UKF15: Our First Drum & Bass Upload

Fifteen years deep, it’s been one hell of a ride! With an incredible 1.9 billion streams on the UKF Drum & Bass YouTube channel, it all began with the now-iconic upload of Deadmau5’s ‘I Remember (J Majik & Wickaman Remix)’.

As we gear up for the grand finale of our UKF15 celebrations, a sold-out show at the mighty Drumsheds on December 13 – it feels like the perfect moment to reflect on this milestone. We caught up with Sakkura to talk about what UKF means to her and, of course, her favourite-ever UKF upload.

Your remix of Deadmau5’s – ‘I Remember’ was the first upload on our UK Drum and Bass Channel 15 years ago, what have been some of the highlights of your musical journey since then?

When the ‘I Remember’ remix was uploaded I had no idea who or what UKF was, and neither did I know who Deadmau5 was when asked to do the remix! Little did I know then what an honour it would turn out to be to both remix Deadmau5 and be the first UKF upload with the same track. I have to say that in hindsight for me this was definitely one of the highlights of my career – that upload opened so many doors and introduced me to so many new people, so thanks UKF and thanks Deadmau5.

I can’t quite believe that was 15 years ago though – a lot has happened in that time, I don’t really know where to start, but I do know that everything in that time has led me to where I am now with the Sakkura project. It’s allowed me to surround myself with an amazing group of collaborators who all share my creative vision, and a huge highlight for me now is that we have managed to forge an album project.  This was the landmark to a new era in my career and it is such a pleasure to work alongside such talented people who I am lucky enough to call my friends.

How has the dance music scene changed in the last 15 years?

So much has changed about the music industry since that first upload – the way music is promoted and discovered by fans is definitely a big thing – but perhaps the biggest change for me in dance music has to be the sound design and mix-downs. I remember when a handful of producers seemed to be sonically light years ahead of everyone else, I’m glad everyone has caught up now though, it’s been good for the scene.

What does UKF represent to you?

UKF will always be an important pillar of the drum & bass scene and a tastemaker that has always championed new artists and talent. On a personal level, knowing that UKF is supporting any project or music I put out is always a signal that I’m doing something right, and it’s reassuring to know that the brand is still going strong 15 years on, supporting the next wave of talent.

What’s your favourite upload from the UKF Drum and Bass YouTube channel?

As for my favourite UKF upload, it has to be ‘Solar System’ by Sub Focus, such an incredible track.