Manchester’s top Drum and Bass events for 2018
| 18th January 2018
Breaking through in the rave and jungle scenes of the mid 90’s, the Drum and Bass genre emerged. Characterised by its fast beats with accompanying heavy basslines and synthesizers, its home to artists such as chart-topping Wilkinson, The Prototypes, Sub Focus, and RAM record label founder, aka ‘the executioner’, Andy C, but is its popularity growing even further as we plunge into 2018?
With Manchester being a hub for music of all genres, Drum and Bass seems to be taking over the city in the next coming months. So whether you’re a Drum and Bass nerd or a Drum and Bass novice, VIVA have compiled the best events coming up so you can immerse yourself into the genre.
Metropolis- 26th January
photograph: Maximilian Fullerton
Location: Manchester Academy
Tickets: £27.50 https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/Manchester-Academy-/Metropolis-x-Together-x-Worried-about-Henry-/13096676/
Metropolis are back with a special collaboration with Worried about Henry and Together. Celebrating 15 years of success, two events have been scheduled in January and February with a host of underground music genres. The first event shows Drum and Bass heavyweights Hype and Hazard headlining and My Nu Leng with Dread MC, which is Metropolis’ first party of 2018.
Teaming up with none other than Together who have hosted Ibiza’s favourite Tuesday night party at Amnesia for eight years as well as residencies at Ministry of Sound and the 02 Academy Brixton, this event is one to look out for.
Fred V & Grafix LIVE- 2nd February
Fred V & Grafix
Location: The Deaf Institute
Tickets: £15 https://thedeafinstitute.seetickets.com/event/fred-v-grafix/the-deaf-institute-manchester/1173336
Signed to hospital records, Fred V & Grafix head to Manchester’s Deaf Institute for an exclusive live show as part of their UK Tour. Made up of two keen musicians, with Fred on guitar, piano and vocals, and Josh on guitar and drums, their unique instrumentation is what makes their trademark production.
Taking inspiration from surprising influences such as The 1975, Alt J and Biffy Clyro results in melodic and euphoric sounding tracks, which helped them to make their way to the top of the ranks with a succession of stand out releases.
Metropolis (Round 2) – 16th February
photograph: Maximilian Fullerton
Location: Manchester Academy
Metropolis are back for round two in February, this time bringing an even longer all-nighter until 6am for those late night ravers. Headlined by the Dutch trio, Noisia are renowned for injecting insane levels of hype and intensity with their jittery neurofunk, this will be one to remember.
With Drum and Bass legends such as Nicky Blackmarket, The Prototypes, Black Sun Empire and DJ Guv to name a few, this is a night for the seasoned veterans of the scene. With a whole host of MC’s in true Metropolis style, this is bound to burn that Christmas weight you’ve put on.
Wilkinson- 16th March
photograph: Maximilian Fullerton
Location: Manchester Academy
Tickets: £14 https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/Manchester-Academy-2-/WAH-X-Mantra-w-Wilkinson–MORE-TBA/13096292/
Presented by Worried about Henry and Matra Festival, chart-topper, Wilkinson, is heading to Manchester in February. Notorious for his hit singles, ‘Afterglow’ and ‘Sweet Lies’, the Drum and Bass DJ is one of the hottest names in electronic music.
Singed to Drum and Bass giants, RAM Records, Wilkinson’s tracks will be sure to have you belting out the lyrics for an unforgettable night. And with other huge Drum and Bass names such as Friction and 1991 supporting at Brixton Academy, Manchester is sure to follow closely.
Andy C- 29th March
Andy C
Location: Albert Hall
Tickets: £21.45 https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/Albert-Hall/Andy-C/13107399/
Forget Easter eggs this year, because head honcho Andy C is stepping up and taking over your Easter when he performs at the Albert Hall in March. RAM records founder and international festival headliner takes his show to Manchester in what is set to be a sell out following ’25 years of RAM’ at Warehouse Project.
He’s one of the most prolific names in club music and a key ambassador to underground music in the UK; pioneering the genre of Drum and Bass. Appealing to even the most inexperienced ravers, you’d be silly to miss out on this opportunity.
Sub Focus LIVE- 31st March
Location: Victoria Warehouse
Tickets: £14 https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/Victoria-Warehouse/Sub-Focus-LIVE/13103592/
Sub Focus brings his brand new updated live show to Manchester on the 31st March. Being one of the most innovative and forward thinking artists in electronic dance music today, this is set to be a spectacular live experience.
With supports from both Drum and Bass and Bassline artists such as Dimension, Camo & Krooked and TS7, there’s something for everyone who is a fan of electronic music. And for only £14, this is an absolute steal.
For all film photographs, follow @maximumpullerton on instagram.