New book, Renegade Snares, explores the history of drum & bass

A new book looking at the history of drum & bass is set to be published by Jawbone Press next month.

‘Renegade Snares: The Resistance And Resilience Of Drum & Bass’, named after the classic 1993 Omni Trio track, is written by Ben Murphy and Carl Loben – former editor and current editor-in-chief of DJ Mag respectively. 

The book aims to piece together a definitive history of drum & bass in all its forms, looking at the genre’s roots in soundsystem culture, and tracing its development up to the present day. It features interviews with key scene figures such as Roni Size, DJ Storm and Fabio & Grooverider. It also features classic photos from ’90s parties by photographer Daniel Newman.

Murphy and Loben cover definitive tracks from the genre going back three decades, and also assesses the dangers associated with whitewashing a scene and sound that was invented and developed by Black musicians. 

Speaking about the book, Goldie says: “This book is the truth. No holds barred, it lays it down as it is, and shows with concise clarity the tribalism within this beautiful drum & bass culture. This is definitive for me.”

‘Renegade Snares: The Resistance And Resilience Of Drum & Bass’ is available to pre-order here now.

It was recently revealed that Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum is hosting an exhibition focused on drum & bass and jungle music.