2024 was a breakthrough year for Makis—she performed as a special guest for Becky Hill at the OVO Arena Wembley, played Glastonbury, and delivered high-energy DJ sets across the globe. Now, her collab with Lens is set to push her even further as one of the leading voices in the scene.

Known for her dynamic sound and unmistakable vocals, Makis has become one of the most recognisable names in modern Drum & Bass. DJ Mag has described her voice as ‘heavenly’ and ‘enthralling’, and her toplines have defined some of the genre’s biggest anthems. While she grew up in Nottingham, it’s her Greek-Cypriot heritage that has shaped her unique, emotive style. Whether delivering poetic lyrics over liquid rollers or rave-ready anthems, storytelling is always at the heart of her music.

Wonderland – “Makis’ signature attitude, vigor, and vocal range complement Dux N Bass’ wild production flawlessly, creating an electrifying sonic experience.”

Daily Star – “Known for bangers such Phoneline and High Note, Emily has been cruising her way through the genre – popping up here, there and everywhere, whether it’s on a new collab or on a festival lineup.”

UKF – “Drum & Bass has been blessed with an onslaught of incredibly talented vocalists being thrown into the forefront of the genre in recent years. Nottingham-based Emily Makis is, without doubt, one of those who has made the most meteoric of impacts.”

Her rise has been unstoppable. She won ‘Best Vocalist’ at the Drum & Bass Awards, took home ‘Best Track’ at the Youth Music Awards, and was nominated for DJ Mag’s ‘Best Vocalist’. Her 2023 collab with Pola & Bryson, ‘Phoneline’, racked up over 20 million streams, and she co-wrote Becky Hill and Chase & Status’ massive hit ‘Disconnect’, which hit #6 in the UK charts.

As she continues to evolve, the next 12 months will see Makis exploring fresh sounds while staying true to her roots. With more releases, huge festival bookings, and a growing global following, this is just the beginning.

Lens & Emily Makis ‘Danger Zone’ dropped on Elevate Records on Friday on all platforms, you can check it out below and get your hands on a copy here!

The post Emily Makis and Lens join forces for their explosive new single, ‘Danger Zone’ appeared first on Data Transmission.

Currently based in Germany, Dux n Bass’ love for all things made at 170 beats per minute was nurtured in Mannheim. It was here that years of raving formed his love for jump up Drum & Bass, which the Dutch producer now intertwines with vocal toplines and dancefloor arrangements to create the most memorable, energetic, and bass-face-inducing range of sonics possible. 

His debut single ‘Walk n Skank’, with Macky Gee and Jah Screechy, was released on Spinnin’ Records in 2018 and has since gone on to amass 5 million streams. Having also released a number of other solo tracks, as well as official remixes for Skunk Anansie, Sikdope, Duke & Jones and Sofi Tukker, the young producer has proven his expertise in creating memorable basslines time and time again. 

Translated from Latin, Dux construes to ‘leader’. This ethos has now cemented itself firmly into the Dux n Bass project, with the producer aiming to become a leading force within Drum & Bass, reaching as many people as possible in the process. With a string of releases forthcoming on Elevate Records, Dux n Bass is now, without a doubt, on the path to achieving all of this and more. His first release on Elevate Records ‘Technical’ dropped on 25th November, grab it from here!

To coincide with his release on Elevate, Dux n bass has curated a mix that is full on banger mode! It contains music from himself (including some dubs!), Hedex, A.M.C, Alix Perez, Culture Shock, 1991, Kanine, Kasra, Tsuki, The Prototypes and loads more.

Check out Dux n Bass’ mix below and download it for free here!

Q&A:

Sum up this mix in 10 words…

Energetic, Surprising, Emotional, Honest, Combining the new with the old

What’s your personal favourite track on it?

Difficult question since it features tons of sick tracks by producers I absolutely love, as well as some of my upcoming singles on Elevate which I’m really really proud of. It’s been a lifetime goal to gain the trust of a respected label like this. I’d say for my own tracks it’s one of my upcoming Elevate ID’s which I mixed with ‘Devotion’ by Dimension. Another track I really love on this mix is ‘Steamroller’ by Kanine. So gnarly. The Drums sound so phat. He’s one of my all time favourite producers. His productions are always on point in terms of songwriting, sound design and mixing. A true inspiration.

