Jetset swung by to discuss the home a music community provides, how the live-stream era impacted drum and bass’ reach, and more.
When you think of drum and bass, what is the first thing that comes to mind? The energy? The drums? The MCs? For Jetset, the diverse yet inclusive community stands out the most.
“I’ve always been community-driven, but I’ve never felt more at home or more comfortable at a live event than at a drum and bass show,” he said. “Whether 100 people or 10,000, everyone has an inherent commitment to the music I’ve rarely seen matched in other spaces.”
The resurgence of drum and bass in the US in recent years has been remarkable. This genre, predominantly championed by artists overseas, faced significant hurdles due to travel costs and visa issues, making it challenging for those artists to reach US audiences.
Jetset made an excellent point that despite these obstacles, promotional teams took bold risks fueled by their passion for the music, laying the groundwork for the genre’s current success in the States. It’s no secret that the 2020 lockdowns hampered many things — but not drum and bass. A spark of interest was lit in North America during the COVID-19 pandemic. Artists who were once far from reach overseas were now just a computer search away, allowing global artists to connect with audiences like never before.
“At its peak, I remember a friend of ours maintaining a public spreadsheet more in-depth than what you’d see for a large-scale festival run-of-show,” said Jetset. “Names like Netsky, Camo & Krooked, and Hybrid Minds were now just a click away.”
The surge in DnB’s visibility was further fueled by US-based artists and fans advocating for the genre’s larger presence. Names such as Zeds Dead, kLL sMTH, and Duffrey, among others, began embracing and promoting DnB, which had a significant impact.
Jetset
Drum and bass has made extraordinary progress in the US in just four years, and the leaps and bounds in numbers are hard to ignore. In a relatively short period, the genre has evolved from a niche interest to a prominent force in the music scene, reflecting an impressive surge in both popularity and influence. This rapid ascent is evident in the increasing number of events, growing audience sizes, and expanding global reach.
For scale, the Worship Tourcame to Denver in 2020 and played at a 1,250-capacity venue. In March of this year, they sold 4,000 tickets to a sold-out Mission Ballroom, and so many people deserve thanks for being a catalyst.
Jetset
From the beginning, Jetset’s goal has been to spark America’s interest in drum and bass so that more artists from overseas could make the trip and engage with new live audiences in the United States. Witnessing this ambition come to life has been deeply meaningful. He’s proud to have played a role.
Recounting a notable highlight of his journey, Jetset said, “In July, I got to open for LSB and DRS, two prolific artists in the liquid space, which is what I put much of my focus toward. Events like that are exactly what I’d hoped for, and with the crowd’s reception, I am confident we will see many more.”
“Of course, I’d also love to see a festival centered around drum and bass,” he continued, “and we are well on our way with events like Submersion Festivaland Jungle Bells — as long as people keep showing up.”
Jetset asserts that the appeal of drum and bass lies in how many different forms have been innovated over the years. He says, “There is something for everyone; it’s just a matter of finding the right fit.”
He also shared a list of drum and bass artists he’s been tuned into lately. It includes standouts like Break, Alix Perez, S.P.Y, High Contrast, and Technimatic. More recently, he’s been crate-digging into the styles of artists like Molecular, DLR, Waeys, Unglued, and Particle, whose music he so kindly included in the mix for your listening pleasure.
As his passion for drum and bass precedes him, we couldn’t think of anyone better to continue our journey in the second mix in our Drum & Bass Devotions series. Jetset dropped off an hour-long mix overflowing with delectable tracks from prominent genre figureheads and selections from Redeyes, Rizzle, London Elektricity, SpectraSoul, and more. Take this mix out for a drive and follow him on social media to see where his passion leads him next.
Stream Drum & Bass Devotions 002 || Jetset on SoundCloud:
As a seasoned music journalist, Brooke has woven her passion for music into every aspect of her career. Her journey with music began in her youth, where a profound love for melodies and rhythms took root. This affection grew as she immersed herself in countless events and festivals, each experience fueling her desire to delve deeper into the industry.
It wasn't long before she realized her calling lay in music journalism. Relocating to Denver to kickstart her music industry career, she was captivated by the power of words to convey the essence of sound. Writing about music became more than just a profession—it became a natural expression of her connection to the art form.
Today, Brooke continues to craft compelling narratives celebrating music’s magic. With her deep love for the scene and unwavering dedication, she remains a driving force in the ever-evolving landscape of music journalism.
