Can you share the moment or experience that first drew you to Drum & Bass and made you want to start producing it yourself?
The first time I had ever heard Drum & Bass and Jungle music was when I was living and studying in Bristol between 2008-2012. They say that Bristol is the home of Drum & Bass, so I found myself surrounded by the music. I was attending raves every weekend at clubs such as O2 Academy, Motion, Timbuktu, Basement 45, Dojos and Lakota. My first rave was ‘Bedlam vs Infidelity’ at the O2 Academy. I remember seeing Andy C absolutely shelling it in the main room and then you’d find me skanking to Old School UK Dubstep in the second room. From then onwards, I was addicted to the music. I have a background in dance, and I was fortunate to have been a member of the Bristol-based female dance collective ‘Bass Honeys’. I felt very welcomed into the scene, but then I moved abroad in 2015 to pursue my teaching and dance career.
Fast forward to 2018, I started mixing Drum & Bass whilst I was living in Hong Kong. I had DJ lessons from a member of ‘Unchained Asia’, but I only started to focus and knuckle-down on the DJing and production during lockdown in 2020/21. I had just moved back to the UK due to COVID-19 and it all started off as a hobby at first. I enrolled onto an 8-week beginners production course with ‘Education and Bass’ and it was at that moment, I knew I wanted to start releasing my own music. I really enjoy the process of making music and I’m always learning something new.
Drum & Bass has been a huge part of my journey. I don’t think I could make or play any other genre. It’s in my soul & in my bones!
Beyond the typical influences in D&B, are there any unexpected artists or genres that have shaped your sound?
I believe that I am still yet to discover my ‘signature sound’, but I get a lot of my inspiration from artists such as Sub Focus, Metrik & Culture Shock – I’ve been listening to their music since I started raving! Back then, I was listening to music coming out from labels such as RAM Records, Hospital and Viper. Some of the tracks released on these labels have certainly inspired me to make melodic, uplifting and emotive dancefloor and liquid Drum and Bass. I also play the piano, so this is often heard in my music.
I think it’s also important to listen to other genres & styles of music to get some inspiration. For example, with my background in dance, I listen to a lot of old-school Hip hop from artists such as Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, as well as soul, disco and funk music such as Earth, Wind & Fire. I like to pick out the elements in each track and choose a certain sound design which I think could work in DnB.
Your tracks carry a lot of energy — how would you personally define your signature sound within the Drum & Bass landscape?
I would like to think that I bring an energetic approach to Drum & Bass, often combining futuristic sound design with uplifting melodies, atmospheric pads and powerful vocals. I enjoy making music which has more of a cinematic feel (I love listening to compositions by Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfman), so I usually like to include an atmospheric build up in the intro which then leads onto a huge dramatic drop for a good contrast. I often include smooth basslines throughout the track to drive the rhythm forward, without overpowering the rest of the production.
A lot of my tracks such as ‘Alpenglow’ and ‘Crazy Love’, are very ‘hands in the air’ style tracks which are perfect for festivals & radio play. My main intention is to make good music and make people feel the emotion in each track. I am a sucker for vocals in Drum & Bass and I have been fortunate to have worked with some talented vocalists such as Ayah Marar, Lottie Jones & Emilie Rachel. They’ve really made my tracks come alive!
Stream ‘Think Of U’ :https://lnk.to/NattyLouLeemoThinkOfUftFaye
When starting a new project, do you follow a set routine in the studio, or do you prefer to let creativity guide you naturally?
I often get sent toplines from vocalists and lyricists, so this really helps me with starting a track. Gemma Rose, who features on my track ‘Tempted’, sent over the topline & piano melody for this one, so I worked around the vocal & it gave me more time to focus on other elements within the track. A lot of the time, an idea would come to my head, and I hum the melody into my voice-notes section of my phone (so that I don’t forget). Sometimes it works, other times it doesn’t!
I also like to get into the studio with other producers. I’ve been fortunate to have been in the studio and collaborated with artists such as Axel Boy, D*Minds, Tengu and Biometrix. It’s great because we get to bounce off ideas with each other – it often makes the process a bit quicker!
In a genre known for rapid evolution, how do you balance staying true to your style while pushing creative boundaries?
