Name: Chase & Status
Music Style: DnB, Grimey Breakbeat
Outlar-Listed Events: 1
Outlar Cross-references: Pendulum, Fabio, The Autobots, Mary Anne Hobbs, Annie Nightingale, Stanton Warriors, Mampi Swift, The Breakfastaz, Aquasky

Chase & Status Intro: Saul Milton and Will Kennard really do start as they mean to go on. Since the birth of their drum and bass career in 2004, things have been moving extremely rapidly for this duo.

Their first release on Renegade Hardware (a remix of Future Cut's 20/20) was followed with big tracks such as Love's Theme, Iron Fist and Hoodrat on prominent labels such as Bingo, BC Presents and Habit. DJ's: Andy C, Mampi Swift, Friction, Zinc, Pendulum, Fabio and Bad Company have shown huge support for their releases which has only been further affirmed by regular radio airplay.

Beginning their DJ career just over 9 years ago, Chase&Status have witnessed the constant stylistic changes the industry has been through. Their sets reflect on a wide spectrum of drum&bass, as is shown in their Jan 2005 Studio Mix on DnB Arena, their guest mix on 1Xtra and of course with their live DJ sets. 2005 has been a good year for the duo with 'Barbarians', 'Menace' and, 'Glitch' all dropping on Renegade Hardware, 'Loader' on BC Presents, and a remix for Bingo of Mood 2 Swing's 'I Got Love'.

Forthcoming, the pair are making their BreakBeat Kaos debut with 'Duppy Man' Ft Capleton b/w 'Top Shotta' Ft Roll Deep...The massive 'Duppy Man' is being supported by top jock Andy C alongside DJs such as Mary Anne Hobbs (Radio1), Skitz, Seani B and he Heartless Crew (1Xtra). 'Top Shotta' Ft Roll Deep has also been getting huge support from across the board form DJs such as Cameo, Semtex, Richie Vee, Neesha, Ace & Invisible (1Xtra), Mary Ann Hobbs (Radio1), Lucy Ambache (Choice Fm), Logan Sama (Kiss), Pendulum, Mark One, Rossi B and Plasticman to name a few. Both tracks are currently on the 'A' list on 1Xtra and 'Roll Deep' who appear on 'Top Shotta' have been flying high in the UK national charts with tracks like 'The Avenue' and 'Shake A Leg.'

The pair have also received immense support for their recent BreakBeat creations under their 'Loopdigga' guise. 'Timewarp' on Guerilla Tactics has had regular rotation on Radio1 from Mary Anne Hobbs & Annie Nightingale and on Kiss100 from Tayo. The track has also received a lot of attention being spun by the likes of: Stanton Warriors, Aquasky, The Autobots and The Breakfastaz.

Name: Aquasky
Music Style: Breaks, DnB
Outlar-Listed Events: 1
Outlar Cross-references: The Freestylers, Adam Freeland, DJ Krust, A Guy Called Gerald, Scratch Perverts, Norman Jay, Janatah DJs, The Breakfastaz, EvilSound, Chase & Status, James Talk, Dr Bob Jones

Aquasky Intro: Aquasky are from Bournemouth, UK. They started their career in 1995 when they were signed to Moving Shadow Records for a 3 record deal on the back of their massively sucessful 'Dezires/Images' single which was remixed by DJ Krust.

But before then they individually had sucess under their individual projects. Dave Wallace was known for his early jungle tunes as Rave Doctor/Fugative on Underdog Recordings. Keiron Bailey for his Artinis/New Vision work also on drum and bass label Underdog and Brent Newitt for his hip hop releases as Jaziac Sunflowers on Bob Jones' Black on Black label.

In 1996 Aquasky signed to Polydor/Polygram where they recorded the Orange Dust LP. This contained the singles 'Raw Skillz (Featuring Big Kwam and the first ever Scratch Perverts adventure onto vinyl) and the drum and bass track Opaque which made an appearance in the UK national charts. Also on the LP was the hip hop track 'Rough' featuring Big Shug from the Gangstarr Foundation.

