Wire has had a rich history in pioneering drum & bass. Anyone who was clubbing in Leeds over five years ago will remember that Central Beatz and Momentum’s club nights under Call Lane always hit the genre’s sweet spot, pushing things further underground and creating all-round good times for punters. The drum & bass legend, LTJ BUKEM, has played at Wire twice before. But, for our 10th birthday, we had to bring him back down the stairs for a third time, on this occasion welcomed by Leeds drum & bass stalwarts CENTRAL BEATZ and OVERFLOW. Riya joins Bukem on the mic. Ahead of the event on Saturday 30th January 2016, we asked both promoters to nominate their favourite Bukem tracks.
Logical Progression (VMR Records)
Bukem’s first breakthrough track which defined the birth of a new, distinct sound of breakbeat-infused dance music as well as the birth of a international DJ career for Bukem. Still very much a piano rave track, but with Bukem’s refined production this track rose well above the competition.
Demon’s Theme
Cementing Bukem’s position as a credible new source in the scene, breeding what was coined as ‘Intelligent Drum & Bass’ that gave audiences more depth and musicality on the dancefloor, whilst retaining an infectious level of funk throughout.
Horizons
A sublime track, forcing even DJs from other genres to pay attention not only to the rising influence of Drum & Bass but also Bukem’s career as a seminal dance music producer/DJ. Played with passion and reverence at both underground raves and at festivals on global stage throughout the mid to late 90’s.
Atlantis
It’s that tune that everyone knows, literally anyone thats ever been out to listen to a DJ in a club, however some forget the name of the producer! Once told it’s LTJ Bukem, of course the standard response is ‘ahh yeah of course, yeah I totally knew that! with a cool acknowledgement of the tracks sheer brilliance. It’s hard to find this track alone not being featured in anyone’s itunes playlist across the globe, at least those with good taste of dance music and a good ear for incredible Drum & Bass.
Watercolours [first track in the mix below]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2llk-5N1zDI
Upbeat, funky, jazz-tinged and full of Bukem’s trademark uplifting pace throughout, this track is a classic set opener. Exemplary material that showcases Bukem’s vision of combining traditional instrumentation with effortless style and crisp production that was rarely matched by any peers at the turn of the millennium. Another great example that highlight’s this producer’s depth in the studio and ear for the application of dance music.
LTJ Bukem Fabric Promo Mix
A mix from 2010 to get you pumped for the birthday.
by Christian Hoyle (Central Beatz), Alex Wilson & Dan Burridge (Overflow) and Oliver Walkden
Support on the night comes from Loz Contreras [Fokuz Recordings/Liquicity] and the Overflow and Central Beatz residents.
Final release tickets are available here or here for £12. Full event page is here.