Upgrade (UK)

You know the expression, “been there, done that, got the T shirt”? That's Upgrade. In his drum 'n' bass career, he's acquired a metaphorical wardrobe-full of T shirts. Coming out of the East Anglia crucible of DnB talent Upgrade has been an influential producer, deejay, and tastemaker ever since he made his mark on the scene over a decade ago. He's released on the biggest labels in the game, including Dnb Allstars, RAM, Low Down Deep, Crucast, Serial Killaz, and more, as well as regularly playing for a roll call of the most prestigious promotions. The hundreds of thousands of YouTube views for just one of his Rampage appearances tell their own story, as does his international booking schedule as a touring headliner which has seen him bring the heat to multiple continents. So, having gathered enough laurels to rest on, Upgrade could easily have taken his foot off the gas and coasted. For him, though, that was never an option. Every project is a passion project, whether its a dancefloor-mauling jump-up banger, his own label and soundsystem First Request, or giving back to the community by supporting up-and-coming talent. Having ticked off all the usual targets for a DnB artist – the high-profile gigs, the big releases, the chart success – Upgrade is still all about pushing things further. Looking beyond his own success, he's still got ambitions of connecting the underground to the mainstream, bringing new audiences to the music, and spreading the word of drum 'n' bass further and wider internationally. Even while keeping his finger firmly on the pulse, able to connect with everyone from the new kids to the old school, his next mission is to elevate the scene as a whole. As the Swiss Army Knife of DnB – a master producer, audio engineer, selector, label boss, soundman, promoter, and more – Upgrade, true to his name, is always ready to level up.