Meet Natty Lou: The Rising Star in UK Drum and Bass
As a key figure in the new wave of UK drum and bass, Natty Lou is an artist you should definitely keep an eye on. This talented DJ and producer has garnered nominations for esteemed awards like the Drum & Bass Awards and Drum and Bass Arena Awards, and she was recognized as one of UKF’s “Ones To Watch” for 2023. Her music spans labels such as Liquicity and Viper Recordings, and her electrifying performances at events like Tomorrowland and Rampage Open Air have mesmerized countless fans.
With an exciting year ahead filled with standout releases and performances, Natty Lou took the opportunity to share her journey, insights on the current state of the scene, and her vision for its future.
“Drum and bass has shaped me into the person I am today,” Natty Lou reminisced, recalling her introduction to the genre and jungle music while studying in Bristol from 2008 to 2012. Back then, she was a frequent raver at iconic venues like Motion, Lakota, Timbuktu, and O2 Academy. Eventually, she joined the female dance troupe Bass Honeys, performing alongside legends such as Andy C, Dillinja, and Sigma.
“The community has always welcomed me, and I’ve formed lifelong friendships through our mutual love for the music,” Natty Lou told EDM Identity. “I can’t envision creating or playing any other genre – it’s ingrained in my soul!” This passion drives her work as a DJ and producer, as she possesses a profound understanding of the genre’s roots and its evolution in the UK.
Drum and bass and jungle is more than just music; it’s a culture, a community, and a way of life. The genre boasts a rich history and has been a cornerstone of UK culture since the early 1990s, influenced by the multicultural environment and reggae/sound system culture. Today, we see various sub-genres, from liquid to neuro-funk, catering to every listener’s taste.
Natty Lou
The cultural significance of drum and bass in the UK is not only attributed to its dynamic sound but also to the iconic venues that helped elevate it. Natty Lou highlighted influential spots like Project Manchester, Fabric London, Ministry of Sound, and Motion Bristol, all of which rank highly in DJ Mag’s Top 100 Clubs. Additionally, promoters like RUN, Warning, Bedlam, Pure Science, along with labels such as Hospital Records, Viper, RAM, Metalheadz, and Playaz, have consistently supported the scene through regular events and label nights.
Everyone plays a role in keeping the music alive – from producers and DJs to MCs, promoters, venues, labels, vocalists, and drum and bass/jungle enthusiasts.
Natty Lou
On a positive note, she mentioned collectives like Unorthodox, the first LGBTQ+ drum and bass movement in the UK, and Dynamics, which promotes female and non-binary artists. “Significant strides have been made toward creating equal opportunities for LGBTQ+ and female artists in the DnB scene, such as implementing inclusivity riders, diverse lineups, safe spaces, and accessible events,” she stated. “Building a strong, like-minded community is essential for shaping the scene for future generations, regardless of their background.”
Despite these advancements, Natty Lou acknowledged ongoing battles in the UK. The clubbing culture has faced numerous challenges, exacerbated by the pandemic. “It’s heartbreaking to witness the closure of many clubs across the UK,” she lamented. “The live music landscape is being destabilized, threatening our grassroots system, and ticket prices for events are rising.”
There’s a growing concern for the future of clubbing as people struggle to afford nights out due to the rising cost of living or are opting for healthier lifestyles. The movement for sobriety is gaining traction, leading to changes in people’s habits. ‘Save Our Scene’ is one organization collaborating with ‘Music Venue Trust’ to tackle these issues and support UK venues, artists, and promoters. Established in 2020, ‘SOS’ is now dedicated to preserving the live music sector, and I remain hopeful for improvements with community support.
Natty Lou
Despite the ups and downs in the present drum and bass landscape, Natty Lou expressed optimism for the future. She noted a 94% increase in listenership since 2021, along with a string of accolades for the genre. Notable achievements include Chase & Status winning a Brit Award, and their track “BACKBONE” featuring Stormzy, Kenya Grace’s “Strangers,” and Nia Archives’ Sunrise Bang Ur Head Against Tha Wall all achieving top chart positions in recent years. With other chart-topping artists like Luude and exciting collaborations between Hedex and Tiesto, the appeal of DnB continues to grow.
Drum and bass artists are now headliners at major festivals and events like EDC and Ultra, showcasing the genre’s upward trajectory in the United States. Drum and bass is undoubtedly on the rise, and I’m excited to see where it will be in five to ten years!
Natty Lou
Reflecting on her journey since 2008, Natty Lou stated, “I’ve witnessed numerous changes in drum and bass. The music has evolved significantly due to advancements in technology and accessible production software.” This evolution also extends to female representation in the genre.
“For a long time, the scene was predominantly male-dominated,” she noted. “Pioneers like DJ Rap, Storm, and Kemistry (RIP) paved the way for women in the industry. However, as the industry has progressed, so has the presence of women. It’s heartening to see more events featuring female headliners, such as Flava D, Harriet Jaxxon, Koven, Lens, and Kyrist.”
Recalling her past, she reflected on tracks like Shy FX’s “Shake Ur Body” and Rudimental’s “Feel The Love,” which made waves in 2002 and 2012 respectively, and Roni Size’s Mercury Music Prize-winning album New Forms in 1997. “In hindsight, progress has always been made,” Natty Lou said. “However, I believe drum and bass has become increasingly commercialized in recent years.”
She observed how the genre’s sound has permeated various platforms, from TV commercials to sports events and shopping malls. “While this broadens the audience and boosts mainstream appeal, some in the community feel that the genre’s ‘underground spirit’ is fading,” she remarked.
Drum and bass has always been adaptable, thriving in both mainstream and underground spaces, showcasing its diverse potential. The challenge lies in ensuring that commercialization does not overshadow the aspects of DnB that initially made it captivating: its experimental nature, profound connection to club culture, and its rebellious spirit. It’s crucial that the history of the genre remains intact, making it our duty to educate the next generation of ravers.
Natty Lou
As Natty Lou continues to illuminate the power of drum and bass and its community, she also mentioned other artists contributing to a brighter future. New Zealand producer RoVa was first on her list, with his track “Eyes On Me” always igniting the rave scene. She also highlighted Dutch producer CaitC, known for releases on Ridmic and Viper Recordings, along with Welsh producer Bennie, who has put out tracks on Born On The Road and Elevate. Vocalists like Mila Falls, Brodie, Grace Barton, and Abi Flynn, the latter recently collaborating with Knock2 and RL Grime on “come aliv3,” also received her praise.
To wrap up our conversation, Natty Lou shared an incredible mix filled with drum and bass gems for you to enjoy. Give it a listen, and be sure to follow her on social media for updates on her upcoming releases and events.
Stream Drum & Bass Devotions 006 || Natty Lou on SoundCloud:
