduce DNB to different audiences.
9. BADVOID
Los Angeles-based BADVOID combines dark metal elements with razor-sharp drum and bass precision. His hardcore sound stands out in the current scene and has earned him tour spots with major acts.
| Music Characteristics | Notable Songs |
|---|---|
| Dark, metal-influenced sound | Trust |
| Aggressive, hardcore energy | Caution |
| Sharp, precise production | Activate |
| Eerie atmospheres | Anarchy |
Impact on genre: BADVOID shows how drum and bass can appeal to metal and hardcore fans. His crossover approach brings new audiences into DNB from outside traditional electronic music circles.
10. Calibre
Dominick Martin continues his prolific output of thoughtful, musical drum and bass. His jazz and soul-influenced sound provides a counterpoint to harder styles dominating the current scene.
| Music Characteristics | Notable Songs |
|---|---|
| Jazz and soul samples | Mr Maverick |
| Warm, deep basslines | Drop It Down |
| Subtle, musical arrangements | Even If |
| Focus on groove over aggression | Carry Me Away |
Impact on genre: Calibre proves drum and bass can be sophisticated listening music. His consistent quality output over decades shows dedication to musicality within the genre’s fast-tempo framework.
11. High Contrast
Lincoln Barrett continues creating cinematic drum and bass with live instrumentation. His recent work maintains the emotional depth and orchestral quality that defined his earlier career.
| Music Characteristics | Notable Songs |
|---|---|
| Cinematic soundscapes | If We Ever |
| Live instrument recordings | Kiss Kiss Bang Bang |
| Emotional melodies | Time Is Hardcore |
| Film soundtrack quality | Racing Green |
Impact on genre: High Contrast elevated drum and bass to main stage festival status. His work demonstrates the genre’s capacity for emotional storytelling beyond simple dancefloor bangers.
12. BLVCK CROWZ
Netherlands-based BLVCK CROWZ blends drum and bass with tekk, techno, and hardcore. His infectious melodies and compelling lyrics create an exhilarating sound resonating with global audiences.
| Music Characteristics | Notable Songs |
|---|---|
| Multi-genre blend approach | Sex, Drugs & Drum N’ Bass |
| Catchy, melodic hooks | Bass Control |
| High-energy drops | Tattoo |
| Uptempo influences | Sucker Punch |
Impact on genre: BLVCK CROWZ represents genre-blending experimentation in modern drum and bass. His style shows how DNB can incorporate elements from harder dance styles while maintaining its identity.
13. BLAINE STRANGER
Australian producer BLAINE STRANGER crafts euphoric, sun-soaked drum and bass. His feel-good music brims with positive energy, offering a melodic counterpoint to darker DNB styles.
| Music Characteristics | Notable Songs |
|---|---|
| Bright, euphoric melodies | New Energy |
| Positive, uplifting vibes | Losing Myself |
| Australian summer energy | N3V3R |
| Accessible song structures | What You Love |
Impact on genre: BLAINE STRANGER brings fresh energy from the Australian scene. His uplifting approach shows drum and bass works perfectly for outdoor festivals and summer celebrations.
14. HYRDø
Spanish producer Hydrø creates deceptive tracks that start mellow before dropping into high-energy bass assaults. His fearless, optimistic sound inspires listeners while delivering serious dancefloor impact.
| Music Characteristics | Notable Songs |
|---|---|
| Mellow intros with heavy drops | Open Up |
| Optimistic, inspiring atmosphere | Remedy |
| Beautiful melodies contrasted with nasty bass | I Can’t |
| Fearless production approach | Take My Hand |
Impact on genre: HYRDø demonstrates the contrast potential in drum and bass production. His tracks show how melody and aggression can coexist, creating emotional journeys within single songs.
