9 Questions with UK Artist LS on Drum and Bass, Leipzig and the UK Scene

Through Homeground UK and FMG, LS has become part of a growing connection between the UK and German Drum and Bass scene. From underground raves in Cambridge to international bookings, collaborations and performances in Leipzig and London, we spoke to him about his journey, rave culture and the current state of Jump Up.

Below are 9 questions on his beginnings, his sound and the evolution of Drum and Bass culture across Europe.

1. How have you been lately and what are you currently working on?

Lately, I have definitely been at the best point of my career so far. I recently have been booked to go on your with Mr Traumatik which has had an amazing start! I am getting to experience these new cities i have never been too before and meeting all kinds of cool new people. At the moment, I am currently working hard on my production for sure. I think it’s very important to get a signature sound which you’d want an audience to hear and recognise your music.

2. For people discovering you through FMG, how would you describe yourself and your sound?

For those who are first discovering me, I’d describe myself as someone with hard work ethic and commitment. I spent most of my first year djing spending lots of money to travel around the country to perform for free, enabling myself to build a name. I would say my sound is very unique, I mainly mix modern jumpup, but in a way where all my sets/mixes sound like one song. It is important to keep a good flow and understand how to control a crowds emotions. I believe if you can control the emotions well, any song you play will make a crowd roar.

3. How did your journey into Drum and Bass and Jump Up begin?

My journey into Drum and Bass began in May 2024, I had only been mixing for 3 months at that point. It was something i always enjoyed listening to, but i never had the courage to really start pushing myself as a DJ. Before I even touched decks, I used to host Squat raves in my home town Cambridge. I remember just seeing everyone having an amazing time at my event, and was enveous of how everyone looked at the DJ.

Back to May 2024, I was in Portugal for DNB allstars festival. I met a guy called Jordan who had seen me mix on my computer and saw potential in me. He later went around to different bars on the strip trying to get me to play out to a crowd. There was a bar called croke park who said they would let me play, this was the night before the festival started. I found the courage and plugged my usb in and pulled in a big crowd, which had me so nervous to a point i felt sick. My set went well and I posted a video on Tiktok which has now accumulated over 2 Million views! Because of this video, promoters started to notice me and I built strong connections and relationships with people within the scene and i started landing my first sets.

4. You’ve been connected with FMG for a while now through LUIV and the Homeground UK link-up. How did that relationship first come together?

The relationship with FMG all started through my connection with Luiv. I discovered luiv on soundcloud where he had been releasing some absolute heaters! I decided to message him on instagram one day asking for some music of his that hasn’t been released yet, ever since then we became very good mates. The idea of then meeting each other came to mind, and we made a little agreement together that we would get each other a show in England and Germany!

5. Last year you played at FMG’s Tower of Dubs Festival in Leipzig. What was that experience like for you and how did the German crowd compare to UK raves?

When i played at Tower of Dubs, I will always say it was one of the best days of my life. The people in Germany are so nice and all the ravers are there to socialise and enjoy the music they all love. Compared to an English crowd, i would definitely say the vibes are very different. Raves here in England are definitely alot more intimate I would say. I am yet to experience more raves in Germany so it is very difficult to make a comparison. However, from my experience in Leipzig i will definitely say the atmosphere was alot more positive.

6. FMG and Homeground UK recently hosted a joint event in London with Kelvin 373 and Dreps. How important are international collaborations like this for the Drum and Bass scene?

I believe international collaborations are highly important. It brings two communities together, new audiences and new ravers. England is the Drum and bass capital of the world, I believe doing these international collaborations enables other countries to experience the drum and bass which thrived in our country. Unfortunately, the genre isn’t very popular in alot of other countries, so pushing out these collabs gives those who don’t get to rave a proper chance to experience this beautiful genre.

7. You’ve also worked together with Forward and LUIV on music. How did that collaboration happen and what was the vibe in the studio?

In the studio with Forward and Luiv was so much fun. The vibes were unmatched and it was awesome seeing how other people produce. I will definitely say I have learnt alot from them, they are honestly a talented pair, as for all the FMG crew too!

8. Drum and Bass keeps growing across Europe right now. From your perspective in the UK scene, how do you see the current evolution of Jump Up and underground rave culture?

I believe our scene is definitely growing, main stream dj’s and artists have started incorporating dnb into their releases/live sets which is amazing to see. However, I believe the underground rave culture is struggling. Unfortunately, people are only going to drum and bass raves to see all the main stream artists. In my opinion, the best artists are those that are up and coming and really started to make their mark within the scene. People need to realise that their favourite artist/DJ started off underground, and they need to be more open to discovering new talent

9. And finally, after all your years in the scene, what does Drum and Bass mean to you personally?

The years I have been in the scene, drum and bass to me means Peace and Unity. Majority of ravers/ artists all support each other and it is great to see. I cannot be anymore thankful for my circle around me. Special mentions go to the NTG crew, my best mate Stranded, my girlfriend, and of course the FMG crew

Big thanks to LS for taking the time to speak with us. A name to watch as he continues shaping his path in Drum and Bass.