From DJ Marky’s UK breakthrough, to the infamous ‘Sambass’ comps, to V Recordings ‘Brasil’ E.P’s, Brasil has proved itself the main outpost of Jungle Drum & Bass in South America, with its own unique take on the sound featuring samples and percussion from latin dance styles.
This reputation still stands up in 2025, so we check in with some of the names keeping JDB in Brazil alive and fresh.
DJ FABZ
Take us through some fulfilling moments and challenging moments you had when you first started DJing?
When I started, my great difficulty was buying vinyl. I was starting in the job market and earning little and not able to buy records, record a mix and distribute people to get to know my work. I’m grateful for all the parties/clubs I’ve played, especially sharing lineups with artists I’m a fan of.
Tell us about your residency for Sonance Sessions.
Sonance Sessions is a podcast platform mixed by DJs from around the world and different styles of electronic music. I’m a monthly resident DJ, and each mix is intended for Drum and Bass styles, such as jump up, minimal, rolling, jungle, soulful, dancefloor, etc.
Every second Saturday of the month there is a new mix on the air!
Tell us about the Jungle Drum & Bass scene in Brasil.
Drum and Bass has not been in the mainstream for many years here in Brasil, and few crews have remained active holding parties. Even with a disloyal dispute with other rhythms listened to by Brazilians, I see that Drum and Bass has the potential to reach new fans. After the pandemic new producers, DJs and crews emerged, a new audience appeared, but still very shy compared to the 2000’s.
Find DJ Fabz on Instagram
DJ ANDY
I remember Bryan Gee saying that you are a great DJ, how do you reach that level?
Yes, the first time Bryan looked at me with attention was here in Brasil in 2001 at Skol Beats Festival , it was a huge electronic music festival here, he was in shock and after that he invited me to start to play at Movement – Bar Rumba.
I won best DJ, because I do my work with a lot of passion, always innovating, I really like to include the art of turntablism in my sets, I grew up watching the DMC on VHS tapes, but the most important thing is to surprise the dance floor, do something they don’t expect at the time and thus create a greater connection with my audience, I think that was it, I believe it was the result of work over time with a lot of passion and that’s where the recognition comes from.
What are a few of your best memories of DJing in Brazil and internationally?
I have a lot of moments in the Club that I started called OverNight, some Festivals like SkolBeats and Tomorrowland. I Played for the first time at Movement in the UK, I will always be thankful for Bryan and Ray Keith! My first time playing at Fabric with a huge line up was pretty special. Also One Nation and Random Concept Festivals in the USA and Canada as well! My first tours as well.. I have a lot of moments, this is difficult, I’m 34 years in the game now heheheh.
Tell our readers your top 5 DNB tunes of all-time.
1 – Goldie – Chemistry
(Doc Scott Remix ) MetalHeadz
2 – JMJ Richie – Free La Funk PFM Remix (Moving Shadow)
3 – Dj Trace – Mutant Revisted
(Emotif Recordings)
4 – DJ Die – The Reason Why
(Clear Skyz)
5 – Ray Keith – The Power
(V Recordings )
Find DJ ANDY on Instagram
L-Side
You’ve had great releases on V Recordings throughout the years, tell our readers how you linked up with Bryan Gee?
I met Bryan Gee approximately 15 years ago through Critycal Dub and Level 2 when Bryan came to São Paulo to play at a Movement party. That was when our connection began. I gave him a CD with my productions, and a few weeks later, he messaged me on AIM (America Online Messenger), saying he wanted to sign one of my tracks for his label, Chronic.
Take us through your process of producing a track.
I have different processes for creating a track, but most of the time, it starts with listening to old sets from DJs I admire, one of them being Randall (R.I.P). Every time I listen to his sets, I feel inspired to start a track, and I usually begin with the beat, creating a drum loop and then a bassline that fits well with it. After that, I work on the intro, and once I have around two minutes of music, I export it to play in my sets to get a feel for what changes might be needed and whether a vocal is necessary.
What are some things that you’d like to accomplish in music that you haven’t yet?
There are still some things I haven’t accomplished yet, but would love to work with labels and artists I admire. For example, collaborating with Shy FX on a remix, a collab, or releasing on his label, Digital Soundboy. Releasing on Doc Scott’s 31 Records. Without a doubt, having a release on Metalheadz as well!
Find L-Side on Instagram, Soundcloud
DJ Patife
Music is obviously a big part of your life, who are some of your musical influences?
At home when I was little, my dad always had music playing. I didn’t really like what he used to listen to, until I got a bit older. My neighbours were the ones who introduced me to sounds that gave me chills. Hip-Hop and the whole breakdance era made my childhood priceless. Michael Jackson was my idol from day one. As a teenager, Public Enemy and NWA were on my ears on a daily basis. I have to mention that 70’s & 80’s Brazilian samba had a huge impact as I was growing up.
