Grooverider: Drum and Bass Biography, Releases and Upcoming Events

Raymond Bingham, professionally known as Grooverider, is a seminal British drum and bass DJ and producer hailing from Streatham, London. Born on 16 April 1967, he began his musical journey in the mid-1980s, initially spinning soul, hip hop, and disco tracks. His transition to house music was influenced by Mr. Fingers' Mysteries of Love, which inspired a shift in his musical direction.

In the late 1980s, Grooverider gained prominence alongside his DJ partner Fabio, performing at illegal raves and warehouse parties across the UK. Their residency at the groundbreaking club night 'Rage' at Heaven in 1991 was pivotal in the evolution of dance music, steering it from acid house and techno towards the emerging drum and bass genre. During the 1990s, Grooverider released tracks under the alias Codename John and established his own record label, Prototype Recordings, which became known for its sporadic yet influential releases.

Grooverider's contributions extend beyond production; he has been instrumental in promoting drum and bass through various platforms. Alongside Fabio, he hosted radio shows on Kiss 100 from 1994 to 1997 and later on BBC Radio 1, bringing the genre to a national audience. His 1998 album, Mysteries of Funk, produced in collaboration with Optical, showcased his innovative approach to music production.

Renowned for his dynamic DJ sets, Grooverider has performed at numerous clubs and festivals, captivating audiences with his seamless mixing and forward-thinking track selections. His influence on the drum and bass scene is profound, having mentored emerging artists and continuously pushing the boundaries of the genre through both his performances and his label's releases.