DNB Ranger – A New Era in Drum and Bass Promotion
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An interview with the founder of DNB Ranger
Drum & bass has always thrived on movement — of sound, of ideas, of culture. As one era closes, another opens, and with the evolution of Basilisk Bass comes a fresh force in the scene: DNB Ranger.
We sat down with the founder to talk about the journey, the vision, and what lies ahead for this new chapter in underground music promotion.
Tell us a bit about the history of Basilisk Bass. How did we get here?
After stumbling across drum & bass during a late night YouTube rabbit hole I instantly fell in love with the sound. Initially it started with neuro funk and stuff from artists such as Noisia and The Upbeats. I enjoyed the sci fi aspect and story telling the track could convey, almost taking you to a fantastical place.
From then I scoured the internet for more DnB tracks coming across the various sub genres and enjoyed it so much I decided to start a DnB promotion channel (Basilisk Bass) on a whim to hopefully show the sound to others.
After my first channel got taken down for copyrights I vowed to stay strong and try again. And since 2016 I've been promoting drum and bass under the Basilisk Bass Imprint.
How did DNB Ranger evolve from Basilisk Bass?
Basilisk Bass was made on a whim with no future goals, plans or development. I'm at a point now where I'm partnering with a large range of big labels… Metalheadz, Sofa Sound, Overview, Dispatch, Vision, the list goes on. So, I figured it's time to level up the imprint and professionalize it. Give it its own website, submission platform, blog post and clothing line. It also ties in with my upcoming Record label.
Why the name “DNB Ranger”? What does it stand for?
Well the Ranger part means to be ranging or scouting for something and the DnB part is referring to the music. I thought it was a catchy and quirky name which aligns well with the upcoming label.
What’s the core mission or philosophy behind the platform?
The core goal is to create a platform and brand that DnB heads can get behind. We all love dubs, new music Friday's and getting that song recommendation from a friend that slaps. It's also built retaining the core reason I started - to show new and exciting music to fans alike. That includes highlighting rising producers, labels and DJs.
Obviously, you're a DNB fan yourself, what's your all-time favourite track?
I could never name just one but I'll give you ten of my favs that come to mind:
- Halogenix - Reminisce
- Aliz Perez - Slink
- Tatora - Confessions
- L Side & Need For Mirrors - Resist
- Data 3 - Molecular
- Aliz Perez, Peven Everett & SpectraSoul - Forsaken
- Calibre - Addict
- Workforce - Two Words
- En:vy - It's Her
- Bungle - Space Shift
Who are some artists that are killing it currently?
Visages, Alibi, Thread, En:vy, Molecular, Aaron Payne, Cesco + many more!
Who are some artists you think are underrated?
Bungle, Lavance, Chiccoreli, Genic, Archangel, Tatora are some underrated gems.
What kind of drum & bass do you promote through DNB Ranger?
All sub genres!
How does DNB Ranger support up-and-coming artists?
We give them a platform promote their music and upcoming releases. This helps increase sales, gain reputation, and visibility in the scene.
On the more practical side, how do you decide which tracks or artists get featured?
There's a few deciding factors which generally are:
- Do I like it?
- Is it doing some different and interesting?
- Would fans enjoy this?
If it ticks most of these boxes it'll likely get approved. Sometimes it might not hit number three but I'll still feature it because it's different and I like it.
How does an artist or label get their tracks featured?
You can submit through email or on our demo submission portal via LabelRadar.
What are your goals for DNB Ranger over the next year?
Grow the platform, iterate on our merchandise line, and become a regular name in the scene.
What can fans and producers expect from DNB Ranger in the coming months?
New merch drops, new music visualisers, regular news blogs, and all round more output.
We’ve noticed DNB Ranger has also dropped some merch. What’s your favorite item in the collection?
I'm really digging the Intertwined tee. The back graphic looks sick in person.
Can you drop any hints on the upcoming label we’ve seen being teased?
The premier label for Australia and New Zealand drops June 2nd.
Any final words for fans or producers?
DnB family 4ever.
🔗 Follow DNB Ranger on YouTube, SoundCloud, Instagram, and stay tuned for our first Ranger Records release dropping June 20th.