When you’re done DJing, how would you like your peers and fans to remember you?
Someone who stirred their emotions through music. Someone who introduced them to music that they will never forget and that took them to different places in space and time.
When did you realize that you wanted to make DJing a big part of your life?
Actually, I never thought that I could make a living out of music. Up until 1997, I was still working a 9 to 5 job. I think from 2002/2003 I felt confident and safe about making DJing a bigger part of my life.
Find DJ Patife on: Instagram
DOUSCIENCE
There is such a rich musical culture in Brasil, please tell our readers about what you love about being a Brazilian producer and DJ.
I often say that I didn’t choose the music, especially Drum and Bass, but rather the music that chose me. Being a drum and bass producer in Brazil is a unique experience, because my country has an incredibly rich and diverse musical culture. Brazil has always been a melting pot of influences, and this is reflected in the way D&B is produced here. The Brazilian sound has its own groove, mixing traditional rhythms such as samba, bossa nova, maracatu and funk, among others.
What I love most about this scene is the creative freedom. We have producers who are not afraid to experiment, mixing vocals in Portuguese, organic samples and even live instruments to create a unique sound. The audience is also very receptive to these fusions, and this makes the events something special.
Another incredible thing is the energy on the dance floors. The Brazilian audience has an absurd passion for music, which makes each event an intense experience. Whether at big festivals or underground parties, the vibe is always contagious. Brazil has talented DJs and MCs, who bring even more personality to the movement.
In addition, the scene has grown significantly in recent years, with more parties, independent labels and international recognition. This gives even more motivation to continue producing and exploring new sounds within drum and bass.
As a DJ, what are some elements of a track that you look for when you’re planning a set?
My references and influences lean towards harmonic and melodic, but as a Drum and Bass DJ, when I’m planning a set, I look for some essential elements to ensure the vibe is cohesive, engaging and full of impact.
What inspires you to infuse so much soul into your tunes?
Thank you very much for the compliment and observation! (laughs), I think that despite my almost 30 years of production, I have a lot to learn, after all, we are constantly learning. God and my daughter are my main inspirations.
For me, the soul of music comes from the emotion and connection I want to create with the listener. What inspires me the most is the fusion of organic sounds, captivating melodies and deep atmospheres, elements that bring that sense of genuine feeling within drum and bass.
My influences come from soul, jazz, Brazilian music and even hip-hop, because these genres carry a lot of groove and emotion. I love using rich samples, warm chords, expressive vocals and bass lines that speak for themselves. In addition, the energy of the dance floors and the passion of the D&B scene motivate me to create something that truly touches people, whether it’s to dance, reflect or simply feel the vibe.
Find DUOSCIENCE on Instagram , SoundCloud
Andrezz
Please tell our All Crews readers about your project, JOY Drum and Bass.
After playing in several projects and parties in clubs and festivals for diverse audiences in my country and in some places outside Brasil, “I asked myself, Why not create my own party?” and one day it literally happened.
JOY Drum & Bass is a party run by me and guests that I decided to create to add and expand even more to the Drum and Bass scene in the place where I live to continue playing the style of music that I believe in forever, which is Drum & Bass.
Which one of your releases are you the most proud of and why?
This is really a difficult question to answer, but I have a very special affection for the “Resistance EP” because it was my first EP released on (Liquid V) and because of the wonderful story that this work brings me. I would like to thank the legendary Bryan Gee immensely for believing and continuing to believe in my work and I would also like to thank Level 2 and Critycal Dub who were the first to play the EP’s tracks when they were playing in England (before I sent them to Bryan).
Who are other Brazilian Jungle Drum & Bass DJ’s and producers that you have a great deal of respect for?
It’s impossible not to talk about DJ Marky when it comes to DJs. In my opinion, he is one of the best DJs on the planet, playing Drum & Bass, Jungle, Funk, Soul, and all genres of music. I’m extremely grateful for having been invited by him to play at many of his parties, grateful for him to play at my JOY Drum & Bass party and for having released my track, “Bring Me Back” on his label (Innerground).
In addition to DJ Marky and many other Brazilian DJs and producers that I respect, I have a huge admiration for DJ Patife, DJ Andy, Drumagick, L-Side, and DJ Chap. In approximately 2006, we’ve been on the same line-ups, or in the same studios, or in the same bars, or in our own homes, etc. To this day I continue to learn from these incredible people who already have a beautiful history and a worldwide career in music as DJs and producers.
Find DJ Andrezz on: Instagram