Yes, since the early 90’s, DnB has evolved rapidly from Jungle music. It has become an umbrella for sub-genres such as liquid, neuro-funk, jump-up, dance-floor, rollers etc. Balancing ‘staying true to yourself’ whilst pushing creative boundaries is definitely a challenge, but it’s also what keeps the music fresh and exciting. It’s important to respect the roots of Jungle / Drum & Bass – its rhythms, energy, basslines – but at the same time, I feel you should never be afraid to experiment. Hedex for example, played around with the arrangement of a track and look how far he’s come since taking that risk! Staying curious and continually challenging yourself is key to evolving without losing your identity. It’s about finding the balance between progression and preservation – honouring the past but not being confined to it.
I also think it’s important to stay in tune with what you love and what you’re most passionate about. In my case, I love dance-floor Drum & Bass – music that’s made for dancing. With much respect, you won’t see me release a jump-up track.
Reflecting on your live shows, is there a particular event or crowd reaction that’s left a lasting impact on you as an artist?
This is a very hard question, as I’ve been very fortunate to have had so many epic and memorable opportunities since I started playing out in 2021. I’m grateful to have played at some of the world’s most renowned festivals such as; Tomorrowland, Glastonbury, Boomtown, Rampage Open Air, and at venues such as; Drumsheds, Printworks, The Warehouse Project, Motion, Ministry of Sound and more.
I would say that Boomtown is my favourite festival because it’s a unique and immersive experience that blends music, performance and story-telling in a way few other festivals do. It’s a celebration of the boundless potential of art and music and I love the interactive elements with its diverse stages and thematic zones. I love seeing the dancers perform on the main stages. I am obviously a bit bias, but the way Boomtown integrates dance into the overall experience is really special.
Are there any collaborations or experimental projects you’re currently exploring that challenge or expand your sound?
I am currently working on a track with Drum & Bass duo, D*Minds. Their tracks ‘T-10’ and ‘Mr Happy’ have had a major influence on the genre of Drum and Bass, so it’s an absolute honour to be creating a track with them.
During our studio sessions, they give a lot of attention to detail and there’s a lot of experimenting with different sound design. There’s a strong emphasis on pushing boundaries, creating something unique and I’ve learnt a lot about the finer aspects of sound engineering, vocal processing, arrangement and musicality.
Working with them has expanded my sound, knowledge and understanding of music production.
For upcoming producers struggling to break into the scene, what hard-learned lessons or insights would you pass on?
- Stay true to yourself and make the music you love. Don’t jump on what’s popular right now, as it won’t last.
- Stick with it. It’s not easy and making a track doesn’t happen overnight. It takes years of studio time and a lot of patience.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Get into the studio with different producers as you’ll learn something different each time. Attend production workshops, subscribe to Patreon for tutorials or watch YouTube for hints and tips.
- Develop your ‘sound’. Easier said than done, but your originality will always set you apart.
- Network. Build relationships with labels by supporting the music and their artists or going to label nights. Building authentic relationships with other producers may bring future opportunities e.g. collaborations.
- Don’t feel failure. Rejections or lack of response can feel like setbacks but try not to take it personally. Believe in yourself and your craft, build up your resilience and keep going!
How do you use social media and live performances to connect with your audience beyond just sharing your music?
I like to engage with my audience on social media by responding to messages, comments & mentions. I value their continued support, and I hope to create a sense of community. People tend to connect with real & genuine personalities, so I like to show my ‘human side’ by posting stories of everyday life such as the books I’m reading or my gym sessions!
At events, I like to engage in conversation with my fans and take photo requests. It’s important to make time for the people who support you.
Looking ahead, what’s your ultimate vision for your career in Drum & Bass and the legacy you hope to leave behind?
My main goal and purpose in life is to inspire others. I want to inspire and help the next generation of artists coming through. I think it’s really important to educate others on the history of DnB & Jungle, keeping the culture alive and building the community. I’m a big believer in ‘following your dreams’, and I want to encourage others who wish to live their dreams too. Sharing my life experience and overcoming the challenges that I’ve faced along the way might help others pursue their passion too.
