Top 100 Chart placements for Breaks / Breakbeat / UK Bass
Updated 2 hours ago
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Suddenly the signal breaks. A violent white hiss screaming though the studio monitors. Somebody rushes through the door the police have entered the building. Immediately we grab our records and make for the stairs. It used to be a school I think, it was old and big. No one was even sure if the DTI knew we were operating from it and it was possible it was just a raid on the squatters who lived there. Nevertheless, we all piled onto the roof, laughing nervously about how stupid it all was. After some time without incident, we ventured cautiously back into the bowls of the old building. The studio was as we had left it, untouched, undiscovered. We knew somewhere across the city a crew would be working to re-establish the signal. Wed be back on the airwaves before morning.
Having smashed stages worldwide wide via the all-conquering behemoth that is Godzilla Dub, Kents finest, Ash aka ZeroFG, explores an oft-overlooked but (for certain Pineapple lovers) absolutely foundational sub-genre of UK Bass… Breakstep. If tunes such as Zinc 138 Trek, Darqwan Said The Spider or Jameson Urban Hero still get you going behind the decks - and believe me, they still get people shocking out on the floor - this updated take on the oft-overlooked early-2000s genre is essential weaponry in your set. Elemental perfectly captures the feel of picking up a Runnin Records white label - crunchy breaks, a rolling bassline and infectious riffs. Hypnotic dancefloor pressure that 2004 Zinc would have been proud to crank out of the EMU. Dabber takes things that bit darker, with Oris Jay-style bleeps and a dark-garage set of bass warps perfectly crafted to that moody flex which has always been an integral part of UK dance music. Atonal 96 style atmospheres keep the adrenalin flowing for everyone involved… Heads down crew, your time. Wheels Of Steel closes things out in very cheeky fashion - a classic break, cut-up stabs and a sped-up rap vocal youve definitely heard before all sit over some proper bouncy sub-bass juice. Constantly evolving and looping atmospheres bring that essential smooth element to contrast perfectly with the roughness. Btw, in case youre wondering what on earth IS Breakstep? Well here goes… Emerging in the early 2000s, and perhaps peaking in terms of popularity with Zincs classic 138 Trek, Breakstep or Breakbeat Garage took elements from sounds such as Jungle, Garage, the emerging Grime scene, and the ruder end of Breakbeat to create a sound that was (in our humble opinion), an essential mix of rolling drums, bass pressure and UK attitude. For a while, these tunes were popping up in sets from range of DJs as diverse as Slimzee and J Da Flex, to Bugs In The Attic and Dubchild, but while a choice Bingo Beats 12 has always been a cheeky weapon for those that know, its not a sound thats really seen much of a critical re-evaluation - possibly because it was quickly swept away by the incoming dubstep / halftime innovations - although artists such as Slaughter Mob and Search & Destroy were a key part of that crossover, and created music that remains some of my favourite from that era. The Elemental EP started life as a collection of WIPs on ZeroFGs Instagram, and when I heard them, I had to instantly reach out to make sure I wasnt mishearing things, and this was in fact the work of someone who also appreciated this era of dance music. Weve since spent way too much time on WhatsApp comparing notes over rare Shimano 12s and DJ Hype remixes, but what is dance music for, if not encouraging nerds to flaunt their obsessions in a safe environment??? Distributed by Label Engine - www.label-engine.com
Chasing the high in a different capacity, the Born Dirty of Summit flings Will Clarke and Georgia Meeks collaboration into a darker dimension. Outfitted with chunkier rhythms and cosmic sound effects, this rework adds a palpable grittiness to an already standout record.
