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UK Garage Since 1995

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Chris Bass in his studio
Classic Garage

Chris Bass

A veteran of the UK garage scene, Chris Bass has been crafting classic garage sounds that honor the genre's roots while pushing creative boundaries. His deep understanding of the classic garage formula and meticulous production style have made him a respected figure in the underground scene.

10
Releases
2018
Joined Label
50K+
Streams

Biography

Chris Bass emerged from the UK garage underground with a deep respect for the genre's foundational elements and an unwavering commitment to preserving its authentic sound. His journey into UK garage began in the late 1990s, during the genre's golden era, when he was captivated by the energy and innovation pouring out of London's pirate radio stations and underground clubs. Those formative experiences shaped his understanding of what makes UK garage special—the swing of the drums, the weight of the bass, the clever use of vocal samples, and most importantly, the feeling that the music creates on a dancefloor.

Since joining Big Drum Records in 2018, Chris has consistently delivered tracks that capture the essence of classic garage while maintaining relevance in today's electronic music landscape. His studio work is characterized by crisp percussion, warm basslines, and an intuitive understanding of groove that keeps dancefloors moving. What distinguishes Chris from many contemporary producers is his refusal to chase trends—he's committed to making authentic UK garage that honors the genre's history while sounding fresh and contemporary.

Chris's approach to production is rooted in the classic garage formula, but he's not simply recreating the past. He understands that great UK garage has always been about innovation within a framework—taking the core elements of the genre and finding new ways to arrange them, new sounds to incorporate, new grooves to explore. His tracks reference the golden era of UK garage without sounding dated, a difficult balance that requires both technical skill and deep musical understanding.

His discography showcases remarkable consistency and quality. Releases like "Underground Classics EP" and "Garage Foundations" demonstrate his ability to craft complete bodies of work that flow together cohesively while offering variety and depth. Each track is carefully constructed, with attention paid to every element from the kick drum to the final reverb tail. This meticulous approach means Chris doesn't release music frequently, but when he does, it's always worth the wait.

In the studio, Chris works with a combination of modern digital tools and classic hardware that gives his productions their distinctive warmth. He's particularly known for his drum programming, spending hours getting the shuffle and swing exactly right. His basslines are crafted to work on proper sound systems—deep enough to feel in your chest but controlled enough to maintain clarity. He's a master of the subtle details that separate good garage from great garage: the ghost notes in the hi-hats, the slight variations in velocity that make programmed drums feel human, the careful EQ work that allows every element to shine.

Chris's influence extends beyond his own productions. As one of the more experienced producers on Big Drum Records, he's become a mentor to younger artists, sharing his knowledge of classic garage production techniques and helping to ensure that the genre's traditions are passed down to new generations. He's passionate about preserving the underground ethos that made UK garage special—the focus on quality over quantity, the commitment to serving the dancefloor, and the respect for the genre's history and culture.

With over 50,000 streams across his catalog and a growing reputation in the underground scene, Chris Bass continues to be a vital voice in preserving and evolving the classic garage sound for new generations of listeners. His music has been supported by key UK garage DJs and featured on underground radio stations across the UK, from London to Birmingham to Manchester. He's performed at underground garage nights and festivals, bringing his authentic sound to dancefloors across the country.

As UK garage continues its resurgence, Chris Bass stands as a reminder of what made the genre great in the first place. His commitment to authenticity, quality, and the underground spirit ensures that his music will remain relevant long after trends have come and gone. For anyone seeking genuine UK garage that honors the genre's past while looking toward its future, Chris Bass is an essential artist to follow.

Classic Garage Philosophy

Chris's approach to UK garage is guided by a clear philosophy: respect the genre's foundations while remaining open to evolution. He believes that UK garage's core elements—the shuffled 2-step rhythm, the sub-bass pressure, the clever vocal sampling—are timeless, but the way these elements are combined and presented can and should evolve. This philosophy allows him to create music that sounds both classic and contemporary, familiar yet fresh.

He's particularly passionate about the importance of proper sound system culture in UK garage. His tracks are designed to be experienced on quality speakers where you can feel the bass and hear every detail of the percussion. This focus on sound system culture connects his work to UK garage's roots in club culture and pirate radio, where the physical experience of the music was just as important as the songs themselves.

Discography

Underground Classics
EP2025
20254 tracks
Bassline Memories
Single2024
20241 track
2-Step Forward
EP2024
20243 tracks
Garage Foundations
Album2023
20238 tracks
Classic Cuts Vol. 1
EP2023
20235 tracks
Deep Garage Sessions
Single2022
20221 track