Whilst signed to Polydor the trio also released on Reinforced Records (Concrete Boom EP) and R&S (Dave Wallace under his own name with the 'Future Realties' single and Keiron and Brent worked as Skin Divers where 2 singles were released) and Dave put out the Soul Motive EP on Nuphonic Records.

In 1999 Aquasky returned to their drum and bass birthplace Moving Shadow where they recorded 2 LP's 'Bodyshock' and 'Aftershock'.

Bodyshock contained drum and bass tracks such as 'Sonix' and 'Battlestar' and a funky breakbeat number titled 'Blue Thunder' that was made world famous when it was featured on the first Tony Hawk game. The Aftershock album was the first time that Aquasky ventured into breakbeat back in 2000. This was a remix LP containing mixes by London Electricity, Adam Freeland (his first ever venture onto vinyl) and Aquasky themselves.

A series of 12"s also came out on Moving Shadow during the years 1999-2002. These included tracks such as 'The Stalker', 'Bulletproof' (which was remixed by Higher Sense out of the RAM crew), 'Spectre', 'Subdivison' and 'Nightvision'. Whilst these singles were being released, Aquasky started a new project and new name. Tenth and Parker was in essense a live jazz/house/latin band and an LP was released called 'Twenty:Twelve' on the renowned Mr. Bongo label. This vocal project contained many famous names including Mark Murphy (US Jazz singer who has recorded on Muse, Atlantic, Prestige and Riverside to name a few) Snowboy ( Percussionist who spearheaded the whole Acid Jazz movement and is world famous for his group The Latin Section and for his work with Lisa Stansfield) and the band also contained the bassist from Fairground Attraction and Blur's horn section. 3 singles came from this outing including 'Kool Down' which was featured on a Norman Jay compilation for Nuphonic. This later was remixed by King Britt.

In 2001 Aquasky started their alias Aquasky Vs. Masterblaster. This was after a meeting with Vini Medley of Botchit and Scarper Records and their first breakbeat 12" surfaced on his label titled 'Sureshot' later that year. This was followed up by the mighty force of the '777' EP which turned out to be the biggest selling single for the label. In 2002 they were asked to record an LP, their 5th. Titled 'Beat the System' this was a benchmark album which announced that Aquasky had arrived and that they were here to shake things up. Bringing the dance ethos of drum and bass into breakbeat, Aquasky created a new genre of the scene. A sound and vibe that was made to make a dancefloor shake. With influences taken from their drum and bass/hardcore background this was an orginal concept that many copied and many were inspired by.

In 2002 Moving Shadow decided to remix some of their extensive 12 year back catalogue and Aquasky Vs. Masterblaster were asked to pick 2 tracks that they were influenced by. 'Lord of the Null Lines' by Hyper on Experience and 'Renegade Snares' by Omni Trio were chosen and remixed to now legendary proportions. These sold so well that the label decided to start a sister label titled Shadow Cryptic to support the breakbeat scene. The obvious step was to ask Aquasky to record another album. So in 2003 their 6th LP 'Stayfresh' was made. This time the emphasis was to make a new, fresher album with broader influences. Stayfresh has already been checked as the most important breakbeat LP so far. New ideas were presented and the guys turned the scene on its head making them now one of the hottest producers in the world of Breakbeat.

There are also a host of remixes that Aquasky have played apart in including Master Ace, The Freestylers, DJ Deekline, 4 Hero, Sneaker Pimps, Art of Noise and A Guy Called Gerald. Aquasky are also all accomplished DJ's and have travelled the world many times exciting clubs and festivals with their broad approach to music and a good ear for a bit of bass. This has assisted them in establishing their own labels Passenger, Sonix and Incident which they use as a base for their productions and a home for many other artists from Finland to America to New Zealand.

