The best vocal-led drum & bass has always worked in two places at once. Basslines that rumble in your gut and vocals which call out to your your heart. Somewhere in the middle the gun fingers are raised as the soul begins to sing. Javeon understands that balance…
Javeon brings an unmistakable blend of soul and R&B to some of the genre’s darkest and most tech driven corners, his voice has the ability to soften barbarous basslines without ever diluting their weight. With his new EP landing on Overview Music, the label’s first male vocal-led release, it felt only right to hand Javeon the reins for a Guest Chart. Celebrating the voices, songs and artists that have shaped his sound, vocal-led bass records that continue to inspire one of the scene’s voices.
Javeon’s latest EP is out now on Overview Music
Satl & Konny Kon – Cold Nights
Satl has made some of my favourite tunes over the past few years. His R&B and Hip Hop influences really resonate with me and are probably one of the reasons I connect with his music so much. Sometimes I forget I’m even listening to Drum & Bass, which just speaks to how naturally he blends all of those influences into one track. Konny Kon’s flow on this one is so smooth, and the chorus is absolutely top tier. It’s one of those tunes that feels effortless from start to finish.
Qua Rush x Invadhertz x Sydney Bryce – Hand In Hand (Revan Remix)
Overall, this is just a solid tune that’s really grabbed my attention. The beat does a lot without ever feeling overworked, and I’m a real fan of emotional chords and moody bass lines. Sydney Bryce is an incredible vocalist, but what she’s done on this track is something else. The intentional choice of notes and melodies perfectly complements the darker mood of the music and completely locks me in as a listener. Big fan.
Instra:mental & dBridge – Watching You
I first discovered this tune at the height of the dubstep era, around 2009 or 2010. I’d never heard anything quite like it before. It completely blew me away that a track could be so chilled and emotional, yet still hit so hard through a sound system. I’ve chosen this tune because it’s incredibly well crafted, and even 16 or 17 years later, it still gives me the same feeling as if I’m hearing it for the first time.
Gabriella Bongo & TJ ft. Jo – Breathe
I love listening to this tune because it reminds me of the songs I grew up on. That strong piano line instantly grabs me and creates the perfect foundation for Jo’s vocal, which feels effortless and full of soul. Then TJ comes in and completely lifts the track. His verse and chorus parts are powerful and complement every other element without ever overpowering them. Everything just sits exactly where it should. Special tune.
Kit Rice – Dive
It’s no secret that I love liquid. This tune just has everything I need – soft, soulful chords, punchy drums, warm sub bass and a simple but solid vocal topline. There’s just something about it that makes me want to put it on repeat. Not every tune has the ability to pull me into that zone, but this one does every single time.
Wedge & Shadz – Running Away (Guido Remix)
Shadz was a former alias of mine, and this was the first track I made that received widespread support from club and radio DJs. It’s still a really fun tune to listen back to because it brings together so many of my influences – Grime, Hip Hop, Dubstep and R&B all in one tune. At the time, it was always the highlight of my live sets, and looking back, it still captures a really exciting period in my journey.
Solah – Summer Summer
Solah is just a boss and has this effortless talent for writing catchy, feel-good summer tunes that make you want to dance wherever you are. This one makes the list because it’s a straight up banger. It’s so easy to listen to, always puts me in a good mood and has been a real source of inspiration during a few of my own writing sessions.
Jay0117 & 0h91 – Ashley Road (Remix)
The return of the 8-bar grime tune! I grew up listening to tracks like this, so it’s been refreshing to see this. I really rate both Jay and 0h91 as artists, but I also have a lot of respect for them pulling together so many heavyweights on one track and making it work so well. It’s been in rotation ever since it dropped. The visuals deserve a mention too – they’re always on point and complement the music perfectly.
Kitto ft. Reija Lee
Bruv, this tune used to drive me crazy… in the best way! I grew up listening to and writing over grime instrumentals, so even before the drop I was completely locked in because it reminded me of Terror Danja’s productions. As much as I love the musicality of the track, it’s Reija Lee’s vocal that has always got me the most hyped. The way her energy floats over the tune is unreal. It’s one of those tracks that takes me back to a really special and unique time in UK Bass music.
Wilfy D & BenjiFlow – In My System
Wilfy D is a fellow Bristolian who’s been absolutely smashing it over the past few years. The Funky House era was one of my favourite chapters in UK dance music, so hearing someone revisit those influences in such a fresh and unique way has my full ratings. Every time I hear this tune, it pulls me straight in. It feels nostalgic, while still sounding new, and BenjiFlow’s vocals tie the whole track together perfectly.
