Reviewed: UKF10 LDN

Starting out as just two Youtube channels back in 2009, UKF have risen to extreme heights within the music game. Their climb has seen them expand into a high-profile brand representing all underground genres. 2019 marked their ten-year anniversary and there was no better way to celebrate that than with a big old rave UKF10 LDN. With the venue set as Studio 338 and a seriously stacked line-up, it seemed as if we were going to be in for one hell of a celebration. The line-up, spread over two rooms, consisted of some serious talent within UK bass music, drum & bass, grime and dubstep. Names such as Distinkt, Dimension, Bushbaby, Notion, Grafix, Dilemma, Plastician and Joker were getting our mouths watering for the night ahead.

Studio 338, 10:30pm. We had arrived nice and early, due to the stacked set-times, and the pre-rave feelings were out in full force, we were itching to get inside. We skipped past security and went straight into the main room. Dark red mood lighting, heavy subs and some wicked visuals, the stage was set and the music was booming from the off. First in charge for us on the night when we arrived was someone who’s been making some serious waves in the past couple of years, Distinkt. Known for his heavy bass-filled production and fresh from his recent EP on Diplo’s Mad Decent label, he was going in, dropping some serious floor smashers.

Next in charge was another UK bass don, Notion. Someone else who has been going from strength to strength in the past year. With a recent release on Tiesto’s Musical Freedom label, Notion took control of the decks and was showing just what he was made of. Dropping tracks like Taiki Nulight – ‘Kush’ (Ft. Dread MC) and Notion – ‘Real’, Notion was tearing 338 a new one in true UK bass style and the crowd were loving it. With a fine selection of bouncy house tracks and some proper face-melters, the night was starting to take shape. The visuals of the night were really adding to the underground UKF atmosphere, a distorted webcam view of the DJ from the point of view of the decks which flashed up every now and then. A really cool touch.

It was time to take a step away from UK bass music now and to start the delve into drum and bass. Formally apart of Fred V & Grafix, it was time for Grafix to step up and raise the tempo. Wasting no time at all, Grafix was getting everyone in the dancefloor spirit as he dropped some of his own tracks such as Grafix – ‘Refuge’ (ft. Ruth Royall) and Grafix – ‘Rain Fall Down’. Nothing too heavy but just enough energy to bring the crowd up a step or two. Grafix was really shelling the UKF vibe and setting the stage for who else but Dimension to take over.

The time was now 1am, the night was in full swing and Dimension was now in control. Now if you know anything about Dimension, you’ll know that he’s all about the atmosphere. The lights were brought completely down apart from one white spotlight on the decks and the sound of Dimension’s intro started, slowly filling the room. Spinning a combination of new bits and fan favourites such as Dimension – ‘Pull Me Under’ and Dimension – ‘If You Want To’, Dimension had raised the level completely and was dishing out some serious heat.

Next up we decided to amble on over to room 2 for a little switch up. We arrived just in time for some of Joker’s set. We recently saw his set at Outlook Festival so we knew just what was in store for us. The room was perfect, small and intimate. Serving up some proper old school style dubstep, the basslines were tearing the floor to shreds.

After a little freshen up we headed back into the main room for The Prototypes. We hadn’t seen the Prototypes for a while but knew about the energy they always bring to the table. With a fine mix of blends and double drops, they pumped out some proper steppers and vocal numbers. Keeping the vibe in the place high, they controlled the crowd perfectly. Dropping some serious heavy hitters as well as vocal pleasers like their much-known tracks The Prototypes – ‘Pop It Off (feat. Mad Hed City)’ and The Prototypes – ‘Electric’.

The time was now 4am and even though there were still two hours to go, we felt as though it was time to call it a night. A night with so many artists, so much different music, it really was a proper celebration for the UKF crew. Here’s to the next ten!

Grab your copy of the UKF10 album from here, featuring past, present and future music!