News
Welcome to February’s edition of the UKF Monthly Round-Up! Another month down, and bass music continues to thrive as we head deeper into 2025. Let’s dive into some of the biggest moments from the last few weeks.
First up, we had some big news of our own—UKF was nominated for ‘Best Record Label’ at the Radio 1 Dance Awards! It was an absolute honor to be on the shortlist alongside some of the biggest and best in the game. Massive congratulations to Defected for taking home the win, and even bigger big ups to every single one of you who voted for us. Your support means the world!
Elsewhere in the industry, a major step forward for London’s nightlife has been announced. Mayor Sadiq Khan has unveiled the city’s first-ever Nightlife Taskforce, an 11-person team set to tackle challenges and opportunities in the capital’s nighttime economy. Among those appointed are fabric cofounder Cameron Leslie (chair of the group), Pxssy Palace founder Nadine Noor, Colour Factory founder Nathanael Williams, and NTIA CEO Michael Kill. Over the next six months, they’ll be working on recommendations to ensure London’s nightlife continues to thrive. A huge step in the right direction for club culture!
Festival season is already making moves—Boomtown Festival has been granted permission to increase its capacity by 11,000 attendees, bringing the total to a staggering 80,000. Known for its immersive storytelling and diverse lineup, Boomtown has assured fans that safety, traffic, and environmental concerns have been addressed, paving the way for an even bigger and better experience in 2025. If you weren’t already hyped for this summer, now’s the time!
The bass community was hit with heartbreaking news this month as we said goodbye to grime pioneer Terror Danjah. A true innovator, his intricate production style helped shape grime and UK bass music as we know it today. His influence extended far beyond the genre, leaving an undeniable mark on the electronic music landscape. Peers and fans alike have paid tribute, remembering his legacy and celebrating the groundbreaking work he created. Rest in power, Terror Danjah.
On a more personal note for the scene, beloved drum and bass MC Ben Verse shared an update on his health journey. After being diagnosed with acute monoblastic leukemia in 2024, he was finally discharged from the hospital after 208 days. In an emotional Instagram video on February 17, the former Pendulum member expressed his gratitude to fans, saying, “It means a hell of a lot… I can’t thank you enough.” A true warrior. The bass community continues to stand with him, sending strength and love every step of the way.
That’s a wrap for February! With festival announcements, industry wins, and inspiring comebacks, 2025 is already shaping up to be a massive year for bass. See you next month for more!
Tracks
Zero – West End Wobbler
Ant Mulholland
Zero’s significant rise in the global bass scene has seen the British producer churn out some of the most authentic bass rhythms of our generation. “West End Wobbler” is a nod to his love for dubstep, laying down a real marker for future endeavours. It’s rigid bass and high pitch tones created a frenzy of face-melting euphoria that will undoubtedly send shivers of reverberation through the dance floor. Keep an eye out for similar flavours courtesy of Zero.
Napes- Shooter Hill ft. Snowy
Sagar Deshmukh
If you’re looking for a prime example of an artist’s rise from underground talent to a true innovator, Napes is the name to watch. Emerging onto the scene in late 2020, Napes quickly made waves with his Gunner Chopper EP, showcasing a unique ability to push the boundaries of drum & bass and jungle music. His futuristic approach to the genre has not only redefined its possibilities but has also cemented his status as a true genre bender, blending traditional elements with cutting-edge production techniques.
His ability to blend razor-sharp sonics with an unmistakable club aesthetic has positioned him as a true genre-bender. After consistently delivering a string of releases across 2022 and 2023, his defining moment arrived in 2024 with his debut on Shall Not Fade, dropping the Wavelord Bizniz EP alongside Samurai Breaks. This four-track release was a masterclass in high-energy club music, balancing intricate drum programming with cutting-edge sound design solidified his reputation as one of the most exciting names in the game.
This momentum carried him straight into the orbit of Alix Perez’s 1985 Music, where he unleashed the Shooters Hill EP—a release that further solidified his place at the forefront of the jungle and drum & bass. The title track alone encapsulates everything Napes represents: a seamless fusion of old-school jungle vibes with a forward-thinking, futuristic edge.
Teaming up with MC Snowy, one of the UK’s most innovative vocalists, Napes has delivered a tune that effortlessly blurs the lines between old-school jungle foundations and new-school energy, creating a certified dancefloor weapon.
The entire Shooters Hill EP follows this trajectory—futuristic, boundary-pushing, and unapologetically bold. With his ability to deliver music that resonates with both purists and forward-thinkers alike, it feels like this is the year when Napes’ dedication to creativity and consistency will be rewarded with another groundbreaking year in 2025.
Mixes
RENEGADE RIDDIMS: Emerald Lotus on Data Transmission
Sagar Deshmukh
Two-hour-long mixes have become a rarity, but when executed with care and precision, it offers listeners a deep and immersive insight into an artist’s sonic vision. Bristol-based multi- genre producer Emerald Lotus has achieved this with remarkable finesse, delivering a mix that feels both expansive and meticulously crafted. Reflecting on the mix, Emerald Lotus emphasised that every track was chosen with purpose—there are no “disposable” tunes here. Instead, each song is given space to breathe, creating a natural flow that transitions effortlessly between genres like drum & bass, garage, UKG, and glitch hop.
Mantra w/ MC Blackeye @ The Cause // Genesis 25 x Worlds Collide courtesy of Killahertz
Ant Mulholland
The Genesis 25 meets Worlds Collide event was a real staple for the community and stealing the show was something very special. This vinyl set by Mantra at The Cause had the makings of a real show stopper and it didn’t disappoint. A thorough deep dive into the depths of jungle curation, giving us an hour of utter bliss. A real education in vinyl mixing.The crowd energy was high, the legendary MC Blackeye was on hand to steer the ship into one of those sets that you talk about long after the event has happened. This set, aswell as the others filmed that night, were brought to you by Killahertz. A brand that have been doing their bit to bring these underground sounds to your screens, working tirelessly to bring to light some of these flawless sets.
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