Looking Back on 15 Years of UKF

UKF has raised a generation of bass music enthusiasts by showcasing some of the most iconic tracks. Dig into 15 of our favorites from the past and present.

Since 2009, UKF (United Kingdom and Frome) has had one of the most influential positions in bringing the sounds of dubstep and drum and bass to the masses while creating a solid community for fans to come together. From the iconic blue speaker icon days that most of us grew up with to the top curated sounds of the future, UKF remains a main player in showcasing and releasing tracks that have helped define bass music.

Certain tracks within the UKF realm shaped modern music as we know it today, well outside the industry. For many, their first experience with dubstep was a song they found off the UKF YouTube channel, a shared experience of most bass enthusiasts. For instance, beloved tunes like Zeds Dead’s remix of “Eyes On Fire,” Knife Party’s “Centipede,” and Flux Pavillion’s “I Can’t Stop” all found a home on this channel, creating core memories along the way.

Now, what once was a brainchild by founder Luke Hood, the channel has sprouted into many different sub-channels, labels, events, podcasts, and more to explore. To celebrate the growth and continued presence of UKF in the scene, we’ve gathered 15 of our top songs they have supported that have stood tall. Read on for some of our favorites from the past and present.

Mason vs. Princess Superstar – “Perfect” (Exceeder) (1991 Remix)

Released just this week, 1991‘s remix of the insanely viral track by Mason and Princess Superstar’s “Perfect” is steadily climbing the drum and bass charts of 2024. The track features clever rolls and synth patterns atop the infectiously catchy mantra. 1991 himself has become one of the most recognized names in modern drum and bass, his presence in the Worship collective with Sub Focus, Dimension, and Culture Shock has had him tour around the world making him an overnight sensation. Catch him on the Worship tour in the US this spring!

Sub Focus – “Rock It”

One of the dons of UK drum and bass, Sub Focus is a highly recognized member of the UKF family. “Rock It” is one of the OG top tracks of emerging drum and bass in the early 2010s, with its subconsciously memorable melody and classic, undeniable groove. Some consider this to be the track that launched Sub Focus into stardom, later having the DJ release a whole discography of tunes that are currently shaping the tunes of today. His latest album, Evolve, already has tracks that are featured in top-trending mixes, and he is set to go on his own tour as well as make tons of festival stops this year.

Nero – “Me and You” (Dirtyphonics Remix)

This track helped define the year 2011. The unforgettable wave synth in the beginning moments solidifies what classic drum and bass take on a solid dubstep track formed in my head, changing my world forever. The intense build-up spin with the anthemic vocals creates such a rush for any drum and bass enthusiast. The members of Dirtyphonics are legends in the UKF world, with tracks like “Scorpion,” their remix of Zeds Dead’s “Where Are You Now,” and “Hammer,” displaying their fearless take on genre mixing and redefining the terms of bass music.

Seven Lions – “Don’t Leave” (feat. Ellie Goulding)

If I could go back to the moment I discovered Seven Lions for the first time, I would relive the moment instantly. The impact he has made on the melodic dubstep world is impeccable. His ability to form universes and complete compositions within a track is enough to convince a first-time listener to become a longtime fan. Ellie Goulding’s iconic vocals really complete the track, solidifying a core memory of feeling the cosmic vibrancy melodic dubstep provides. Branching into other elements such as psytrance and heavier dubstep, the journey of Seven Lions has come a long way from the Days To Come and Worlds Apart days. Check out his latest track “Places I Belong“, out now on his record label Ophelia, to see what Seven Lions has in store for 2024.

Feed Me – “One Click Headshot“

If I could describe chaotic madness and fun in a track, I would show listeners the world of Feed Me. For over a decade, the producer has never failed to make tracks that both make me laugh and gawk in awe. The high-energy, stylistic sampling and pioneered the production of Feed Me’s style is undeniable in the popularity of “One Click Headshot,” as well as other tracks such as “Rat Trap,” “I Do Coke” with Kill The Noise, and his latest endeavors in more house-style tracks in his 2023 release One Real Antler, One Imagined. His future-forward sound design has implemented a print on what dubstep is known for being, making him one of the most influential DJs in the scene.

Dimension – “Generator“

Also part of the Worship group, Dimension has had a whirlwind year of producing top tracks and playing historical venues. The “DJ Turn It Up” and “Desire” artist has developed his flair for the genre and has created some of the top-played anthems in clubs and festivals from the UK and beyond. His tune “Generator” is a modern classic, with haunting vocals and a cinematic, powerful buildup. The noteworthy pumping breakdown with a groove-heavy synth style that Dimension is known for soars through the track, making it a top selection in his discography. This year is gearing up to be Dimension’s biggest yet, so don’t miss him on the Worship Tour.

