Genre Deep Dive: UK Garage

History of UK Garage

UK Garage started to surface in the early 1990s in the United Kingdom, specifically in London. It’s a blend of various genres, including house, R&B, and jungle, but it has a distinct sound that sets it apart. The genre’s origin can be traced back to different clubs like Paradise Garage in New York, where DJs would play a mix of house and garage music. However, UK Garage developed its own unique characteristics, such as syncopated rhythms, chopped-up vocals, and deep basslines.

Garage Nation, Sidewinder, and Sun City are some of the iconic events, club nights, and festivals that played a significant role in shaping the UK Garage scene. These events provided a platform for talented artists and DJs to showcase their skills and brought together fans from all over the world to celebrate the music and culture of UK Garage. Multiple artists and fans consider these events as defining moments in the history of UK Garage.

Musical Characteristics

UK Garage is known for its 4/4 beat, accompanied by syncopated hi-hats and shuffling snares. The genre is also known for its soulful vocals, often chopped up and manipulated to create a hypnotic effect. The basslines in UK Garage tracks are typically deep and groovy, contributing to the overall infectiousness of the music. The tracks usually range around 130 beats per minute (BPM), making them ideal for nonstop dancing.

During the early days of garage music, DJs would increase the tempo of the tracks, which eventually gave rise to a new genre of music called speed garage. At that time, dub versions of songs were often played, which removed the sped-up and indecipherable vocals. This led to the practice of MCs rhyming along with the music, drawing inspiration from Jamaican sound systems and pirate radio. Some iconic MCs of this genre include MC Creed, Flowdan, and Wiley.

Influential Labels and Relationship with Radio

The UK Garage scene owes a great deal to influential record labels such as Locked On Records, Nice ‘n’ Ripe, Public Demand, and Ice Cream Records. These labels played a pivotal role in shaping the scene by releasing groundbreaking tracks and giving established and emerging artists a platform to showcase their talent. UK Garage gained popularity and reached a wider audience thanks to their contributions.

Pirate radio stations, such as Rinse FM and Deja Vu FM, played a vital part in the growth of UK Garage as well. They provided a platform for artists and DJs to promote their music and connect with their fan base. These stations helped to popularize UK Garage, paving the way for mainstream success. The relationship between UK Garage and radio was mutually beneficial and helped shape the genre’s sound.

Sub-genre Inspirations

This genre has also spawned several sub-genres, including 2-Step Garage, Grime, and UK Funky. 2-Step Garage emerged as a more dancefloor-friendly version of UK Garage, with a syncopated rhythm emphasizing the snare and bassline. On the other hand, Grime evolved into a darker and more aggressive sound, incorporating garage beats, rap, and dancehall elements. UK Funky combines UK Garage with house and African rhythms, resulting in a lively and funky genre that gained popularity in the late 2000s.

Global Influence and Cultural Impact

The impact of UK Garage can be heard in electronic music scenes worldwide. In the United States, producers and artists drew motivation from UK Garage to produce their interpretation of the genre, including US Garage and Jersey Club. In Europe, UK Garage has influenced the growth of genres such as French Touch and Eurodance, with musicians integrating elements of UK Garage into their music to generate a new and unusual sound.

During its peak, UK Garage profoundly impacted fashion, dance styles, and club culture. The scene was known for its distinctive fashion trends, including sportswear, tracksuits, and bucket hats, which became synonymous with UK Garage’s laid-back and urban aesthetic. Dance styles such as the “skank” and the “bump and flex” became popular in clubs playing UK Garage music, adding to the genre’s energetic and lively atmosphere.

UK Garage also played a significant role in promoting diversity within the electronic music scene. The genre’s creative and eclectic sound attracted diverse artists, DJs, and producers from all backgrounds, creating a rich, colorful music scene that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.

Revival and Modern Influence

Recently, there has been a noticeable resurgence of UK Garage music. Artists and producers have revisited this genre’s classic sound and incorporated it into modern EDM and pop music. Artists like Disclosure have blended UK Garage with deep house and pop elements to create a fresh and contemporary sound that has resonated with audiences from all around the world. This revival has helped to reintroduce UK Garage to a new generation of music fans and has cemented its place as a timeless and influential genre in electronic dance music.