What’s the special ingredient in this mix?

Variety. While still keeping up the consistent energy. I always aim to include as many different drum & bass styles as possible without making it feel ‘out of place’. Drum & Bass is such a lucky genre with so many different vibes which, if you do it the right way, complement each other.

Tell us about your next EP?

Actually, there’s two coming up On two different labels. I can’t tell too much at this moment but I can promise: it’s going to be huge. Still can’t believe this is actually happening haha.

What have you got coming up?

I was able to join the Elevate writing camp in November, got introduced to some of my favourite vocalists and producers. Since I live in Germany it’s always been really hard to connect with my ‘heros’ from the UK but Elevate made it possible. I’m so thankful for this. So yeah – you can expect some sick collaborations. Further I’ve joined the MB Artists roster and can’t wait to get my sounds on the stages across Europe and beyond.

When was the last time you actually raved?

Unfortunately, there’s not tooooo many raves going on in Germany. I believe the last time I went to a rave was early October at Blacklist Festival. In October I had a show in Breda where I joined the crowd for Primate and Subsonic which was awesome. To me it’s important to experience dance music on the dance floor, not backstage. That’s what it’s made for and where I enjoy it the most.

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

The worst thing you can do is lie to yourself. Love yourself and everything will work out.

TRACKLIST:

Whiney – No Good

Dux n Bass – ID

Wilkinson – I Need (Wilkinson & Metrik Remix)

Dimension – Crowd Reaction

Dux n Bass – Technical

Hedex – Nightmares

Wilkinson – Machina

Dux n Bass – Future

Sub Focus – Out The Blue feat. Alice Gold

Dimension – Offender

The Prototypes – Interaction

The Prototypes – Interaction VIP

Sub Focus – Solar System

Dimension – Devotion

Dux n Bass – ID

1991 – Illusions

Tantrum Desire – Unleashed

Kanine – Steamroller

Turno – Back On Top feat. Dreps

Dux n Bass – On Your Mark (VIP)

Dominator & Nu Elementz – Spartanz (Bou Remix)

Knife Party – LRAD (The Prototypes Bootleg)

A.M.C – Bass (Teddy Killerz Remix)

Bou & Enei – DP

Alix Perez – Pressure feat. T-Man

Fred Again & Swedish House Mafia – Turn On The Lights feat. Future (Tsuki Bootleg)

Skylark – Don’t Worry

Sub Focus & Wilkinson – Turn The Lights On

Chase & Status – Take Me Away

Culture Shock – Bunker

Dux n Bass – Catch My Love (feat. Ni/Co)

Kings Of The Rollers – Shella feat. Chimpo (Halogenix Remix)

Dux n Bass – Bass Go Boom

Disco Lines – Baby Girl (James Hiraeth Remix)

1991 – VHS

Kasra – Ski Mask

Kanine – Calculate

Dux n Bass – Don’t Give Up On Me (feat. Ni/Co)

Tsuki – Stay With Me

Dominator & Turno – Bomb Squad (A.M.C Remix)

Dux n Bass – ID

Dux n Bass – ID

The post Renegade Riddims: Dux n Bass appeared first on Data Transmission.

Hot off the back of her nostalgic single ‘Bucuresti‘ on her burgeoning imprint Kuukou Records (which was incidentally crowned Beatport’s Label of the Month in March 2021) the multi-talented, Berlin-based icon now continues her impressive 2021 onslaught with the announcement of her next huge EP, Sycophantic Slacker.

Out now via Pig & Dan’s legendary ELEVATE imprint, ‘Sycophantic Slacker’ is another out-and-out master-class in driving, avant-garde techno from Grigoriu, and marks her eagerly anticipated sophomore outing on the longstanding German label, following her huge debut with ‘Broken Royals / Fallen Guards’ back in 2020.

Igniting the two-part cut with the enormous opener ‘Sycophantic’, Simina goes all-in from the off, delivering a heady blend of thumping kick drums and hypnotic synth lines with a plethora of exquisitely layered samples providing both texture and intrigue throughout. On the flip, the Romanian-born starlet demonstrates her impressive production versatility with the dark finale, ‘Slacker’, as she building a slick assortment of ravey synth stabs, big basslines and frenzied percussion to close out her second EP on ELEVATE in true style.

