Klute: Drum and Bass Biography, Releases and Upcoming Events

Klute, the primary recording alias of Tom Withers, is a distinguished drum and bass producer and DJ from Ipswich, England. Before venturing into electronic music, Withers was the drummer, vocalist, and songwriter for the English hardcore band The Stupids, a role that significantly influenced his dynamic approach to music production.

Transitioning to electronic music in the early 1990s, Klute initially experimented with techno before immersing himself in the drum and bass genre. His debut album, Casual Bodies, was released in 1998 on the Certificate 18 label, followed by Fear of People in 2000. In 2001, he founded his own label, Commercial Suicide, which became a platform for his subsequent releases, including Lie, Cheat & Steal (2003), No One's Listening Anymore (2005), and The Emperor's New Clothes (2007). These albums, often comprising one disc of drum and bass and another of downtempo techno and breakbeat, received widespread acclaim within the electronic music community.

Klute's collaborations and releases span several esteemed labels, including Hospital Records, 31 Records, Soul:R, Shogun Audio, and Metalheadz. His track "Time 4 Change" from the album No One's Listening Anymore holds particular significance, as it was the final tune played on-air by the legendary DJ John Peel. Through Commercial Suicide, Klute has also supported and released tracks from notable artists such as Break, Digital, Spirit, Calibre, and Dom & Roland, contributing to the growth and diversity of the drum and bass scene.

As a performer, Klute is renowned for his dynamic DJ sets that seamlessly blend various styles within drum and bass, reflecting his deep understanding and passion for the genre. His influence extends beyond production and performance; through his label and collaborations, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of drum and bass music, inspiring a new generation of producers and enthusiasts.