15. KRYPTEK
Belgian producer KrypteK dominates the jump-up subgenre with his “hyper jump-up” sound. His energy-packed productions work perfectly for gym playlists and peak-time club sets.
| Music Characteristics | Notable Songs |
|---|---|
| Hyper jump-up style | Hyper Beam 2 |
| Persistent, driving energy | Come Alive |
| Aggressive basslines | Defying Love |
| Workout-friendly intensity | Hands Up |
Impact on genre: KrypteK pushes jump-up drum and bass to new intensity levels. His signature sound creates a subgenre within a subgenre, showing DNB’s capacity for specialization.
16. GLASSMAN
Belgian producer GLASSMAN (no verified former alias) crafts distinct jump-up with airy melodies and gritty basslines. His music transports listeners to different sonic universes.
| Music Characteristics | Notable Songs |
|---|---|
| Jump-up subgenre focus | Telecommunication |
| Airy, dynamic melodies | Your Love |
| Gritty bassline design | Lost & Found |
| Otherworldly atmosphere | Hall of Pain |
Impact on genre: GLASSMAN shows how jump-up can be both accessible and underground. His melodic approach to harder styles creates entry points for listeners new to aggressive DNB.
17. SIMULA
SIMULA creates terrifying, suspenseful drum and bass that pushes into horror territory. His dark, gritty sound offers something completely different from typical DNB productions.
| Music Characteristics | Notable Songs |
|---|---|
| Dark, horror-inspired sound | Phantasm |
| Suspenseful atmospheres | Bonesaw |
| Gritty, aggressive bass | Behemoth |
| Unique sonic approach | Death Rattle |
Impact on genre: SIMULA proves drum and bass can explore darker emotional territories. His horror-influenced approach attracts listeners interested in music that creates visceral, unsettling experiences.
18. REBEL SCUM
REBEL SCUM constructs video game-inspired drum and bass that feels epic and empowering. His tracks pulse with energy that charges listeners with determination and excitement.
| Music Characteristics | Notable Songs |
|---|---|
| Video game aesthetic | GYGFU |
| Epic, empowering energy | Dark Clouds |
| Determined, intense atmosphere | Prepare for War |
| High-octane production | Inner Fire |
Impact on genre: REBEL SCUM connects drum and bass with gaming culture. His cinematic approach shows how DNB soundtracks can enhance virtual experiences and create narrative atmospheres.
19. PREMIUM
UK-based PREMIUM blends multiple sounds within single tracks, creating villainous, robotic productions. His underground approach represents “the sound of the underground” in current drum and bass.
| Music Characteristics | Notable Songs |
|---|---|
| Multi-textured productions | Onslaught |
| Villainous, robotic sound | Polybius |
| Underground aesthetic | Afterdark |
| Contrasting elements within tracks | The Underground |
Impact on genre: PREMIUM represents the underground spirit alive in modern drum and bass. His refusal to compromise for mainstream appeal keeps the genre’s rebellious core intact.
Why These Artists Matter Right Now
These producers represent drum and bass at its current peak. The genre experienced massive growth recently, with tracks appearing on main stages at major festivals worldwide.
Some artists on this list have decades of experience and continue evolving their sound. Others emerged recently but have already made significant impacts on the scene. Together, they show drum and bass offers something for everyone, from euphoric melodies to aggressive bass assaults.
The genre’s diversity allows producers to explore different moods while maintaining the fast tempo and heavy bass that define DNB.
These artists prove electronic music can be both intellectually interesting and physically moving, creating experiences that work in clubs, festivals, and headphones.
Summing Up
The drum and bass artists featured here define what the genre sounds like today. From Netsky’s uplifting melodies to SIMULA’s horror soundscapes, each brings unique perspectives to DNB production.
The current scene balances established veterans with exciting newcomers, creating healthy competition that pushes everyone to improve.
If you prefer melodic liquid, aggressive neurofunk, or genre-blending experiments, these producers create the foundation for modern drum and bass. Their dedication to craft and willingness to innovate keep the genre fresh decades after its creation.
The next time you hear drum and bass at a festival or club, chances are one of these artists influenced that sound. Understanding their contributions helps you appreciate the depth and variety within this high-energy genre.