Check both tracks out here and Buy them on Beatport. Simina’s Kuukou Records Radio Show returns on Data Transmission Radio on Saturday 29th May.

The post Simina Grigoriu Drops ‘Sycophantic Slacker’ EP on ELEVATE appeared first on Data Transmission.

Alongside their standalone productions, Flowidus have done reworks for artists such as DC Breaks broke into the Beatport top 10 while also gaining extensive support from the likes of Friction, Pendulum and Andy C to name a few. 

It’s been a whirlwind 3 years since Flowidus dropped their first EP ‘Arrival’ which saw them sign exclusively to Elevate Records. Following the success of that and their collaboration with New Zealand legend, Tiki Taane, the boys embarked on a tour supporting their label boss Friction, across NZ and Australia, which saw 5/9 dates completely sold out, and that was just the start of 2019. 

We recently uploaded an exclusive mix that Flowidus recorded for us alongside Lee Mvtthews, to support the release of their collab ‘Reason’ back in December (Check it out here). We thought it was about time we delved a bit deeper into what Flowidus have been up to over the last few months…

Hey guys! Thanks for speaking to us. We’re so jealous that you’re able to play and attend gigs at the moment – can you tell us the top two shows you’ve played so far this Summer? At which venues were they both and what was special about each of them?

So our summer, Dec/Jan period, was crazy for us. We had the privilege to play at all the major festivals across NZ so it’s really hard to pinpoint the top 2 because all six were utterly insane. I think it’s common knowledge now what the scene in NZ is like and we are very stoked to be a part of it. 

At which venues were they both and what was special about each of them?

All the festivals are either at Vineyards, big farms or smack bang in a racecourse. They all have such a unique buzz about them, and they are all so incredibly well organised. Whether you’re at Bay Dreams or caught in the vineyard at RnV or even walking up the hill at Northern Bass, they all have their unique flavour. Which is why they have such a fantastic energy.

Do you feel inspired by the current situation with Drum & Bass in Australia and New Zealand right now? And if so, how does this relate to your new music?

I’m not sure if we would say “inspired” but more lucky and thankful. It’s crazy to think that we are pretty much one of the only DnB (probably any producer duo) that is active in two countries at the moment. That is just incredibly lucky. 

The number of shows that NZ has put on for us has given Raph one heck of a touring schedule that’s for sure. With our new music, we always want to make sure that every tune we release is the best it can be and that it represents where and who we are as producers. 

That so many people are supporting our music now is equal parts humbling and crazy!  

We’ve heard you’ve got plans to tour Europe again when it’s back open – what clubs are you looking forward to playing the most? Are there any clubs or festivals you’re looking forward to returning to, and why?

Oh man, we are missing our Elevate fam hard! We cannot wait to get over to Europe and run amuck. We would love to play across more clubs and to experience more festivals in Europe. Our last one was Liquicity which was amazing. It’s like a mini Tomorrowland vibe and hats off to Maduk and Maris as they have created something truly special. 

We would love to play in Prague too, that eastern European vibe would be crazy. Also, Vienna, CRAZYYY scene. It’s really odd seeing 16-year-olds at club going absolutely bonkers.

What do you think it is about New Zealand and Australia which has enabled it to become a microcosm of the wider Drum & Bass scene?

For Perth, DNB has always been there. Ever since Pendulum flew the flag. It’s been on the up and up across Perth for the last few years now which has definitely seen an increase around Aus too. Just in general, I think the quality of commercial dnb which still pushes the flavour and culture of it authentically, while making it accessible to the masses, has really increased the awareness of this great genre.

You’ve signed to Elevate Records exclusively – how have you seen your careers progress since then? And what are your plans for the next twelve months – do you have any specific aims musically or places you’d like to play?

Elevate are the best label. hands down. Not only are they incredibly run and organised, but they have also become close friends. Ever since we signed to them and Ed (Friction) gave us the amazing guidance and A&R, we went from budding producers to playing headline shows around Aus and NZ. Our growth is very much connected and in part, due to that and we are forever thankful for that. In the next 12 months, we want to grow as artists which intern will also grow Elevate as a label and keep doing what we are doing, having fun making music and touring (hopefully more and more!)