Name: Adam Freeland
Music Style: Breakbeat
Outlar-Listed Events: 8 (Rank #98)
Outlar Cross-references: Carl Cox, Sasha, Paul Van Dyk, Infusion, Steve Thorpe, Jonathan Lisle, Aquasky, Psychosomatic, Paul Arnold, Evil 9, Mash

Adam Freeland Intro: When Adam Freeland released his pioneering COASTAL BREAKS mix album three years ago, it signalled a new era in dance music, putting the breakbeat sound center stage. What had been a relatively small scene suddenly found itself at the heart of the media spotlight, hailed as the future of dance music with club nights such as Friction and Air leading the way. Fast forward three years: Breakbeat has clearly infiltrated dance music in all areas, through landmark recordings like Tsunami One’s "Hip Hop Phenomenon" (featured on TECTONICS) and more recently trance supremo Paul Van Dyk’s breakbeat excursions on his forthcoming album.

Meanwhile heavyweight DJs Sasha and Carl Cox hold Freeland personally responsible for influencing their love of breakbeat and have publicly hailed him as the major driving force behind one of the UK’s most exciting sounds.

TECTONICS captures this sound perfectly, skillfully gliding through some of breakbeat’s finest moments, past, present and, of course, future. Alongside his pioneering Friday night Kiss 100 radio show, Adam Freeland’s time is spent fulfilling numerous global DJ commitments and running his highly esteemed record label MARINE PARADE. Named after the street where he’s based in Brighton, the UK’s new musical capital, MARINE PARADE was started by Freeland in 1998. In just under two years, it has established itself as a musical force to be reckoned with -- last year it was nominated for Best Independent Label at the Music Magazine awards.

TECTONICS is a seamless mix of breaks and beats, some nu-skool, some no-skool, that wind their way through some of breakbeat’s defining moments, such as Beber’s "Juvenile Delinquent" with its three dimensional bass driven sound; or 3 Mile Island’s "Liposuction" with its perfectly paced build up and tight, rolling beats. There are also various cuts exclusive to this album, from the genius that is ILS with "Tectonic" and Belushi’s "Going Nowhere (Waveform Mix)," that appears exclusively on the triple vinyl version of TECTONICS, a must for all DJs. As more and more dance DJs and producers pick up and run with the breakbeat baton, Adam Freeland remains at the top, committed to pushing dance music in a new and exciting direction. He is a regular visitor to the USA and Australia where his trans-continental antics have even lead him to collaborate on tracks with dance guru BT. He is the breakbeat ambassador, travelling the globe and spreading his own unique take on a sound that transcends the musical barriers of old.

Name: Dj Hype
Music Style: DnB
Outlar-Listed Events: 5
Outlar Cross-references: Dj Zinc, Todd Terry, Fitzy Love, Meat Katie, Future Funk Squad, Killa Kela, John Grief, Dj Rap, DJ Hazard, DJ-DS, Jamie McHugh, Generation Dub

Dj Hype Intro: Essentially Hype is to drum and bass as Afrika Bambaata was to the development of hip-hop. He first became involved in music through the legendary Shut Up and Dance sound system, like many before him his interest growing from physically building the speakers that made up the rig to DJ'ing, spinning reggae, house and hip hop throughout the eighties. As time passed, his skills behind the turntable grew to the extent of winning the London heat of the 1989 DMC's and going on to represent Britain in the European championships."

While continuing to play at high capacity events Hype also made the move into radio, becoming involved with influential pirate station Fantasy FM before taking up a position at Kiss FM - his Sunday night sessions some of the most popular and securing him Best Male DJ and Best Radio DJ at subsequent Hardcore Awards."

His time in the studio began at Kickin', co-producing The Scientist's seminal 'Exorcist' and 'The Bee' before laying down tracks for a number of other labels - the most notable of which, Suburban Base, saw him compiling the still highly sought after 'Drum and Bass Selection' series in addition to notching up his own underground smashes in the form of 'Trooper' and 'Shot In The Dark' while touching upon the charts with 'Isotonic' on FFRR."

