Optical: Drum and Bass Biography, Releases and Upcoming Events

Matt Quinn, known professionally as Optical, is a British drum and bass producer and DJ renowned for his pioneering contributions to the techstep and neurofunk subgenres. Emerging from London, England, he began his musical journey in the early 1990s, initially releasing tracks under various aliases before adopting the moniker Optical.

In 1997, Optical released the groundbreaking single To Shape the Future / Raging Calm on Metalheadz, which played a pivotal role in shaping the techstep sound. That same year, he collaborated with Ed Rush to form a duo that would become instrumental in the evolution of drum and bass. Together, they co-founded Virus Recordings, a label dedicated to pushing the boundaries of the genre.

The duo's debut album, Wormhole (1998), is widely regarded as a seminal work in drum and bass, introducing innovative production techniques and a futuristic aesthetic that influenced countless artists. They followed up with albums such as The Creeps (2000) and The Original Doctor Shade (2003), further solidifying their status within the electronic music scene.

Beyond his collaborations with Ed Rush, Optical has worked with notable artists including Trace, Dom & Roland, Fierce, and his brother Jamie Quinn, known as Matrix. His engineering and production expertise were also showcased on Grooverider's album Mysteries of Funk.

Optical's dynamic DJ performances and innovative productions have earned him a reputation as a leading figure in drum and bass. His work continues to inspire and shape the genre, reflecting his enduring influence and commitment to musical innovation.