The Russian-born, internationally-known, multi-award-winning deejay and producer Lady Waks has been repping bass-focused dance music across a selection of genres for decades now. And a Hot Cakes release from her is always an eagerly-awaited prospect. This time, shes given us a funky, booty-shaking breakbeat workout thats got party-starter written all over it. Flame has all the horn stabs, wah guitar and bassline wobbles a selector could need to energise a dancefloor. And then thats backed up by two remixes that take things in almost entirely different directions. Weve got Son of Sam laying down a four-to-the-floor with his trademark bassline pressure and UKG inflections, while Spains DJ Tortu & Jose Rodriguez reconfigure the breaks to bring their own vibe to the table. Its another essential from the Hot Cakes camp. For licensing & label enquiries, please contact Martin Flex: martin@hotcakesmusic.com
Sitar Hornik by The Darrow Chem Syndicate brings an audacious fusion of breakbeat and bass-heavy frequencies, infused with an eclectic mix of sitar-driven melodies and brass-laced intensity. This track ventures into uncharted territory, crafting an electrifying sonic expedition where organic instrumentation meets futuristic dancefloor destruction. The Pulsarion & Perrey Carter Remix elevates this concept into a realm of hypnotic grooves and dynamic rhythms, morphing the original essence into a pulsating breakbeat powerhouse. Ethereal sitar strains weave through razor-sharp beats, while the remixs thunderous low-end foundation ensures a weighty, high-impact experience built for peak-time club moments. With a relentless energy and a cinematic edge, Sitar Hornik is a bold, genre-defying statement, capturing the essence of percussive innovation and deep bass-driven momentum. Nipponeer Records being based in Tokyo, Japan; was founded by Hiroshi Fukuma in 2003. This is the 236th release of the label, while the first EP came out in 2009 - aiming to reach a place of solely ageless and quality music, where time has got no dimension.
For anything to thrive for an extended period of time, diversity is necessary. The natural world is built upon this principle but it is also true of thought, culture and art. In many ways it is the antithesis of monoculture, which by definition is formulaic, stale and incapable of new perspectives. For creativity to remain healthy it needs to be woven from countless strands of differing ideas. Elements that when taken as a whole, create art that is vibrant, robust and vital.
Marbs, co-founder of Desert Hearts and visionary behind Desert Hearts Black, returns with a introspective yet club-ready release—Tidal Break EP. Showcasing his signature blend of emotive storytelling and creative production, the two-track release explores the contrasts of light and dark, positivity and adversity, taking listeners on a trip into his own musical universe. The opening track, Toroidal, embodies the concept of duality. A soaring, uplifting vocal guides the listener through themes of self-discovery and optimism, only to be met with a curveball after the break—where the instrumental shifts and the vocal fractures into chopped elements, reflecting the unpredictable twists of life. Breaking ventures further into uncharted territory. Originally conceived as a personal, eclectic composition, the track seamlessly blends breakbeats with emotive textures, capturing the essence of pushing through lifes toughest seasons. What began as an introspective listen evolved into a track perfectly suited for the dance floor, showcasing Marbs fearless approach to sound composition. With the Tidal Break EP, Marbs leans into contrast—light and dark, smooth and broken, familiar and unexpected. Out now on Desert Hearts Black.
Part 4 of Krafty Kuts Breakin Boundaries series further cements his status as one of the UKs top bass music producers. This release kicks off with the insane, breakbeat-driven Wub Juggler, before shifting into the smooth, soulful UKG vibes of Making You and Never Gonna Stop. The EP culminates with Grab The Mic, an 808-fuelled breaks n bass belter that ties it all together. All killer, no filler. Dont miss out on Volumes 1 to 3 for the full experience.
Sharpening his modernist, hybridised club sound with the restless energy hes made his name on, Breaka returns with Aeoui. Nodding to the vowel-only vocal samples he scatters throughout his tracks, this much-anticipated second album reaffirms Charlie Bakers reputation as a many-sided bass music innovator. Since 2019, Breaka has been primarily shaping his own destiny by self-releasing most of his music, and its afforded him the space to evolve his sound on his own terms. In the wake of his 2022 debut LP We Move, the consistently prolific producer had been looking for a fitting window to channel his work into a second full-length. The opportunity arose when he struck on a fit of jet-lagged inspiration in late 2023 and laid down two of the new albums key tunes, squashy track and yolo bass rewind. Jutting out at a distinct angle from his other work, Breaka knew hed found the anchor point around which to build out the next phase of his sonic evolution. This productive period also aligned with a new studio space to work in, leading to the albums striking double-dose opening of Aeoui and Are We There. With the flavour of his new album established, Breaka was able to comb back through his reams of existing ideas and find the remaining pieces that fit the emerging puzzle. There are enduring influences which bind together the Breaka sound — footwork, techno and dancehall continue to guide the infectious floor-ready pressure of the record, but he worked free of stylistic concerns to find a vibe that remained true to his independent spirit. Its clear the Breaka DNA reaches beyond purist club music — his roots as a jazz drummer from an early age guide the expressive flair in his beat programming, while he took a more direct influence from a mind-blowing Sons Of Kemet gig in 2022 to make psychedelic centre-piece Roundhouse. Elsewhere Cascara pays tribute to the Afro-Cuban rhythm of the same name, which he fused with amapianos lithe log drums and shakers, Brazilian percussion and edgy sound design to create a maverick soundsystem wrecker. The collision of organic and synthetic, crisp forms and chaotic energy are captured perfectly in the cover artwork created with Jordan Core. Its a savvy sum-up of where Breaka is at right now, continually building out with clear intentions while embracing the unpredictable energy of lived experiences and the ideas that get sparked along the way. Thats why Aeoui sounds like no one else out there but Breaka.
