By Jared Davis

High Contrast

Drum & Bass a genre that is characterized by fast breakbeats (typically between

160–180 bpm), with heavy bass and sub-bass lines.

Liquid Funk• a sub-genre of Drum and Bass where it uses similar bass lines

and bar layouts compared to other styles, it contains fewer bar-oriented samples and more instrumental layers (both synthesized

and natural), harmonies, and ambience.

High Contrast• One of the most recognized producers from this sub-genre hales

from Cardith, Wales (United Kingdom.)“High Contrast seemingly overnight became one of the most discussed drum'n'bass

producers in years. Not since the late '90s, when Goldie and Roni Size were recording full-length albums rather than strictly tracks, had there been so much

hype thrown upon a drum'n'bass producer's shoulders.” – artistdirect.com

Studied film in Newport.

First fell in love with Drum & Bass after hearing J Majik’s “Arabian Knight”

He was 17 when his love for music making

surpassed his interest in film

Growing Up

College Life

• Mastered the mixer, turntables, and the art of Djing

• Mastered the music production software Cubase

• Landed a residency at “Silent Running”

• Worked at music record shop Catapult

Residency at Silent RunningShared the stage with various D&B legends such as:

Goldie John B London Elektricity Marky Grooverider

Hospital Records• Signed to the label in 2000

• Label is based out of South London• Consists mainly of Liquid Funk musicians

True Colours• Recorded his first debut album at the

age of 22• Singles:

• Return of Forever• Make It Tonight

Pre-High Society• DJed in almost every outer national territory from Korea to Canada.• Remixed various artists such as:

• Adam F• The Streets• Dkay

High Society• Released in 2004• Voted top 3 jungle albums of the last 10

years• Singles:

• Twilight’s Last Gleaming• Racing Green• Angles & Fly

The Contrast Record Label• Started one year after the release of High Society

• First Release under his own label:• Days Go By

Tough Guys Don’t Dance• Released Oct 1, 2007• Featured guest vocals from:

• Ian Shaw• Diane Charlemagne• Linda-Gale Lewis

• Winner of Essential Mix of the year

Remixes After T.G.D.D.

Eric Prydz – Pjanoo Utah Saints – Something Good

Current• Resident DJ at the following clubs:

• Hospital• Aperture• Fabric

• Collaborations with:• Underworld• Tiesto

• 4th album is scheduled to be released early 2012

Pre-Listening Guide

• Tracks chosen for listening guide:

• Return of Forever• Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Listening Guide• Return of Forever:

• 0:00 Intro – siren synth enters in Major mode.• 0:45 Full strength of drums come in.• 1:52 Breakdown• 4:08 Contrast in synths• 4:30 Breakbeat pattern is halted only to pick up again• 5:10 Breakdown• 5:58 Coda final drop of drum roll pattern

Click on Icon to play song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoSscshAG-4

Listening Guide• Kiss Kiss Bang Bang:

• 0:00 Intro – Roaring guitar riff played over spoken sample• 0:51 Verse 1 drum beat builds up into drop• 1:12 Chorus – melody is carried away by vocals• 1:58 Background strings are brought in• 3:06 Beat is dropped out to bring in vocal• 3:27 Hip-hop beat enters again• 3:46 The vocal is chopped up and repeatedly played• 4:21 Coda turntable scratch is heard and beat drops out

Click on icon to play song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkENy3t_fgQ

Conclusion• “I like punk, I also like jazz, I like classic...

all kind of music. I've always been interested in extremes and bringing them together. I like the high contrast of sounds.” – High Contrast

References• http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/music/sites/high-contrast/pages/

biography.shtml• http://hospitalrecords.com/artists/highcontrast/• http://www.highlycontrasting.com/• http://www.artistdirect.com/artist/bio/high-contrast/1695181