Red Bull’s new video series, “Greetings From,” spotlights vibrant skate scenes worldwide. The first episode highlights London, a city renowned for its iconic skate spots and rich musical history. To complement this episode, we collaborated with music aficionado Adrian Michna, who has curated a mix that captures the essence of London’s Drum and Bass (DnB) scene. Adrian, with his deep-rooted connection to London, offers a unique perspective on the city’s influential music landscape.
Adrian’s connection to London goes back to his childhood, visiting family in the 90s. He would spend his time exploring record shops like Vinyl Mania and Mr. Bongo, and listening to pirate radio stations like Ice FM 88.4. His experience immersed him in the city’s unique musical culture, which he describes as having “influenced popular music disproportionately to its size.” This mix is a reflection of his passion for the London sound, which he believes is a key ingredient in the city’s cultural identity.
This curated mix, compiled by Adrian Michna, takes listeners on a journey through London’s vibrant DnB scene, showcasing tracks that were pivotal in shaping the genre. He shares personal anecdotes about how he discovered these tracks, giving context to the cultural impact of London’s DnB movement.
The Tracklist: A Journey Through London’s Drum and Bass
Here’s a breakdown of the tracks featured in Adrian’s mix, offering a glimpse into the stories behind each selection:
Big Bud – Millenium
Adrian first heard this track live on London radio in 1996, played repeatedly by Fabio. He was so captivated by it that he went into Black Market record store searching specifically for the “Big Bud tune.” The staff immediately knew what he was looking for, solidifying the track’s status as a staple in the scene.
Fallen Angels – Taken Over (Alex Reece Rmx)
This remix showcases the innovative remixing and production style prevalent in the London DnB scene.
Unit 1 – Atlantic Drama
Adrian discovered this track on a cassette recording from a friend, and spent years searching for the vinyl. This highlights how DnB compilations often contained hidden gems that are not easily accessible, and add to the scene’s mystique.
Goldie – Believe (Grooverider mix)
The anticipation for Goldie’s Saturnz Returns album was huge, even reaching Adrian’s college dorm in the US. The Grooverider remix of “Believe” is an example of how DnB was getting bigger budgets and club remixes that were designed to ride out on the dance floor.
Matrix – Asylum
Adrian considers Matrix to be an underrated producer, highlighting the musicality and dance floor appeal of his album Sleepwalk.
Ed Rush & Optical – Point Blank
Ed Rush & Optical are considered essential figures in DnB. Adrian states that those unfamiliar with their work should make it a priority.
Everything But The Girl – Blame (J Majik VIP rmx)
This track was being played by DJs before its official release. It was also a prime example of how major labels would hire underground icons like J Majik.
Supply & Demand – Show Me
Supply & Demand were among the deep-cut DnB artists who were creating tech tracks with a funky edge in the early 2000s. The soulful vocal sample enhances the track’s roller bassline.
Citizen – Carousel
Adrian learned of this track through a secret white label that was imported from the UK, and it remained a mystery for years until he identified it.
Klute – Song Seller
Klute is a well-known figure in the London scene, his track “Song Seller” is another example of a musical roller that helps round out the mix.
Top Secret Tune
This is one of many tracks that exist only on vinyl and have never made it to any form of digital release, further adding to the allure of the scene.
Conclusion
Adrian Michna’s curated mix offers an insightful journey through London’s rich Drum and Bass history. It highlights the tracks, artists, and experiences that shaped the genre. This mix, paired with Red Bull’s “Greetings From” series, provides a unique look at London’s skate and music culture, solidifying its influence on the world stage. Share this mix and explore further into London’s DnB legacy.