With substantial success, it was only a matter of time before Hype established his own label Ganja in 1993 working closely with fellow ex-Suburban Base artist and friend Pascal. 'Cops' opened up the play for his Ganja imprint which was later to feature 'Ganja Man' and Zinc's legendary 'Super Sharp Shooter,' before peaking with the 'Still Smokin' album, a collaborative effort with Pascal's Frontline Records. Perhaps surprisingly considering the subsequent runaway success of the label, the intention was never specific, as Hype explains."

'Ganja Records was never meant to be anything, I was never planning on building anything from it, and it was just a knock up as I wanted a label to put some tunes on. As the label built itself without me really having to do anything I realised that if I did choose to put some effort into something I could build something really strong. I'd been encouraging Zinc to do his own thing for some time, though since he didn't really want to be out on his own - myself, Zinc and Pascal decided to set up a label as a collective.'

Having flirted with major's in the form of a deal with RCA/Parousia as Ganja Crew in 1997, the threesome backed out of renewing their options choosing instead to retain their independence through establishing their own True Playaz. Hype explains his Philosophy. 'There are two things which keep me going. Firstly, I haven't got anything else - this is it for me so I've got to keep it going - I look at what I have and music has got me everything in my life as well as enabling me to help my family. Secondly I see the enthusiasm for this music from people all over the world. This year alone we've dj'd all over the world; Spain, Canada, Switzerland, Estonia and we know that the whole planet wants it. When you've evolved with something and become part of it on a level where you know that there is such a love for it - it becomes something very special to you. To think five years ago no one could have ever have contemplated that this music would be where it is now. The day I'm playing out and the audience doesn't like it anymore I'll probably move onto something else.'

Name: DJ Hazard
Music Style: DnB
Outlar-Listed Events: 2
Outlar Cross-references: Grooverider, Mickey Finn, Nicky Blackmarket, Dj Hype, Shy FX, DJ-DS

DJ Hazard Intro: Music has always played a huge part in Hazard's life; his formative years were spent listening to reggae, hip-hop and soul in particular. Although interested by rave music and its culture from its inception, it wasn't until elements of the above mentioned genres began to appear in rave music that Hazard became truly engrossed. After attending only a few raves in the Midlands boasting superstar line-ups playing jungle and drum&bass, Hazard was dead set on becoming a DJ.

On leaving school Hazard began working in a local record shop: Basement Beats. It was working at Basement Beats that Hazard earned the money needed in order to purchase his first set of turntables and the beginnings of a healthy collection of promos. Largely due to his driven personality and blatant self belief, within only a few months Hazard had managed to secure a few slots on The Midland's most prominent pirate station Kool FM; which in turn led to his first bookings.

Although playing out was a dream come true to Hazard he quickly realised that in order to breakthrough and for music to be his vocation he had to making the beats as well as playing them.

As soon as he could he purchased himself an Atari S.T. and a portable Yamaha sampler: although he'd never played a musical instrument in his life, the production process came very naturally and within six months he had four tracks that he was happy with and began promotion by cutting them onto dub-plate.

Within weeks of playing them on the radio and at his local residencies around the Midland's, Hazard had was offered his first record deal: Two tracks 'Year 2000' b/w 'Jayden' were included on Back 2 Basic's Promo Series, supported by the likes of Shy FX, Nicky Blackmarket and Mickey Finn: the 12” went onto become the series' biggest seller.

Hazard went onto release a few more 12”s on a number of different imprints and after a brief spell working closely with Formation Records in 2002 something truly great happened… after a brief phone call with the legendary Dj Hype, in which Hazard was made an offer he couldn't refuse, Hazard was signed exclusively to Hype's various imprints. Namely, True Playaz, Ganja, Frontline and Jekyll & Hyde. Exclusive signings are rare within the drum&bass industry resulting in shockwaves echoing through the scene and Hazard quickly became known and respected as hot-property.

Hazard knew his first release for Hype had to be something special; as a result he spent a good few months mastering his craft and taking advice from Hype before presenting him with a four track EP. The 'No More Games' EP was immediately released on Hype's True Playaz imprint, and was quickly followed by the 'Ready For This' EP which would be Hazard's debut release on Hype's legendary Ganja Records. Resulting in Hazard being nominated and awarded 'Best Newcomer' at the industry awards.