Blue Foundation – “Eyes On Fire” (Zeds Dead Remix)

The year is 2010. You just watched Twilight. You go online to listen to the original soundtrack again but stumble upon… this remix of “Eyes On Fire” by Zeds Dead with the iconic blue speaker background. It has famously changed millions of raver’s lives since the moment they pressed play. The familiar echoic vocals into the drop alchemized the sounds of dubstep from the 2010s on lives from the creation of Canada’s best, Zeds Dead. The duo has become one of the most recognized names in the industry, going on to headline sold-out events and creating a whole new world of podcasts, mixes, and tunes from their Deadbeats label.

Venbee & goddard. – “messy in heaven“

Undeniably one of the fastest growing DJs in drum and bass of today, goddard. has a knack for creating next-level sound design and impeccable drum patterns on heart-wrenching vocal features. “messy in heaven,” featuring Venbee’s insanely catchy lyricism and gorgeous vocals, was one of the top festival tracks of 2023 in many sets I witnessed – and every time, the crowd was in a state of bliss among the liquidity and smoothness that Goddard.’s tunes provide. His latest track, “Waste On You (VIP)” with Cat Burns, is just a taste of what’s to come for 2024.

DJ Fresh – “Gold Dust” (Flux Pavillion Remix)

Proudly holding a blue speaker medal of honor, it’s almost unbelievable this song is more than a decade old. The timeless kicks and breakdown hold a familiar tone on what some sounds of brostep, riddim, bass, and all sorts of subgenres seem to have taken some inspiration from. Flux Pavillion has garnered a spot in releasing some of the most recognizable tracks outside the scene, including the world-shattering “I Can’t Stop” and the heart-wrenching “Cracks” remix. These songs are part of the soundtrack to the early love story with electronic music for many, and tracks like these remind me why I continue to be amazed by the genre’s daily growth.

Knife Party – “Centipede”

No one can mistake the intriguing intros of a Knife Party song. You don’t see it coming, but each monologue turns into the dirtiest drop that takes you for a dubstep ride. Knife Party’s no-hold-barred production levels and earth-shattering bass waves have made their tracks instantly recognizable in a set and gained a massive following at every show over the years. “Centipede” has all the elements you could want in a heavy dubstep track – a creepy intro, a smack in the face with bass, and a whole stratosphere of samples to fill your mind – and, of course, an even creepier outro sample. It’s a timeless track that will stay timeless for years to come.

Fox Stevenson – “Bruises”

Making music for most of his life, Fox Stevenson has a special talent for developing tunes that highlight his vocal skills, putting his guitar work at the forefront, and blending rock, pop, and modern electronica into his high-energy drum and bass drops. Each track has a different flair, but Fox Stevenson has nailed his place in the community and solidified his style, making him a standout artist in the UKF community. “Bruises” highlights all the qualities of his artistry, packing a punch with a powerful rhythm and strong vocals, making it an incredibly catchy tune.

Culprate – “Trench Foot”

Personally, this track continues to make me remember why I’m so fascinated with the evolution of dubstep over just the past decade. Artists like Culprate have alchemized and formulated sound design that reaches different levels of grime, wave design, and modulation to create incredibly layered tunes. Simply put, “Trench Foot” is one of the original bangers of the Blue Speaker collection. His more recent works, which combine experimental design with more organic musical elements, have become some of his biggest standouts, with an honorable mention for “Mechanic Heartbeat.” Culprate’s range in musical diversity within the electronic music realm has a selection for any music enthusiast to find their favorite track.

Modestep – “Higher”

A mood-boosting track, Modestep’s “Higher” encapsulates the idea of blending heavy drops with angelic-style melodic synths. It’s a conversation between emotive lyricism and soulful vocals across a landscape of wall-to-wall grimy bass. There’s such an element of nostalgia with these 2010s tracks that capture human emotion represented within the sound design of heavier-style dubstep, making it as soul-wrenching as a slow ballad. Modestep’s impact in the scene is prominent, having toured the world, released on many record labels, and headlined festivals globally for years now.

Rusko – “Everyday” (Netsky Remix)

For those familiar with drum and bass, Netsky’s “Everyday” was already considered a legendary tune from a legendary artist, but when another legend, Rusko, remixed it, the track was taken to the next level. His remix of “Everyday” screams 2010s festival bliss, with an ever-familiar bass drop that highlights an undeniable nostalgic feeling. Both Rusko and Netsky have monumental impacts in the scene, both being pioneers within the drum and bass and dubstep genres since before the UKF days.

Camo & Crooked & Mefjus – “U“

Looking forward to what UKF is releasing now, the label stays highlighting tracks that are future-thinking in production. Camo & Krooked and Mefjus are known for their talents in complex sound design, creating cinematic experiences in their tracks. Beyond the basics of the Neurofunk realm, both reinvent the genre into something more of a composition that tells a story within the track versus the standard club banger. Lots are in store for both artists, including appearances in North America.

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