The turn of a year —a time to reflect, celebrate, and look back on an explosive year for bass music. 2024 has been nothing short of monumental, with our favourite genres breaking new ground, dominating festival stages, and even cracking mainstream charts. From mind-blowing sets at global events to underground anthems redefining the sound, bass music has proven once again why it’s a powerhouse in electronic music.
As we step into 2025, the UKF editorial team has compiled a list of the artists who truly owned 2024. These are the innovators, hitmakers, and scene-shapers who kept us moving and inspired all year long. So, whether you’re reminiscing or gearing up for one last dance, here are the artists who made 2024 unforgettable.
Hamdi
Ant Mullholland
Hailing from Oxford, Hamdi has had a 2024 that has catapulted him to the very top of the electronic dance music world.The eclectic producer has successfully executed a range of bass-heavy projects including groundbreaking ‘Push’ in collaboration with Skrillex, TAICHU, and OFFAIAH, becoming the sound of the world renowned Apple for their iPhone 16 advert. Furthermore, the likes of Sammy Virji, Simula, and Taiki Nulight put their spin on one of Hamdi’s biggest tracks to date in ‘Counting’, showcasing the strong influence he possesses across the board in the underground community. Playing an array of sets around the world, it’s been a real joy watching his bass and dubstep fused sound reach a multitude of fans from different scenes, bringing a refreshing flavour of electronic prowess to a more global audience. The winding synths and heavy drops synonymous with his profiling has helped evolve the sound design behind many new artists, paving the way for an exciting future in bass-influenced dance music. It’s important to mention that with a new craze around dubstep reigniting, Hamdi has been a key component in reintroducing this sound to a new audience. Other accolades this year have included iconic sets with Boiler Room and many headline shows around the globe, whilst also being nominated for DJ Mag producer of the year. It’s safe to say 2024 has been a standout period for this truly multi-talented artist.
Freddy B
Sagar Deshmukh
Bursting onto the scene in 2022, finding his groove in 2023, and absolutely smashing it in 2024, Freddy B has been quietly setting the drum and bass world alight. He’s been working under the radar, yet his impact has been undeniable, positioning him as the voice to watch out for in 2025. Taking his recipe of profound and razor-sharp lyricism, the Manchester-based MC and producer has weaved his way through some of the most respected labels in the game—Overview Music, Sofa Sound Bristol, Critical Music, Yamatai Records, and Love For Low Frequencies, just to name a few.
Freddy B kicked off the year teaming up with Tweakz for a rumbling dose of low-end madness on Love For Low Frequencies. From that moment on, it was clear that those deep, resonant basslines were the perfect playground for his commanding, electrifying voice. But what really sets Freddy B apart is the sheer variety in his bars—switching effortlessly between intense, hard-hitting flows and more atmospheric, nuanced deliveries.
This versatility shone through in standout collaborations with Thread and Emperor, leading up to a powerful finale with QZB on Critical Music, delivering yet another razor-sharp minimal banger. It’s tempting to call this just the beginning, but at the pace Freddy B is setting, it won’t be long before he cements himself as one of the most distinctive and respected voices in drum and bass.
Tape B
Logan Sasser
In 2023, the Tape B domination had already begun. But 2024 proved that his momentum is continuing to materialize into what can only be categorised as dubstep superstardom. This year, Tape B embarked on a headline tour with over 30 consecutive sold-out shows across North America, including a 2-night run at Denver’s acclaimed Mission Ballroom. He also released the highly-celebrated “Trippy Land” with Mersiv and Juicy J, and “Gas Pedal” remix with Subtronics and John Summit.
The secret to his success? A light-hearted, slightly nostalgic take on the classic dubstep genre, combined with hard-hitting flips from hip-hop’s “mixtape era.” Considering Tape B’s recent Brooklyn Mirage headline announcement, it’s safe to say next year is shaping up to be even bigger for the young producer.
Tim Reaper
Ant Mullholland
Jungle legend Tim Reaper has consistently been spoken about as one of the leading pioneers of this new jungle sound. This one-of-a-kind producer, amongst a select few, has led the way in pushing the boundaries sonically within the scene as a whole. With another relentless year of releases, working with a wide range of labels and producers, as well as a monumental year of releases with his own renowned label Future Retro London, it’s safe to say that Tim Reaper has had a year that has once again put him in the conversation as one of the UKs leading underground artist – not only within jungle music but also in the wider electronic sphere. His year has included standout collaborations with the likes of Dwarde, DJ Sofa, and Coco Bryce on exciting projects releasing projects with Hardcore Energy and Globex Corp. His slick mixing ability on the decks, as well as a killer break infused production has created an artist that very few can compete with on the circuit. Underground music fans everywhere know they’re in for a colossal show when Tim Reaper steps up to play a set, illustrated through his nomination for DJ Mag’s best DJ of the year. With a stellar album out this year to show for, in collaboration with Australian-born Kloke, ‘In Full Effect’ was released on the notorious Hyperdub – of which was their first ever jungle project. We were treated to a hardcore breakbeat flavour that is consistent throughout the album, paying homage to a 90’s sound that he himself has been key in reintroducing to the modern day rave scene. More recently, he’s linked up with Critical’s Kasra to form experimental music label ‘Best Intentions’ showcasing how much respect he’s gained from the likes of Kasra who’s head of established powerhouses Critical Music. In what is undoubtedly Tim Reaper’s most prolific year to date, what will 2025 hold in store for the jungle king from London?
[IVY]
Whisky Kicks
A princes of positivity and good intention [IVY] has firmly established herself as a standout artist in 2024. She doesn’t care where the box is and she definitely doesn’t care to squeeze herself inside it, seamlessly blending 4×4 rhythms with drum and bass to create a distinctive and electrifying sound. Her performances at this years biggest shows, have captivated audiences and showcased her innovative approach to the genre.
It’s not only UKF who’ve had our eyes on her, this year, [IVY] received a nomination for ‘Best Breakthrough DJ’ DJ Mag’s Best of British Awards, reflecting her significant impact on the UK’s electronic music scene. Beyond her musical endeavours, she is also the owner of the fashion brand Jazzy Garms (iridescent mushroom dress anyone?), demonstrating her multifaceted creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
Levity
Logan Sasser
Levity is an act that’s impossible not to route for. In addition to their come-up being one of the most heartwarming stories of the year (they quickly skyrocketed to stardom after filling in for an artist who canceled last minute at Electric Forest in 2023), they also routinely host free community events and pop-ups, as well as charity shows and merchandise drops.
Oh ya, and they’re making some of the catchiest dubstep around. Their fun, sparkling take on radio classics like Britney Spears’ “Toxic” and Tame Impala’s “The Less I Know The Better” scratches that nostalgic itch perfectly while providing some classic high-energy dubstep sounds that get the crowd amped up every time they step on stage. If nothing else, their come-up will go down in dubstep history and be studied by aspiring artists for years to come.
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