Hazard has since been involved in all of the labels' high profile album compilations, most notably the 'Dubplate Killaz' series which in 2004 went onto become one of the biggest selling albums of the year. On which Hazard had a number of tracks most notably 'World Of Darkness' which after heavy dub-plate support from the likes of Dj Hype, Andy C and BBC Radio 1's Grooverider became one of 2004's most memorable anthems for which Hazard received widespread applause from both fans and critics alike.

Many thought 'World Of Darkness' would be a very hard release for Hazard to follow but Hazard blew that theory to bits, with his most recent 12” 'Use Your Brain' b/w 'Selector' recently labelled by the press as 'Hazard's biggest track to date!' along with 'If your head isn't nodding by the end, you'd better check your neck isn't broken!'.

What's next for Hazard? Other than helping to bring through talented unknowns on his very own imprints: Radius and R Music. It's all about further developing his sound, until he feels ready to make his debut artist album, which holds all the promise of being something truly special.

Making music for people to dance to and then travelling the world as a DJ making sure they dance to it, Hazard's living his dreams, long may they continue.

Name: Nicky Blackmarket
Music Style: DnB
Outlar-Listed Events: 4
Outlar Cross-references: Prophecy, John Grief, DJ Hazard, DJ-DS, MC S.A.S

Nicky Blackmarket Intro: Manic spam eating DJ/producer, king of the swingers, the jungle VIP. Nick is famous for teaching kids how to cross the road, having a good morning and driving adults round the bend. Half owner of Black Market shop, and super quick DJ he is the man who works wonders on the decks, while his sandwiches are underneath them.

Name: Grooverider
Music Style: DnB
Website: http://www.grooverider.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/djgrooverider1
Outlar-Listed Events: 8
Outlar Cross-references: Fabio, John Digweed, Goldie, Fitzy Love, Chris Finke, Loz, Andy Mac, Sub Focus, Sappo, Dj Rap, L Double, Futurebound, John '00' Fleming, Paul Arnold, John Graham, Dj Droid, DJ Hazard, MC GQ, Commix, DJ-DS, MC S.A.S, Simon "Bassline" Smith, Jaydan, Skream, Generation Dub, Thomas Tuft

Grooverider Intro: An individual who is undoubtedly synonymous with the birth, growth and rise of UK Dance music particularly Drum N Bass is DJ Grooverider and two words synonymous to him are Pioneer and Icon. Having been integrally involved within the UK underground scene for well over 15 years he has participated in and supervised its evolution to it now being an highly eclectic club culture regarded and revered globally for being one of the most dynamic and developed. Despite being for the most part associated with Drum N bass and regarded by both avid listeners and his fellow artist and peers as being the Godfather of this genre, he himself is quick to publicise his own musical journey charting his other creative influences and exploits prior to the birth of Drum and Bass. Ive listened to black music all my life. Reggae, Hip Hop, R&B, Funk, Disco the whole thing. I started cruising to house then hardcore.Now its drum n bass but house is what I know inside out. Thats what I grew up with, my first love. I know everything about it. Drum n bass is something we formulated out of house. Its this cultured journey which qualifies him for almost unrivalled praise and recognition as clearly his efforts and his contributions have been critical in helping to establish and nurture UK Urban music as we know it today, which is flourishing as one of the most lucrative mainstream genres.

As a DJ his credentials are phenomenal and testament to this is the fact that despite the underground club scene having unbelievably calmed since the memorable and tumultuous years of the 80 and 90s rave era, Grooverider is of a select few DJs who continues to play out at numerous events many of which are worldwide. This acclaim and notoriety is a far cry from the so called early days and his time on a sound systems and pirate radio station Ill always be a DJ first. I used to DJ on a sound system years ago then I got on to a radio station It was called Phase 1 I was playing acid house every Sunday morning, like, 8 'til 10 in the morning some times we would start 3 am and go on 'til the next day The guy who owned the station opened a club after-hours and booked me and Fabio, cause we were both on the station This association with Fabio also considered by many as a forefather to the scene, proved not to be a flash in the pan and the two of them remain close friends, side kicks and business partners and presently co host the weekly radio 1 Drum n Bass show.

