Could 2026 be the year of the techstep renaissance? Jungle has received a new wave of flowers over the last decade, but now techstep seems to have found its way back into many dances around the country. The dark side element of drum & bass has an enthralling charm that is synonymous with rave music.
Looking into grassroots labels and their releases, Militant Music has never been shy to attack parts of the drum & bass community that go under the radar. In their latest album release we are presented with ‘System Collapse’ produced by two artists called Universal Paradigm and smiankith – who are respective rising stars within techstep. Both authentic with their sound design, blending classic drum and bass styles with modern, warping, basslines – pushing new concepts forward while still respecting the roots of the sound. A real challenge to execute, which both of these budding producers have done exceptionally well to succeed in.
Focusing on the two artists as individuals; smiankith has some of the most adventurous basslines out there, with an infectious, rough-and-ready blueprint adding real impetus to this Militant Music album. Universal Paradigm captures the darkness and unsettling techstep pressure better than a vast amount of his up-and-coming peers, within this corner of the scene. Both styles complement each other so well in this body of work relying on their distinct sounding, dark, drum & bass mould.
As this project marked a real sign that techstep is on the rise, especially in the clubs, we caught up with both artists to find out a bit more about the well received album, what we can expect from them in the near future and the place techstep has now taken in the drum & bass community.
How did the link up with Militant come about?
Universal Paradigm: I’ve been following Militant music releases for a while now. I released with Militant Music last August which was a great experience. Once that was out, we spoke about the idea of a full body of work, which is something I’ve always wanted to do.
smiankith: It came after releasing my first popular track called ‘Strength’ which was released on the Notorious Steppaz label – it got quite a bit of traction. Off the back of that Militant Music texted me saying he loved the sound and wanted to know if I had any more bits for him. I sent him a track called ‘Great Skillz’ which then got released with Militant. People loved that track, it’s been out for just about a year now. That got me my first gig. Since then we’ve had a great relationship. Militant has helped me with the promotional side of things and just made me more confident as an artist.
Was it an obvious choice moving forward with an album?
Universal Paradigm: At first I was a bit apprehensive but once we got the ideas down we just went with it. I’ve always liked the idea of producing an album. Being able to express yourself regarding different areas of the sound is something I look forward to. I do love the 2-track & 12 inch format, but this really highlights different sides of my production. For this specific body of work I sat down and created fresh material.
What would you say is the inspiration behind this body of work?
Universal Paradigm: The 97-99 era of techstep. You got stuff like the Biotic label which were some of my inspirations going into this project. Also Johnny L’s album ‘Magnetic’ which was another source of inspiration. I try not to sound too much like one person, but I can’t deny that hearing their tunes have been really inspiring.
smiankith: It’s not so much specific artists I’ve been inspired by, more so different sounds from older labels such as Trouble on Vinyl, Formation Records and Full Cycle. These three have been my top labels to look at. I’ve tried to replicate these different inspirations whilst forming my own sound designs. The first ever old skool drum & bass track I ever found was ‘Don’t Give a Damn’ by Mulder so you could say that also helped shape what I’ve got today.
Do you have a favourite track within the album?
Universal Paradigm: It’s really hard to say. But I’d say ‘Pace’. I think I captured the atmospheric side of that sound really well. I can still listen to the tune back which is a good sign in my opinion.
smiankith: I’d definitely have to shout out ‘Infatuation’ from Universal Paradigm as my favourite out of the lot. If I had to pick one of my own I’d say ‘True Creatorz’ because that one has a different sound from the other tunes. It’s a new type of sound I’m trying to experiment with and it hopefully sets a marker for how I approach new projects coming up. I guess you could call it a more jumpup, darkside, style of drum & bass.
What got you on board with this project? Considering you’d already done an EP with Militant not too long ago.
Universal Paradigm: Part of the motivation was doing it with Kian. He’s another big player in the techstep scene. Especially when there were no plans on my end to do a full album. It was nice to have someone else to do it with. Our styles differ. We’re on the same page for sure but within different avenues.
How would you describe this body of work?
Universal Paradigm: It’s an old school, darkside, drum & bass style, but it definitely has that modern twist to it. And on top of this, I’d love to work on more of this style with Militant moving forward.
How’s the reception been on the latest album?
smiankith: It’s been mental. I’ve only been doing drum & bass for just over a year. I have been producing for a long time, but just not in that field. I’ve always been into the scene, but as I say I’ve only recently got into producing this type of sound and finding like minded people. Talking to people like DJ Kane and sending off the project to the likes of Dom And Roland gives me a bit of an imposter syndrome feeling to be honest.
Moving forward from this project must make you hungry for more. What would you like the next few years to hold?
Universal Paradigm: I’d love to DJ out more. Production wise, just evolving my sound further. Cracking that signature sound is pretty much the end goal for me.
smiankith: I’d love to get more gigs out of this and definitely share my love for music out to a wider audience.
Are we witnessing a strong Techstep comeback in dances around the UK?
Universal Paradigm: Yes, for sure. We’ve seen it happen with jungle music but I think as it runs its course, people will get tired of the endless amen edits and bootlegs and start looking for something a bit more tough. The main thing is you’ve got to keep the music original.
smiankith: Techstep’s comeback was bound to happen at some point, and I’m glad I’m a part of the new movement. I think drum & bass has been so watered down and it’s been force fed to people over the past decade – which has completely shifted the whole idea of drum & bass movement. Don’t get me wrong, I do love a bit of jump up as much as the next man – but I’m sick of hearing the more over produced stuff you get in the mainstream. Techstep provides the darkness, soul and flavour that drum & bass was built on. I want to give a huge big up to all the darkside & techstep crew.
What was your first drum & bass track that you fell in love with?
Universal Paradigm: For sure it’d have to be ‘Uneasy’ by Jonny L. It’s absolutely an unreal track, the drums sound so raw. It was the first track I heard that had the rawness and minimal sound with good atmospherics, very different to a lot of the jump up I was listening to at the time.
smiankith: I’d have to say the first drum & bass track I really fell in love with was Warhead – DJ Krust. My aunt played it in the car once when I was young and I was instantly hooked on the old skool minimal production style. Definitely a big inspiration for my own tunes.
Your first memories in the rave?
Universal Paradigm: That’s a hard question as it all blurs into one. I remember going to NASS festival when I was 17 and just being in awe of everything. Hearing drum & bass on that scale at that age for me definitely solidified the love for it.
smiankith: My first rave was in Brighton a few years ago with my girlfriend (big up Jesy) and our friend Lauren. We went to a junglemania dance and all I can remember is the fact I didn’t stop moving all night. I even danced all the way back to the hotel. What a great time.
Who are your current favourite artists?
Universal Paradigm: Another hard question. A few of my good mates for sure. smiankith obviously is one. Tentaghoul, Snoozy, Lodge and Grief are all guys I know and respect. Other than that probably artists such as Decoder, Technical Itch and Dylan.
smiankith: Right now I’m inspired by a huge range of producers and artists. If I had to pick one that stands out it would be DJ SCRAPZ. A young old skool drum & bass producer from Bournemouth. I get sent at least 1 new tune from him every week and each one is better than the last. A future pioneer, trust me.
What production projects are coming up in 2026?
Universal Paradigm: In terms of upcoming projects, Kian (smiankith) has got an underground project compilation coming up on his label Undaground, I’ve got a track on that. There’s probably something coming on Ratface Records too and of course another Militant Music release soon as well. I’m working on loads of other bits though – so watch this space.
smiankith: This year I have a huge project lined up for my label “Undaground”
I won’t say too much about it, but it includes the very best in the new wave of darkside drum & bass. Enough said I reckon.
