One of the longest standing independent labels to emerge from the UK rave explosion in the early 90s, RAM Records, has grown to become the leading DnB imprint in the world. To celebrate 20+ years of musical success, the internationally acclaimed label has curated an all-new, 3-part compilation series to be released exclusively in the U.S. this summer- RAM Drum & Bass USA.Following the release of an explosive inaugural Vol. 1 last month, RAM presents the second installation of this compilation series, RAM Drum & Bass USA Vol. 2 featuring music from Noisia, Delta Heavy,Xample and more – Download Hamilton’s exclusive mini-mix of Vol.2 HERE
RAM will also be bringing their unique break-beat and hardcore anthems to NYC this month for a special RAM New York show at Webster Hall on July 18. Featuring performances from Andy C, Rene Lavice and MCing from non-other than Armanni Reign, RAM New York will certainly be an evening of not-to-be-missed DnB madness.
From Ram Trilogy’s mind blowing ‘Screamer’ to one of Fresh’s heaviest solo cuts ‘Signal’, each track on Vol. 2 slaps with distinctive creativity. Nightbreed’s ‘Pack Of Wolves’ explores DnB’s relationship with rock, Hamilton’s ‘Echoes’ and ‘Deep In My Heart’ redefine classic rave for the modern day dance, while Wilkinson’s ‘Moonwalker’ reminds us of the high profile headliner’s silkiest roots.
More pivotal releases are surfaced with Rene LaVice’s ‘Headlock’ and Xample’s ‘Heaven & Hell’ which were the debut label appearances that laid the foundations for their now massive careers. Delta Heavy’s ‘Hold Me’ was also an early precursor for the duo’s now unstoppable trajectory. Ending with a bang, RAM Drum & Bass USA Vol. 2 concludes with Noisia’s explosive track, ‘Façade’.
Revered as “one of the drum & bass scene’s mainstays” by Do Androids Dance and “a renowned name in drum & bass” by Resident Advisor, RAM Records pushes the boundaries of DnB yet again with this stunning new compilation series
Ram Records was established by Andy C and Ant Miles in the summer of 1992. Boldly placing itself at the very forefront of a genre that didn’t even exist, Ram has played a consistently dominant role in the foundation and continuous development of drum & bass ever since. Originally an outlet for Andy C’s own productions and projects the label quickly cultivated its own distinctive sonic signature and roster of hugely talented artists. Under the captaincy of label manager Scott Bourne, this advancement has never stopped and has gone on to begin the careers of household names in electronic music such as Chase & Status, Sub Focus and Wilkinson.
Follow Ram Records’ discography and you’ll follow the very twists and turns of drum & bass itself. From its post-hardcore roots to the precipice of drum & bass’s genre-melting future; from the demonstrative darkness of the late 90s to the festival electrifying vocal-led cuts of now. The label’s output has not only reflected the most exciting aspects of the genre, but has been influential in progressing it by a combination of working with the best artists of every era and maintaining a scene-standard production benchmark that is notoriously high. Over 20 years deep and Ram Records is no longer just at the very forefront of drum & bass but electronic music at large. Its artists dominate the many multi-genre line-ups at the best events around the world. And its output, while still predominantly 170BPM, reflects the rude state of creative health dance music is enjoying: boundaries have blurred, rules are broken and as the dance floor’s many facets and flavors continue to morph, mutate and melt, one thing remains sure… Ram will always be leading the charge.