ABOUT NATTY LOU :
Natty Lou is an international Drum and Bass DJ & Producer from the U.K and has graced the stages of renowned clubs and festivals worldwide. From legendary venues such as Ministry of Sound to the sun-soaked party paradise of Eden Ibiza, she has left an indelible mark on the Drum and Bass scene. Her unique blends & energetic switches create an atmosphere that is both invigorating and unforgettable.
Natty has showcased her sound throughout various clubs such as Drumshed, Printworks, Ministry of Sound & Fabric London, Motion Bristol, The Warehouse Project Manchester, Eden Ibiza, Melkweg Amsterdam and more.
She has played at major festivals such as Tomorrowland Festival & Rampage Open Air in Belgium, Glastonbury, Boomtown, Boardmasters Festival and Love Saves the Day in the UK, Snowboxx Festival in the Alps, ADE Amsterdam and much more.
Natty has successfully completed two international tours in Asia, covering; China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam and Thailand.
Natty Lou has released music on renowned labels within the Drum and Bass scene including Liquicity, Ridmic, Bassrush (Insomniac), NCS and more. In 2025, Natty has a stellar line-up of forthcoming releases on Hexagon, DeVice, Dark Machine Records, so keep an ear out for her future releases and performances as she remains a beacon on energy and excitement within the scene.
Other Achievements:
- Nominated as ‘Best DJ’ & ‘Best Track’ in Drum and Bass Arena Awards 2023
- Nominated as ‘Best Female DJ’ in the Drum and Bass Awards 2024.
- UKF ‘One To Watch’ in 2023
- Nominated as ‘Best Independent Artist/Group’ for AUX Awards 2023
- Nominated as ‘Best Newcomer’ in Drum and Bass Arena Awards 2021
Track Releases:
- Natty Lou’s debut release ‘All For You’ is out on DeVice Records and received an outstanding response of 13.3K plays on Apple Music in just under one week. The melodic dance-floor track was featured on playlists such as ‘Drum ‘n’ Bass’, ‘New in Dance’, ‘Breaking Dance’ and Hospital Records’ ‘Drum & Bass Fresh Selections’. It currently has over 50,000 plays on Apple Music.
- Her Drum & Bass bootleg of ATB’s infamous track, 9PM (Till I come), reached #13 in the Hypeddit charts. It had air-time on Charlie Tee’s Radio 1 Drum and Bass show and was supported by the likes of Mollie Collins, TC, Fred V, John B and many more.
- Natty Lou’s next release ‘Alpenglow’ came out on Liquicity. The liquid Drum & Bass track features captivating & soulful vocals from the incredibly talented, Lottie Jones. It was well received, with 5K plays in just one week and was added to over 200 Spotify playlists such as ‘Liquicity Drum & Bass’, ‘A Little Sound Must Listens’, Hospital Records ‘Drum & Bass Fresh Selections’ and more. It was selected for a UKF premiere on YouTube, in which it had 11K views in just 24 hours.
- Natty’s follow up release ‘Mi Nawe’ came out on High Tea Music. ‘Mi Nawe’ translated to ‘Me & You’ in English, is a heart-felt love song. With strong, driving, powerful drums and an undertone of percussion, led by Swahili vocals, it takes you through an uplifting build and drops into a catchy anthemic hook supported by a heavy, pumping bassline.
- Taken from FiXT’s forthcoming multi-genre EDM compilation album “Noir”, Toronto Is Broken teams up with DJ and producer Natty Lou for a dark hypnotic Drum & Bass Single “Altered States.” 10K Spotify plays in one month and added to over 300 Spotify playlists.
- Fresh off the back of her collaboration with label head Toronto Is Broken, Welsh DJ, and now producer, Natty Lou releases her first single on YANA “A Lot To Leave”. Featuring the unique vocal tones of Émilie Rachel, the pair deliver an effortlessly powerful and emotive Dancefloor Drum & Bass banger. Supported by the likes of Pendulum, Grafix, Mollie Collins, TC, D*Minds and more. Was aired on Charlie Tee’s Radio One Show.