Licensing, demos: www.facebook.com/kotangensrecords www.instagram.com/kotangensrecords Mastering Service manuscriptrecords@gmail.com Artwork design by Vincent Inc Release made in collaboration with Kotangens records to aid in the relief efforts for the people in Ukraine affected by the War, Kharkov
Sept7 Résilience is a colossal 5-track EP featuring a remix by Kessler. This collection of pure peak-time bangers is stamped with the producers signature sassy rave aesthetic. The artists ability to seamlessly weave various genres brings a dynamic range of elements to the table, showcasing a production style that defies classification. Rush kicks off the EP with an insanely catchy stripped-back bassline, hop-scotching percussion, and elegant discordant synths peppered with dope vocals. Future Step fuses techno, bass, and breakbeat, veering into madness with its revving engine sound effects and slick dub samples. Its a Lewis Hamilton-approved banger. Resilience shines with warmth from the start, featuring beautiful vocal samples that give way to a world-class heavy bass track. The oxymoronic tension between soft and big is a standout feature.Check One showcases tripped-out vocal samples and a clipped bassline, forming a dance-heavy groove with its 4/4 floor beat and subtle background breaks. Kesslers remix of Resilience is a mind-altering, transcendental masterpiece. The producer displays his insane drum and percussive capabilities, fusing modern dubstep head-banging sounds with UK Bass influences.
Well Street Records kicks off 2025 with Lower Hz, an EP from UK producer Rotate. Expect dark, clinical UKG inspired soundscapes and a diverse range of influences from their latest boundary-pushing artist, perfectly fitting the labels progressive ethos.
2025-02-14 Mama's Pie
Freestylers, Plump DJs, Mani Festo, Tenor Fly, DJ Rap, Benny Page, MC Spyda, Capitol 1212, Shades Of Rhythm, DaZZla, Scarlett Quinn, Mr Dorris, Jeremy Sylvester, GreenFlamez, Guau, House of JJ, Project 5
Following the Randall & Cool Hand Luke remix of this banger was never going to be easy, but new school rave hero Borai comes to the rescue. Known for his huge club smashing and chart topping Make Me alongside Club Glow aficionado Denham Audio, the Bristol native steps up with something that gives more than a tip of its cap to the old school, but remains firmly in the new. Big bashing breakbeats, pulsing rave stabs and soaring pianos could make you think its 92 all over again, but this is strictly for the 25!
Diskull returns with his first release of 2025, a soulful, garage-inspired EP that masterfully blends broken beats and heartfelt melodies. The EP kicks off with Fire in Your Eyes, a vibrant track that ignites the senses with its driving rhythm, warm bassline, and soulful vocal hooks. This high-energy opener draws listeners into an emotional journey, balancing nostalgic UK garage influences with Diskulls modern production finesse. Closing out the EP is So Long, a bittersweet anthem that showcases Diskulls knack for storytelling through sound. Featuring lush pads, intricate percussion, and a vocal performance dripping with raw emotion, the track offers a reflective, late-night vibe perfect for both intimate listening and dancefloor moments. With this release, Diskull cements his reputation as an innovator in house music, bringing a fresh perspective to the garage sound while maintaining his signature groove.