If you haven’t already heard Flowidus ‘Fire’ which dropped via Elevate Records last week, check it out below!

The post In Conversation With: Flowidus appeared first on Data Transmission.

With her extensive knowledge and expertise within the industry, Amy has become a highly respected marketing executive. Rising from her job as promotions assistant to Head of Promotions at Hospital Records, she continued to make her presence felt as part of the Shogun Audio team. Having been selected to join Music Week’s ‘30 Under 30 Best of the Rest’ list in 2016, this comes as little surprise.

Over the years Amy has appeared on the global stage at major dance music conferences. She’s shared her vision with huge audiences and has become one of the most identifiable figures amongst her peers. Her position highlights the rising seniority of women in the music industry. Her fixture on the BMC advisory board also helps many other women rise through the ranks. With so many women already playing key parts of the scene her experience in radio and DSP plugging, sync, licensing, events, press, as well as digital marketing, is setting the tone for women to follow in her footsteps.

We at Data Transmission think this is a great move from Shogun Audio. Amy Jayne is sure to excel with this new role as she has so many others. We wish Amy Jayne the very best of luck in her new role!

Salute!

The post Shogun Audio LTD appoint new Label Manager appeared first on Data Transmission.

Here Raphael and Garo tell us about 5 artists who have influenced their music and career so far.

We are always influenced by any track that has a hellish bounce/groove that makes you want to nod your head and some hearty harmony supported by a beastly bass! At the end of the day, we are making dance music and the tunes need to make you move. Something that can come from a fantastic mixdown, which we have just discovered! – Flowidus

Pendulum

No album stands out more in our minds than Hold Your Colour. As far as influence goes, the flavours and diversity of this album have played a huge roll in crafting our sound, and thats before we even mention their arsenal of other bangers. If that came out today it would be huge. At the time it was absolutely ground breaking.

Friction – Dancing

When this song came out, it was on repeat the whole day. Such an awesome song, not just a dance track but a well composed piece of music that hits all the emotional strings but uplifts you at the same time! Works really well in a set, regardless of the crowd!

The Upbeats

Raw, grungy, heavy, funky. They can gel noises and themes seamlessly keeping it fun and bouncy while walking you to the gates of hell, or at least to the corner of the club where you can happily do your dirtiest bass face free of judgement. After listening to them for years they have always stayed true to their sound.

Dimension

All of Robs tunes are fantastic. We are a big fan of using the tracks in sets but only really for the vocals and mixing other tunes in at the drop, just for some difference. When an artist is so popular in the scene, you hear their tunes a lot in sets, this is just our way of slightly flipping them in a set so it’s a bit different.

Shapeshifter

Over the years they have released so much incredible music. Aside from the fact that their scratched CDs were on heavy rotation in our barely roadworthy cars growing up, for us the main stand out is their live performances. Seeing multi-instrumentalist going hard in sync making live Drum n Bass through huge festival sound systems is about as pure as it gets. Check out the podcast Shapeshifter did for us here

If you haven’t already bagged yourself a copy of ‘Footsteps’ EP on Elevate Records you can get one from here

The post 5 Artists that influenced Flowidus appeared first on Data Transmission.

Bursting onto the scene in 2016, with their debut EP on Program Records. ‘From The Storm’ showed their smooth production, variety and evolving style. Since then the duo have unleashed loads of releases on labels such as RAM, Onelove, Liquicity & Good Karma Music. Now they are exclusively signed to Friction‘s Elevate Records imprint.

Following on from their debut release on Elevate Records ‘Arrival’ in May 2018, the duo return with their latest EP ‘Footsteps’. Our premiere for you today is the closing track ‘Compressor’. This track on its own is set to destroy dancefloors at festivals this summer, it’s a gritty, hard hitter…not for the faint hearted!

Flowidus ‘Footsteps’ EP is out on general release on 21st June and available to download exclusively on Beatport now. Check out ‘Compressor’ below and grab a copy here and Pre-order the ‘Footsteps’ EP here

The post Flowidus release their ‘Footsteps’ EP on Elevate Records appeared first on Data Transmission.