Why 2025 Is Already a Landmark Year for Drum & Bass

Drum & bass has always thrived in cycles, pushing boundaries, revisiting its roots, then launching forward again with renewed intent. But something about 2025 feels different. Six months in, and there's a genuine sense that we're living through one of the genre's most dynamic and creatively diverse periods in over a decade.

New Blood, New Sounds

A wave of fresh energy is sweeping through the scene. South London's Gabriella Bongo, recently signed to Hospital Records, has already delivered standout tracks like "Doesn't Hurt" and "Spacesuit" (with Degs), blending liquid D&B with soulful pop influences .

Magellan Starchild is pushing genre boundaries with releases like "Sigma Boy (Phonk N Bass Version)" and "rockstar (Dnb Version)," showcasing a fusion of phonk and drum & bass elements .

Salomassive's debut EP, Amazonic Inspiration, released on 4 Jungle Records, offers a lush, percussive jungle experience inspired by the Amazon rainforest—a powerful nod to '90s roots with modern depth .

Meanwhile, previously niche corners of the genre, jungle techno, halftime, 160 fusion—are gaining traction on both dancefloors and radio. Sets are becoming more unpredictable, BPM-bending, and globally aware than ever.

Veterans Levelling Up

It's not just about the newcomers. Legacy artists are returning with renewed purpose and sharper-than-ever output. Total Science's Real Talk / SFR EP, released on 6 June 2025 via Computer Integrated Audio, proves the duo are still untouchable when it comes to funk and minimalism .

Sicknote's latest single, "Shock," released on 9 May 2025 via Toxic Inc Audio, is a bolt of raw industrial breakbeat energy, trading melody for menace and nuance for raw, percussive muscle .

John B has dropped an unexpected yet instantly iconic rework of the Halo theme, transforming the legendary video game score into an epic, cinematic drum & bass anthem. Released on 12 June 2025 via Beta Recordings, it's a respectful nod to the past, built with the tools of tomorrow .

Even Barcode Recordings has hit its 50th release, dropping a stacked compilation of originals and face-ripping remixes from names like Donny, Katharsys, and Hallucinator. For a label founded on darkstep and crossbreed chaos, it's a fittingly intense celebration .

Inclusivity Is No Longer Optional

There's also a noticeable cultural shift happening. Hospital Records' Women in Drum & Bass mentorship programme continues to support female-identifying artists, fostering a more inclusive scene .

More women and gender-diverse artists are making waves behind the decks, not as token additions, but as essential parts of the movement. Fans are responding—not with resistance, but with energy and support. It's not a "trend." It's progress.

A Scene with Global Momentum

Festival season is already well underway, with drum & bass holding its own on massive international stages from Let It Roll to Hospitality on the Beach. The UK remains the heartbeat, but 2025 has made it clear: this is no longer a UK-only genre. It's a global culture, with global artists, and a fanbase hungry for more. Be sure to check out our 2025 festival guide!

The rest of the year is stacked with anticipated albums, next-gen collaborations, and summer anthems we've yet to hear. If the pace holds, 2025 won't just be a good year for drum & bass—it'll be one we talk about for years to come.