- Natty Lou and MC Texas combine forces to release the high-energy ‘Voltaic’ on DeVice Records. Laying down fierce vocals, MC Texas sets the part for Natty Lou’s signature system rattling bass and powerful percussion. It was added to Apple Music Playlist ‘New In Dance’. Added to Spotify playlists: ‘Beatport Best New Drum & Bass’, ‘The Freshest Drum & Bass’. ‘Brand New Drum and Bass’ and more! Reached #23 in Beatport Chart.
- Recently gaining success as Drum & Bass royalty, Natty Lou has enlisted the fast rising and powerhouse producer, Tengu, on remix duties for her latest High Tea single, ‘Mi Nawe’ featuring Swahili vocalist, Nes Mburu. Already premiered on Charlie Tee’s Radio 1 Drum & Bass show and supported by El Hornet (Pendulum); this tune is a powerful 4 x 4 anthem. Reached 2K plays on Spotify within 7 days and included on playlists such as ‘New Music Friday Kenya’, ‘Koji’s DNC Collection’, ‘Massive Drum and Bass’ and more!
- Natty Lou’s final release of 2023 is a melodic liquid Drum and Bass track featuring vocalist, Gemma Rose. Out on Liquicity, ‘Tempted’ remained in Spotify playlist ‘New Music Friday’ for two weeks and is still currently in Spotify playlist ‘Chilled Drum and Bass’. It was played by Jaguar on her BBC Radio 1 show and was supported by a large number of DJ’s in the scene. It caught the attention of major label, Universal Music, and so both Natty & Gemma decided to produce and release an acoustic version. ‘Tempted’ is beautifully sang and played on the piano by Welsh singer & songwriter, Gemma Rose. The full length music video is out now on YouTube!
- On the opposing side of the multi-genre ensemble proudly stands Natty Lou’s energetic feel-good piece, “Crazy Love”, out now on Bassrush (Insomniac). The UK-based phenom entices us in by pulling at our heartstrings with her sultry opening lyrics and an infectious build-up to back it up. As the track reaches its crescendo, listeners are bathed under a nostalgic wave of soul-stirring drum-and-bass. ‘Crazy Love’ was supported with a UKF premiere and added to Spotify playlists such as ‘UKF Drum & Bass’ and more. It was played by Jaguar on her BBC Radio 1 show.
- ‘Galactic’ is an electrifying Neurofunk Drum and Bass track released on NCS that opens with an atmospheric build-up, evoking the feeling of drifting through the cosmos. Sebotage’s vocals have been processed to sound like astronaut communications which enhances the track’s futuristic vibe. Suddenly, the drop hits with ferocious energy with distorted bass stabs and glitchy effects, adding a futuristic edge to propel the listener into an exhilarating galactic journey.
- Introducing the electrifying remix everyone’s been waiting for! After Natty Lou’s viral Drum and Bass bootleg of ‘Infinity 2008’ which sent shockwaves through the scene, Guru Josh Project couldn’t resist the magnetic allure of her remix prowess. Consequently, Guru Josh Project & Henry Himself invited Natty to craft an official DnB remix.
- In what has quickly become a favourite label series, Viper are proud to present the next edition of Future Fire, and the first of 2024. Axel Boy returns to Viper alongside Natty Lou with “In The Future” which also features the illustrious vocals of Émilie Rachel. A vibrant dancefloor number, Axel Boy’s already successful bass music career provides a creative insight into DnB production, pairing perfectly with Natty Lou’s signature energy observed behind the decks and now behind the studio. Together with Émilie Rachel’s bold vocals, “In The Future” is blazing Drum & Bass at its finest.
- After a very hectic festival season, Natty Lou returns to High Tea Music with a brand new track, ‘TALK’, in collaboration with Drum & Bass artist Tengu & vocalist Leo Wood. After Tengu’s impressive remix of Natty Lou’s ‘Mi Nawe’, it was a ‘no-brainer’ that Natty had to collaborate with him on a track. Their combined talents promise a track that showcases their unique styles and is elevated to the next level by Leo Wood’s powerful vocals. ‘TALK’ is featured on the latest High Tea Music LP ‘Matcha Latte’.
- Natty Lou joins forces with Leemo and Faye to bring you her final release in 2024. ‘Think Of U’ is out now on Liquicity’s sister label, Ridmic Records. A smooth, melodic and atmospheric liquid Drum & Bass track perfect for a cozy winter!