Georgie Riot discusses her rise in the drum and bass scene ahead of her first US tour.

The UK has long been a breeding ground for some of the most talented artists in the drum and bass genre. While numerous renowned acts dominate the main stages globally, the scene is also rich with emerging talents like Georgie Riot, who are quickly making their mark.

In recent years, Georgie Riot has made significant strides in her career, amassing a dedicated fanbase and releasing impressive tracks. Her music has been featured on labels such as UKF, DeVice, Viper Recordings, Bassrush Records, and Tomorrowland Music. However, her true creative expression shines through her own label, Riot Records.

Georgie Riot’s journey is not just about her releases. Her performances at prominent festivals like Rampage Open Air and Shambhala have further cemented her status in the industry, along with shows throughout Europe. US fans, who have been eager to see her live, will finally have their chance as she embarks on a quick four-stop tour hitting Raleigh, Baltimore, and Atlanta’s Jungle Bells.

Before her US debut this month, we had the opportunity to speak with Georgie Riot. Be sure to check out her latest single, “Engage,” on Spotify or your favorite platform and continue reading for the full interview with this rising star in the drum and bass scene.

Listen to Georgie Riot – Engage on Spotify:

Hi Georgie! Thank you for joining us today. Your rise in the music scene over the past few years has been remarkable. How does it feel to receive such overwhelming support?

Hi Grant, it’s fantastic to speak with you! The last couple of years have been truly amazing. Touring the world and connecting with incredible people has been a dream come true. I feel so fortunate!

However, the journey has also presented challenges, especially in managing the emotional extremes that come with being a musician. Many artists can relate; it’s tough to maintain mental peace when you oscillate between exhilarating highs – like touring and performing – and the lows that can follow when you’re back home and feeling drained. I’ve battled mental health issues for much of my life, and I often find it difficult to silence that inner critic that tells me I’m not good enough.

The rapid rise in my music career initially brought excitement, but as things began to stabilize, the pressures increased. This pressure is self-imposed, yet I know it’s something I must learn to navigate. The support from fans has been nothing short of incredible; it’s surreal to travel to distant places and see fans wearing my merch and singing along to my tracks!

This year marks a significant milestone as you embark on your first US tour! What excites you most about performing in the States?

I’m incredibly excited about this US tour! I’ve heard so much about American cuisine, and I can’t wait to try it! I’m also looking forward to my shows in Raleigh, Baltimore, and the two Atlanta performances, especially Jungle Bells. This tour has been a long time coming; so many fans have reached out on social media asking when I would come to the US, and I’m thrilled to finally make it happen. I received my visa in December 2023; although the tour was initially planned for early 2024, it got postponed, and now we’re here at the end of the year!

The process for artists from outside the US to secure visas and book shows can be quite lengthy. What insights can you share for those aspiring to perform in the US?

Obtaining my visa was a detailed process involving a lot of documentation, filling out forms, and compiling a portfolio to demonstrate my qualifications for performing in the US. The initial step was straightforward; I had to pay a fee of just over £3000, submit my application, and await an interview invitation.

I traveled to London for the interview at the US embassy, which was an interesting experience. They asked a few questions to verify my information. The last question they posed really caught me off guard: “What makes you extraordinary?” It took me a moment to formulate a response, which was quite amusing! Clearly, I must have answered well, as I’m here now! I’m grateful to my US agent, Stu, at Corson, who is diligently working on booking my next tour as well.

Can we anticipate a return to the US during the warmer months?

Absolutely! My agent is currently organizing another tour for later in the year, so I’m eagerly waiting to see what unfolds. I would love to participate in big festival events like EDC; that would be a dream come true!

After this tour, you’ll return to the UK for the holidays, but you have an exciting show planned for February 1, the second edition of Causing A Riot! How did this edition come together, and what can you tell us about the lineup?

Yes, I’m thrilled about the second edition of my own events in Coventry, my hometown. It’s not a large city, and the drum and bass scene is relatively small, so I’m dedicated to making it thrive! I’ll be headlining the show with support from local talent and artists who release music on my label, including FMS, Foes, BTLR, and some emerging DJs eager to make their mark! It’s going to be an incredible night of jump-up vibes.

Let’s discuss your label, Riot Records. It’s already established a strong presence with impressive releases. Can you share the growth the label has experienced over the past two years?

Starting my own label has been an amazing experience. It’s been two years, and I cherish every moment of it. I love discovering raw talent and supporting artists as they progress in their careers. It feels like we’re building a tight-knit musical community!

We’re set to release an exciting jump-up album on December 6, titled Venom: Vol 1, featuring ten tracks from various artists, including both fresh faces and established names. I’m really looking forward to this album; it has received fantastic reviews and support from industry heavyweights like Andy C, Macky Gee, A.M.C, Koven, and many more, so be sure to keep an eye out!

The Riot Records roster features artists like Ruth Royall, Kartypartyy, Ellictt, Robitos, and ATMOS. What drew you to these artists when signing them, and what do you generally look for in demos?

Each artist has a unique story regarding their signing with Riot Records. For instance, my collaboration with Ruth Royall originated when Something Something and I were searching for a vocalist for our track, and we knew Ruth would nail it! Kartypartyy and Captain Bass approached me with their track “In The Moment,” which I instantly loved; it resonated with me.

Ellictt, a talented female producer from Perth, has released a couple of tracks on the label. I was honored to release her debut single. I’m passionate about supporting talented women in the industry! ATMOS’ Don’t Tell EP was the first release on Riot Records (besides my own music), and he’s set to return next month with the lead single for our VA album, in collaboration with Robitos. Robbe is a dear friend, and I’m thrilled to release his music; it’s an explosive Belgian jump-up track!

What do I look for in a track? It has to be something I genuinely enjoy, well-produced, and cleanly mixed. I mainly seek jump-up and dance floor tracks. If it hits the spot, it hits the spot!

As someone deeply involved in the drum and bass scene, what are your thoughts on its current landscape?

This is a nuanced question. On one hand, the drum and bass scene is flourishing with emerging talent, innovative sounds, and a growing number of artists gaining recognition. On the other hand, there are challenges in the UK, including a saturation of similar-sounding tracks lacking originality. Additionally, some major labels and event organizers seem to dominate the scene and gatekeep, resulting in repetitive lineups that discourage experimentation. I believe there needs to be a shift in this regard.

Do you have any new releases planned for next year?