Among Grooverider lasting legacy will be not that he simply helped establish the genre but also he helped it grow and expand it by exporting this energetic and progressive music to those who traditionally would not have listened to it. Its not just about me and Fabio, its a whole platform for drum n bass. Its about whats happening in drum n bass, taking it on the road and showing people who dont necessarily go to drum n bass parties that this is what we do This aim is clearly something that motivates him and it is clear that his long journey to where he is today had many challenges and struggles but with tenacity and resilience he started also to gain the respect of larger legitimate mainstream radio stations who could no longer ignore the genre or Grooverider eventually he was given a set on Kiss Fm We were on Kiss beforeand when Radio 1 called us in we ran at it. We didnt know what it was going to be like... but we had to take the chance Kiss was changing into a commercial station and Radio 1 was going the other way. I think it was the right time to jump ship. The underground side of Radio 1 was still developing and we were able to add to itIm now in my fourth year on Radio 1. Its been going really well. Radio 1 are happy and weve moved our time forward an hour In closing Grooverider has had a profound influence on UK music in general and in several different capacities as he has successfully assumed the both mantles of being a pioneering DJ and Producer. He is also the recipient of countless underground and global dance awards but perhaps his most reputed achievement was the MOBO best DJ award he won in 2002. As long as he continues to play at massive events, produce great tunes and pursue his Radio 1 shows it is likely that he will receive many more awards yet and each one will be deserved.

Name: Sub Focus
Music Style: DnB
Outlar-Listed Events: 4
Outlar Cross-references: Grooverider, Zane Lowe, DJ-DS

Sub Focus Intro: With several tracks to his name all made in the space of the last twelve months 2004 has been a massive year for Nick aka Sub Focus: the year has seen him breakthrough in unprecedented fashion armed with the likes of the technically astounding "Acid Test", the simple yet devastatingly effective "Strobe", the lively "Get on Up" and the altogether awesome "X-Ray". In a matter of months, he has gone from being one of many wannabe producers to become a permanent fixture of the award winning Ram Records family. Artists like Sub Focus are what "Best Breakthrough Producer" awards are made for.

Even though Nick has been obsessed with dance music, both its creation and its culture for a large chunk of his formative years, his first experience with making music came from playing bass in a rock band at school. However his involvement with the band didn't last very long as on hearing dance music Nick was totally blown away by it's diversity and the variety of sounds on offer.

Consequently he decided that the tone of rock music didn't satisfy as he felt it to be far too limited, in contrast Nick found the unlimited tonal possibilities of dance music to be extremely exciting. Particular music that got him hooked included; General Levy's "Incredible" and most things from Prodigy's early years.

Nick actually started making beats at the tender age of thirteen on an old Acorn computer, although to begin with he was just messing around he quickly found his passion and this light hearted hobby gradually became an obsession. It's important to note that until recently Nick has been entirely self taught, his only aid coming from a whole host of software instruction manuals which he enjoyed reading from cover to cover.

Things didn't really start to happen for him until last year when he made a conscious decision to take his production process extremely seriously. Nick enrolled in a renowned sound engineering course in London's East End, where he found himself polishing up his self taught skills, whilst also going deeper into the realms of truly understanding the concept of sound.

Eventually Nick managed to make a few things that he felt proud of so he began to give out some CDs for his friends to listen to, only looking for a bit of feedback. However, a certain friend decided to take one of these "Don't Play Them to Anyone Else" CDs and give one to award winning DJ and Ram Record's label owner Andy C. On hearing the tracks Andy not only saw talent but he saw a release, within hours Nick had the phone call and within weeks Nick had his first release on Ram's much respected sister imprint Frequency: a 12" featuring "Down the Drain" with "Hotline" on the flip.

With this new found confidence in mind; in recent months Nick went in the studio and rolled out three brilliant bits of production in quick succession.