Renegade Masters: 25 Years of Dance Concept

Dance Concept is celebrating its impressive 25-year legacy in the Drum & Bass scene this year. Founded in 1999, the label initially started as a party promotion company in London, hosting electrifying events that helped shape the UK’s vibrant rave culture. Over time, Dance Concept evolved into a significant independent record label, known for its innovative releases and collaborations with iconic artists.

The label’s turning point came in 2003 with the launch of its recording arm. Notably, their compilation album ‘The Legend’, featuring legendary MC, Stevie Hyper D, gained significant acclaim, with tracks like ‘Buffalo Soldier’ becoming anthems in the Drum & Bass community. Over the years, Dance Concept has worked with respected names such as Voltage, Aphrodite, Benny V, Serum, Kenny Ken, Bladerunner and Sub Zero, while continuing to champion underground and emerging talent.

Someone once called what I did a ‘Labour of love’ and that really resonated. You can spend hours, days and weeks on projects and sometimes there is no money at the end of it. You never even think about giving up. You dust yourself and carry on. Whether its an event or release, you cant help but think about the scene, the music and the whole thing 24/7. Its been in my DNA since I was at school and still there now. All my memories growing up in life can be associated with what Dance Concept was doing at that point in time. There have been great times. There have been bad times. But I wouldnt change a thing for the World!

Dance Concept… The Way Forward!

– Benny V

Beyond their music releases, Dance Concept has consistently hosted unforgettable events, including a standout Stevie Hyper tribute night, Generation Hyper, a regular in Room 1 at fabric and a year long residency at Rhythm Factory in London. These events have reinforced their reputation as a cornerstone of UK Drum & Bass culture.

To mark the 25-year milestone, the label is revisiting its roots while celebrating its ongoing impact with new releases and curated playlists that spotlight its rich history and future vision. From Benny V‘s leadership to recent highlights like ‘Transform VIP’ and ‘Real Junglist’, Dance Concept continues to embody the soul of the genre.

As part of their celebrations, label head honcho Benny V along with Shockin B, Genesis Elijah, Blacka and Mystery did an extra special show on Kool FM last Thursday, they asked us to host the show on SoundCloud so more of their fans could hear it.

Check it out below and enjoy!

Q&A:

Sum up this mix in 10 words…

A celebration of the styles and influences of the label

What’s your personal favourite track on it?

Can’t possibly say! Ha! Love the switch up vibes of the Coda tracks. If pushed, for today, cos its so topical, I will go with the Serial Killaz remix of mine and Dfrnt Lvls Junglist Soldier ft Stevie Hyper D (RIP) 

What’s the special ingredient in this mix?

Vibes & Variety

Tell us about your next release…

Benny V & Coda – Hysteria & Hammerhead (both featured on the mix) is out in Mid December

What have you got coming up? 

A debut release from Mugshot came out over the weekend. Next up is Coda & Benny V, with releases from Tomoyoshi, Sola, DJ Uniques & a first ever Various Artist EP offering some debuts

When was the last time you actually raved?

During this set!

And finally, do you have a special message for our readers?

Keep spreading nice vibes and listen to more Drum & Bass!!!!