In the ever-evolving landscape of music, genres continually morph and expand, driven by a symphony of behind-the-scenes efforts that often go unnoticed. A recent debate, spurred by an EDM.com article (https://edm.com/features/interview-dimension-sub-focus-culture-shock-1991-worship-drum-n-bass?fbclid=IwAR2F1tVJrXPdikZFPPk35C0kZwX1_fw67d3_hHVRrNIFgN4WWfM-YynGptk_aem_Act76EMyqOMSm5eokm0CtvIQucXAptKJxXNnm97x0dYvR4ELoH9r6JvOo8a2RXXNWmmZoabttPfhhUe5t_TLrAbW), highlights the perceived misplaced attribution of success within the US drum and bass scene to a select group of artists. This discourse prompts a broader reflection on the ecosystem that nurtures and propels a genre forward. It’s essential to recalibrate our focus, recognizing not just the artists but the myriad of unsung heroes who craft the scaffolding upon which music genres thrive.

The Unsung Heroes Behind the Curtains
At the heart of any thriving music genre lie the promoters, agents, managers, technicians, and countless other individuals working diligently behind the scenes. These professionals invest not only financial resources but also their time, passion, and belief in the artists and the music they represent. Promoters, for instance, play a critical role in artist development, often taking significant financial risks to introduce new sounds to their audience. They curate experiences that transcend mere musical performances, crafting memorable events that resonate with fans and foster community.

Agents, similarly, are instrumental in guiding artists through the complex landscape of the music industry. From negotiating contracts to scheduling tours, their expertise ensures that artists can focus on their craft while navigating the pathway from small clubs to massive festivals. These roles, among many others, are pivotal in shaping not only the careers of individual artists but also the trajectory of the genre itself.

The Evolution of Drum and Bass: A Collaborative Symphony
The drum and bass scene, with its roots tracing back to the early ’90s, serves as a prime example of a genre that has been shaped by a collective effort. While the luminaries who pioneered this sound may no longer dominate the touring circuits, their contributions remain foundational. Yet, the genre’s sustainability and evolution are equally indebted to the new generation of artists and the industry professionals who support them. It’s a dynamic ecosystem, where relevance is continually renegotiated through the contributions of both emerging talents and established names.

Celebrating the Pioneers
The architects of any music genre, including the early influencers of drum and bass, are akin to the roots of a towering tree. They provide the stability and nourishment from which the genre can grow and flourish. These pioneers, through their innovative sounds and relentless passion, paved the way for future generations. While they might not headline tours or dominate festival lineups as they once did, their influence resonates in the DNA of the genre. Celebrating these individuals is not just about nostalgia; it’s about acknowledging the foundation upon which the current landscape is built. Engaging with their work, documenting their stories, and inviting their insights at industry events are all ways to honor their contributions.

Spotlight on the Present
Simultaneously, the genre thrives on the fresh energy and innovation brought by current artists who are actively touring and recording. These artists, the ones we “need to have a beer with,” (to toast and celebrate who are at the top) are the ones fans are flocking to see live, whose tracks are setting the streaming platforms ablaze. They are the current custodians of the genre, steering it into new territories, experimenting with soundscapes, and engaging with social and cultural movements of the day.

The visibility and support of these artists are crucial. The size of the venue, the region, whether it’s a festival or a club night, and who is booking the show—all these factors play a significant role in determining which artists are put in front of audiences. It’s a complex ecosystem, with each element influencing the direction in which the genre evolves. The public’s awareness and appreciation of this process are essential. Fans should not only celebrate the music but also understand the intricate network of decisions and efforts that bring it to their ears. I believe the fans of the genre should also be very aware that those artists that say I represent at CGAgency won’t get a lot of the same opportunities that an artist that is on UTA will for example. To use three festivals as an example, we have yet to speak with one buyer from Ultra Music Festival, Electric Zoo, or Coachella. These festivals just won’t entertain the artists we represent which is extremely disappointing not just because I don’t get to collect payments from those organizations but the artists I represent are the acts that are playing the people’s clubs. They are the type of acts fueling the genre with the fresh music that is changing the genre and the thousands of ears that aren’t hearing their music or seeing them on that flyer is a shame. It comes down to industry politics sadly. The larger agencies are the ones that fill up these lineups and this is no secret. Everyone has seen the mock Coachella flyers where instead of the artist names, it shows the agencies. It is a real “stay in your lane” type of thought design but we are riding the same lane which is the funny thing.

