Few facts about the origins of dubstep are widely accepted – but a few stand out in my mind as certainties. The fact that the sound originated from South London. The fact that the sound we know and love grew from the intersection of genres like dub/ reggae, grime and garage (to name a few) and the UK’s Jamaican soundsystem culture.
It’s the latter that strikes me as the most important when listening to three Dutch producers who make music under ‘The Illuminated’ moniker. Dyzz, Rebus and Vence’s music reminds me of the early days of dubstep – with inspiration drawn from the same places as the sound’s forefathers. The trio may have only been producing together for a few years, but they’re quick on their way to joining the likes of Noisia, Icicle, Proxima and TMSV as internationally known and respected Dutch bass music producers.
I’ve been working with the trio since hearing ‘Scavenger’, one of their first productions caught the attention of Skream and Benga on Radio 1. Support from other big names quickly followed with the likes of Joe Nice, who’s often quick to rewind many an Illuminated tune, Wheel & Deal’s N-Type and Biscuit Factory Records’ Walsh lining up to support The Illuminated’s music.