Liquid Funk
Liquid Funk is a smooth, melodic subgenre of drum and bass, characterized by its warm basslines, intricate drum patterns, and often soulful, prominent vocals, creating an uplifting and laid-back atmosphere. Emerging in the early 2000s, the style was pioneered by DJ Fabio, drawing heavily from ambient, funk, disco, house, and trance influences to soften the harder edges of traditional DnB. Iconic artists like London Elektricity, High Contrast, and Calibre are synonymous with the genre's defining sound. Initially slow to gain traction, Liquid Funk became one of drum and bass's most commercially successful subgenres by the mid-2000s, known for its crossover appeal.
More about Liquid Funk
Liquid Funk was born at the turn of the millennium as a conscious reaction against the harsher forms of drum and bass. While neurofunk and jump up pushed the machine toward ever greater intensity and tension, a current of producers chose a different path: more melodic, more soulful, and more accessible. The pioneer of this orientation was DJ Fabio, who brought an unprecedented warmth and fluidity to his sets and productions. The term "liquid" perfectly captures this quality: a sound that flows, stretches, and is experienced like gently drifting through warm water rather than being buffeted by heavy machinery.
Musically, Liquid Funk is characterised by its smooth, deep basslines, harmonious melodies often carried by airy female vocals, and drum and bass rhythmics at 170-175 BPM softened by rich arrangements. Influences from funk, disco, house, and soul are omnipresent, creating a sound that is simultaneously euphoric and relaxing. Drops are less brutal than in jump up, yet no less effective for their restraint. Labels like Hospital Records, founded in London, became the genre's reference home, with a catalogue spanning two decades of quality productions that have brought drum and bass to listeners who might otherwise never have explored the genre's more abrasive extremes.
On FestT, Rudimental represents the connection between liquid funk and mainstream music, with productions that reached the top of the UK charts. Netsky embodies the most pop and accessible side of the genre, while Calibre is its most artistically respected craftsman. London Elektricity is one of the founding faces of Hospital Records, and DJ Marky brings a warm Brazilian influence. Danny Byrd and S.P.Y complete this picture of major representatives.
FestT lists 16 festivals hosting Liquid Funk, from major drum and bass events like Rampage and Let It Roll to more intimate gatherings. Its accessible, universal sound allows it to reach audiences well beyond the core DnB circle, making it one of the genre's most beloved and enduring branches.