Artists Recommendations

Legends in the Genre:

DJ EZ: DJ EZ is one of the most prominent figures in UK Garage. EZ is a well-known UK garage DJ from Tottenham, North London. He gained popularity through his long-running Kiss 100 radio show and Pure Garage compilation series. EZ started his career on pirate radio and later founded Nuvolve Radio. He is famous for his high-energy sets and remixing tracks like “Feels So Good” by the B-15 Project.
Artful Dodger: Artful Dodger was a UK garage duo comprising Mark Hill and Pete Devereux. Known for their collaboration with Craig David on “Re-Rewind,” the duo won seven consecutive UK Top 20 singles. They split in 2001 and reunited in 2017 but couldn’t use the name after Blessed Records acquired it. You can check out their tracks on the Pure Garage compilation series mixed by DJ EZ.
MJ Cole: MJ Cole is an influential English garage DJ, producer, and remixer known for his UK Top 40 hit track “Sincere,” and his debut album of the same name earned him many awards and nominations. He later founded Prolific Recordings and collaborated with artists like Wiley and Elisabeth Troy. He has also produced and remixed music for various artists, including Mary J. Blige, Disclosure, Amy Winehouse, Mariah Carey, and Alicia Keys.
Todd Edwards: Todd Edwards is an American garage house producer, DJ, and singer. He shaped the UK garage scene with his innovative work in the 1990s, particularly with his track “Guide My Soul.” Known for his unique sampling and remixing techniques, he has produced hits like “Saved My Life” and won a Grammy Award for collaborating with Daft Punk on “Fragments of Time.”
Sweet Female Attitude: Sweet Female Attitude is an electronic music group from Manchester. Their 1996 hit “Flowers” sold over 200,000 copies and reached number two on the UK Singles chart. After Catherine Cassidy’s departure in 2014, Sweet Female Attitude continued to release several singles and EPs while also collaborating with different artists and producers in the scene.

Latest Trendsetters:

Sammy Virji: Sammy Virji is an English DJ and record producer who gained recognition for his bassline, garage, and grime music. He made his breakthrough in 2016 by releasing his debut EP, “Sammy Virji Volume 1,” which was well-received by the UK underground music scene. He continued to release successful singles and EPs, including “Feel The Heat” and “Get Lit,” cementing his position as a rising star in the electronic music industry.
Conducta: Conducta is a UK Garage music trailblazer known for producing AJ Tracey’s record-breaking hit “Ladbroke Grove.” He also heads the renowned Kiwi Rekords label, which won multiple awards, including DJ Mag’s ‘Breakthrough Label’ in 2019 and ‘Best Label’ in 2020. Conducta’s debut EP, ‘In Transit,’ demonstrates his creativity and versatility in UK Garage and beyond. With Conducta’s upcoming ‘Conductas Crib’ tour and international dates, he solidifies his position as a leading force in the scene.
MPH: MPH, whose real name is Myles Fairbairn, is a producer of UKG & Bassline music from Canterbury, England. Despite being young, MPH has already released music on renowned labels such as Spinnin’, Night Bass, and CruCast. While he usually releases solo tracks, he has also worked with other artists like Sammy Virji, NuBass, and Oppidan. In addition, he has remixed tracks for artists like Skepsis, AC Slater, and Rootkit. MPH’s journey has just begun, and much more is to come for him.

The UK Garage scene has been blessed with countless talented artists who have left their mark. And the best part? There are many more ready to make their debut. As the genre continues to evolve and flourish, I can’t wait to witness the next generation of artists who will undoubtedly bring the scene to life.

In conclusion, UK Garage is a genre that has left a lasting impact on the electronic music landscape. Its infectious rhythms, soulful vocals, and high-energy production have inspired countless artists and continue to be celebrated by electronic music fans worldwide. While the genre has evolved over the years, its legacy lives on, and it continues to be an essential piece of the electronic music scene.

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