Spotify In Collaboration With Drumheads Releases 'DnB: In For Life' Mini Documentary, An Ode To Drum & Bass

Drum & Bass (DnB), a genre synonymous with the dancefloor, has not only endured but thrived in an ever-evolving music industry. Despite warnings from industry leaders about the UK nightlife's precarious state, Spotify’s latest mini-documentary, DnB: In For Life, reveals how the genre has grown beyond its underground roots to captivate global audiences.

New data from Spotify confirms that average streams of DnB have surged by an impressive 94% since 2021. This growth comes as electronic music continues to flourish worldwide. The documentary, created in collaboration with Drumsheds, serves as a heartfelt tribute to the resilience and evolution of this genre, featuring commentary from artists like Charlie Tee, Flight, Kanine, S.P.Y, Sota, and Songer.

Born in the UK during the early 1990s, Drum & Bass is a melting pot of musical influences, from reggae and dub to hip-hop and rave. In its early days, community centres and underground raves provided the stage for the genre’s raw, energetic sound to resonate. Early adopters crafted intricate beats and basslines, creating a culture of innovation that continues today.

The documentary traces this journey, spotlighting how the genre has grown from local scenes to dominate stages at international festivals. New-generation producers are expanding its boundaries, infusing DnB with experimental sounds that transcend its dancefloor origins, attracting diverse audiences and pushing the genre into uncharted territory.

Despite Drum & Bass's reputation for embracing diversity, the contributions of female artists often go underrepresented in mainstream narratives. DnB: In For Life shines a spotlight on two trailblazers: Charlie Tee and Flight.

Charlie Tee, one of the only women to hold a flagship DnB show on a major platform, is redefining the scene with her curatorial expertise and advocacy for emerging talent. Meanwhile, Flight, a veteran with 27 years of dedication, has been instrumental in nurturing the genre's underground roots. Their stories highlight the persistence and passion required to succeed in a genre that remains male-dominated yet open to change.

DnB: In For Life offers a visual and emotional tribute to the genre's past, present, and future. Through exclusive interviews, archival footage, and insights from the artists themselves, the documentary not only charts the genre's rise but also its resilience. It showcases how Drum & Bass has remained a source of empowerment and innovation for artists and fans alike.

As electronic music’s broader narrative continues to unfold, Drum & Bass stands as a testament to the power of community, creativity, and culture—a genre that refuses to be confined by time or trends.

What are your thoughts on the documentary?