Liquid drum and bass, also referred to as liquid DnB, melodic drum and bass, liquid funk, or simply liquid, is a subgenre of drum and bass. It retains similar basslines and rhythmic structures to other forms of drum and bass, but generally places less emphasis on repetitive break-based sampling and more on layered instrumentation, including both synthesized and acoustic sounds. It often incorporates harmonies, melodies, and atmospheric elements, creating a more emotive and relaxed sound that is intended for both home listening and club or rave environments. The style is influenced by genres such as jazz, soul, and in some cases blues.
In 1999, Fabio together with Sarah Sandy began promoting a style of drum and bass they referred to as liquid funk, including a compilation release of the same name on their Creative Source label. This approach drew on influences from ambient music, funk, disco, house, and trance, and frequently included vocal elements. The style initially had limited mainstream attention but gained broader recognition in the early 2000s, particularly around 2003 to 2004. By the mid-2000s, it had become a well-established subgenre within drum and bass. Labels associated with its development and distribution include Good Looking Records, Hospital Records, Liquid V, Creative Source, Shogun Limited, and Fokuz Recordings. Artists commonly associated with the style include Calibre, Netsky, LTJ Bukem, High Contrast, Logistics, London Elektricity, Nu:Tone, Shapeshifter, DJ Marky, Makoto, and Solid State.
Liquid drum and bass is often compared with intelligent drum and bass and atmospheric drum and bass. While these styles share similarities, they differ in emphasis and texture. Liquid drum and bass typically incorporates stronger influences from genres such as soca, Latin music, jazz, disco, breakbeat, and funk, often featuring organic instrumentation and vocal samples. In contrast, intelligent and atmospheric drum and bass tend to focus on smoother, more synthetic soundscapes with sustained pads, deep bass, and fewer acoustic elements.
From 2006 to 2009, liquid drum and bass continued to develop and maintain a presence within the broader drum and bass scene. In 2007, High Contrast released the album "Tough Guys Don't Dance", which included tracks such as "If We Ever" featuring Diane Charlemagne, "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang", and "Tread Softly". Several of these tracks received radio play, including on BBC Radio 1 dance programming, and the album contributed to increased visibility of the subgenre during that period.
Liquicity began as a YouTube channel in 2008 and later expanded into a record label and event promotion brand around 2011. It has been associated with supporting emerging liquid drum and bass artists, particularly in countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.
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