Manuel is a passionate, driven, and techsavvy AV technician, 
When comparing Jungle and
Drum and Bass
The debate often varies on a case-by-case basis, but some common arguments have recently become more prevalent among the passionate fans of each genre. As a result, some principles for defining each are becoming clearer, potentially settling the Jungle vs. Drum andBass debate once and for all.
Many associate Jungle music with the older, darker sounding music that gained popularity in the early nineties. This niche of music is often referred to as Jungle Techno in its early stages, with Drum and Bass emerging as a genre that followed Jungle Techno. However, Jungle is also linked to a unique form of Reggae called Ragga. The term can lose meaning between the two different genres and create confusion, with two people potentially using the term Jungle in association with different genres of music.
A more prevalent argument over the distinctions between Jungle and Drum andBass is that Drum and Bass features percussion that complements the bass structure, while Jungle’s bass and percussion usually act independently. The simplified break beats of Drum and Bass are generally less complex than those associated with Jungle music. Vocals also differ between Jungle and Drum and Bass, with Jungle predominantly featuring Reggae vocalizations, though both can fluctuate.
The close association that Jungle has with Reggae has further contributed to the confusion in the debate, as many clubs and DJs that would not play Reggae music would play Jungle and refer to it as Drum andBass unknowingly. Many songs that might be considered Jungle music have become quite popular through being played at these clubs, but now people often refer to these songs as Drum and Bass, carrying the same misconceptions when identifying these two genres of music.
In the mid-nineties, Jungle began to diverge from the Reggae sound and developed into its own genre, utilizing heavier beats and edited breaks. Interestingly, during this movement, one of the most popular and well-known Jungle songs was first introduced on an album titled “Drum and Bass Selection 1”.
As the debate continues with now established, definite terms, it may take some time before the Jungle vs. Drum andBass argument reaches a resolution. Gradually, we are witnessing each genre emerging as its own distinct style of music, and eventually, both will be easily identifiable.
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME
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Jungle techno was first coined by the black dj’s and mc’ s ( most notably Top buzz) of the early rave scene. It was called at the very beginning “jungle “ then on to jungle techno and now drum n bass.
Hey, thanks for your insightful comment! You’ve touched on a crucial part of the history that really emphasizes the rich, collaborative, and dynamic origins of these genres. It’s fascinating how the early rave scene, particularly the contributions of pioneering black DJs and MCs like Top Buzz, shaped the evolution of Jungle into what we now recognize as Drum and Bass. Their innovative use of breakbeats, layered with samples and electronic effects, indeed set the foundation for Jungle Techno, a term that captures the hybrid nature of these early sounds.
Your point about the terminology evolving from “Jungle” to “Jungle Techno” and eventually to “Drum and Bass” is particularly interesting. It highlights not just a change in the sound but also a shift in the cultural and musical landscape. These transitions reflect how artists and communities interact with and influence the music, leading to new subgenres and styles.
I’m curious to explore further how these early influences continue to resonate in today’s Drum and Bass tracks. Do you think the spirit of the early rave scene, with its emphasis on innovation and community, still informs the genre? And how do you see the role of these pioneering artists in shaping the future directions of Drum and Bass?
Let’s keep this conversation going. It’s through exchanges like this that we can appreciate the depth and breadth of musical genres and their histories.