There’s no denying that drum & bass has been at the top of its game since the COVID-19 pandemic. What was once a genre tucked firmly in the underground has exploded into a mainstage staple at festivals across the world.

New Zealand, in particular, has had a long-standing love affair with drum & bass. Since the ’90s, local pioneers like Concord Dawn, Shapeshifter, State of Mind, and The Upbeats have flown the flag high, building a loyal homegrown following. In the early 2010s, the genre enjoyed a wave of commercial success, and in recent years, it’s surged once again — arguably reaching its highest peak yet.

In fact, Aotearoa has become something of a mecca for drum & bass, with top international artists making the trip to perform at our festivals year after year. Now, the ripple effect is being felt globally, with major events like EDC Las Vegas, Ultra Miami, and even Coachella including high-profile DnB artists on their lineups. The genre is beginning to gain real momentum in the U.S. and Australia — territories where it previously struggled to break through.

But as with all things in dance music, scenes evolve in cycles. Which begs the question: has drum & bass had its moment in New Zealand?

Let me be clear — I don’t think drum & bass is going anywhere. It’s carved out a stronghold here, and it’ll always have a place in our club culture. But after several years of dominance, often with the same headliners and DnB-heavy festival lineups, it feels like the scene may be ready for a shift. Perhaps it’s time for drum & bass to return to its underground roots, where it can refresh and innovate away from the commercial spotlight.

Meanwhile, other genres are bubbling up. UK Garage and Techno are starting to see real traction, with artists like Fred Again.., Sammy Virji, Interplanetary Criminal, and Kettama leading the way. While trends in electronic music aren’t always linear, there’s a palpable hunger for variety. Personally, I’d love to see a more balanced scene — a scene where drum & bass, techno, garage, house, dubstep, and everything in between can thrive simultaneously.

Drum & bass isn’t dead — far from it. But maybe we should be open minded to the sounds that could shape the future of electronic music.