Fostering a Knowledgeable and Appreciative Community
Building a bridge between the audience and the behind-the-scenes workings of the music industry is pivotal. Educating fans about the nuances of booking shows, the importance of supporting local talent, and the impact of their attendance and engagement can foster a more appreciative and knowledgeable community. This knowledge can empower fans to be more than just passive consumers of music; they can become active participants in the genre’s ecosystem, contributing to its growth and sustainability.

The Global Stage and Domestic Talent
The allure of international artists has often overshadowed domestic talent, a phenomenon not unique to drum and bass but prevalent across the music industry. The preference for booking international acts, driven by their perceived marketability, underscores a broader challenge: nurturing and elevating homegrown talent. This preference has financial implications, from visa costs to international travel expenses, which could otherwise support the domestic art scene. The dialogue around promoting local artists isn’t about diminishing the value of global talent but rather about fostering a more inclusive and diverse musical landscape that celebrates and elevates domestic artists alongside their international counterparts.

As an agency owner, the choice to bring on international talent is often driven by the market’s demand and the undeniable need to sustain a livelihood. The allure of international acts, with their broad appeal and proven track records, represents a safer bet for many in the industry looking to fill venues and ensure financial stability.

However, this reliance on international talent also sheds light on an underlying opportunity: the potential for domestic artists to generate comparable revenue and draw. The acknowledgment that, if domestic talent could bring in similar financial success without the added complexities of visas and the significant costs of international travel, there would be a strong inclination to book more local acts. This sentiment underscores a critical path forward for the industry.

Embracing this dual approach involves not only recognizing the value and influence of genre pioneers and current international stars but also actively investing in and promoting domestic talent. The goal is to create a music ecosystem that is as diverse and rich in its offerings as it is sustainable and economically viable. By fostering a marketplace where domestic artists are given the same platforms and opportunities to succeed as their international counterparts, the industry can achieve a more balanced and inclusive future.

This vision for the future requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including promoters, agents, artists, and, importantly, the fans themselves. Education about the value of supporting local talent, combined with strategic efforts to market and promote these artists, can shift perceptions and demand. This doesn’t mean diminishing the role or importance of international talent but rather broadening the scope of what is considered desirable and marketable.

In essence, the music industry’s future vibrancy and sustainability lie in its ability to honor its roots while embracing the innovations of the present, all within a framework that values economic sustainability and inclusivity. By recognizing the contributions of everyone involved—from the legendary pioneers and the touring titans to the unsung heroes behind the scenes, and the emerging domestic talents—we pave the way for a genre that thrives not just in its musicality but in its capacity to unite and sustain a diverse community of artists and fans alike. Here’s to a future where every note, beat, and effort is celebrated, and where the music industry is as robust in its diversity and inclusion as it is in its sound.

Conclusion: A Toast to the Genre
As we navigate the complex interplay of artists, industry professionals, and the broader ecosystem that shapes music genres, it’s imperative to adopt a holistic perspective. The narrative of success within any genre is a collective one, woven from the contributions of individuals both on stage and behind the scenes. It’s a reminder to celebrate not just the art but the artistry and labor that make it possible. So, here’s to the promoters, the agents, the technicians, and everyone in between who prop up the genre day in and day out. Your efforts may not always be in the spotlight, but they are the heartbeat of the music industry. Let’s raise our glasses not to individual egos but to the collective spirit and hard work that drive the genre forward. In the end, music is a collaborative symphony, and every note, every beat, and every silent effort behind the scenes contributes to the melody that moves us all and is done as a community and not be a specific group, agency, nor collective.

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