Roni Size & LTJ Bukem: Drum and Bass Pioneers at The Prospect Building
Roni Size & LTJ Bukem: Drum and Bass Pioneers at The Prospect Building
Roni Size and LTJ Bukem are two of the most influential figures in drum and bass, each playing a vital role in shaping the genre’s sound and global reach. Emerging from the UK underground in the early 1990s, they helped define two complementary strands of the music: Roni Size’s hard-edged, rhythmically daring Bristol sound and LTJ Bukem’s weightless, jazz-infused, atmospheric take on jungle. For decades, both artists have been making innovative music, continually pushing the boundaries of the genre. Together, they represent the full spectrum of what the genre can be—from rave-ready intensity to deep, immersive journeys.
Bringing them together at The Prospect Building in Bristol is a meeting of pioneers and a celebration of the city’s ongoing role in global club culture. Their appearance at this state-of-the-art venue continues a story that started in small clubs, youth-centre studios, and pirate radio shows, now reborn in a large-scale space purpose-built for modern electronic music events. It is a homecoming and a landmark moment for Bristol’s bass community, whose love for drum and bass continues to fuel the city’s vibrant scene.
Bristol Roots and the Rise of Drum and Bass
Roni Size grew up in Bristol, absorbing reggae, hip hop, and sound-system culture long before drum and bass had a name. His time at local youth projects and early raves pushed him towards production, where chopped breakbeats and heavy basslines became his signature palette. As jungle and drum and bass began to crystallise in the early 1990s, Bristol quickly became one of its beating hearts alongside London and the Midlands.
That Bristol heritage is central to Roni Size’s identity. His work with like-minded producers and DJs helped create a localised sound: rugged yet musical, rooted in sound-system weight and street-level experimentation. The city’s warehouses, clubs, and pirate airwaves gave him the space to develop tracks that would soon move from underground dance floors to international stages. The bi-monthly Signal event at Lab remains a key part of Bristol’s drum and bass community, showcasing the city’s ongoing passion for the genre.
Mercury Prize Success with New Forms
In 1997, Roni Size & Reprazent released their debut album New Forms, a record that shifted the perception of drum and bass forever. Blending rapid-fire breakbeats with live drums, double bass, and rich vocals, the album showed that this club-born music could operate as a fully formed album experience. New Forms went on to win the Mercury Prize, beating heavyweight mainstream acts and bringing drum and bass into the wider cultural spotlight.
Tracks like "Brown Paper Bag" and "Heroes" became instant classics, their basslines and vocal hooks cutting through on radio, in clubs, and at festivals around the world. The win represented a moment when an underground form of music was recognised on equal terms with rock and pop. For many fans and artists, New Forms remains a touchstone—a reminder of how bold experimentation can reshape the musical landscape.
LTJ Bukem and the Art of Atmosphere
While Roni Size was championing rugged, live-infused drum and bass, LTJ Bukem was carving out a different but equally important lane. A London-based producer and DJ, he became synonymous with a more celestial, jazz-influenced strain of jungle, focusing on lush pads, shimmering keys, and rolling, fluid breakbeats.
Bukem’s DJ sets and productions offered an alternative to the darker flavours of the scene. Instead of only aiming for the dancefloor’s most explosive moments, he built extended journeys where tracks floated in and out of each other, creating a sense of weightless momentum. His approach showed that drum and bass could be expansive, emotional, and cinematic without losing its rhythmic power.
Good Looking Records and Logical Progression
Central to LTJ Bukem’s story is Good Looking Records, the label he founded as a home for his own music and that of like-minded producers. The label’s releases became shorthand for a particular sound: jazzy melodies, gliding basslines, and intricate percussion, often wrapped in evocative artwork that matched the music’s futuristic yet organic feel.
In 1996, Bukem released the compilation Logical Progression, bringing together key tracks from the Good Looking catalogue into a continuous mix that many regard as one of the definitive drum and bass albums. It helped introduce audiences around the world to this more ambient, soulful take on the genre, and it remains a vital entry point for new listeners.
Shaping Festivals, Clubs, and Global Bass Culture
Both Roni Size and LTJ Bukem moved from small, sweaty rooms to some of the world’s most celebrated stages. Roni Size & Reprazent became a must-see live act, translating studio precision into full-band performances that brought drum and bass into the realm of large-scale live shows.
At the same time, Bukem’s DJ sets crossed borders and continents, with his carefully sculpted journeys often serving as standout moments at international festivals. Whether playing to dedicated crowds or introducing the genre to new audiences, both artists helped prove that this music was not just a niche trend but a durable, evolving culture with staying power.
The Prospect Building: A New Home for Bass Weight
The Prospect Building is one of Bristol’s newest large-scale music and cultural venues—a multi-purpose, industrial-inspired space on Feeder Road designed to handle everything from live bands to heavyweight club systems. With a high-capacity main room, cutting-edge sound and lighting, and a flexible layout, it is built to showcase music at full physical impact.
For a night dedicated to drum and bass pioneers, this environment is crucial. Deep, detailed sound, immersive visuals, and room for the crowd to move all play a part in translating the music into a fully realised live experience. When planning your visit, be sure to use precise location details directly from the venue, as postcode inaccuracies can sometimes cause confusion.
A Night to Remember
This event promises more than a standard club night; it is a celebration of legacy, innovation, and the enduring power of drum and bass. Fans can expect a journey through foundational tracks, deep cuts, and contemporary selections that reflect where the genre has been and where it is headed next. The night will feature a range of styles, from classic jungle to atmospheric and live-infused performances.
Tickets are expected to sell out due to high demand, so early booking is strongly recommended. For Bristol, it’s a chance to welcome home one of its most important musical sons alongside another of the UK’s defining figures. After the event, attendees are encouraged to leave a review of their experience to help others discover what makes this venue so special.
Venue Facilities
The Prospect Building is equipped with a powerful, precisely tuned sound system that brings out every nuance of bass and drum. Spacious dance floors, comfortable chill-out areas, and modern lighting create an immersive environment. Accessibility is a priority, with step-free access and facilities designed to welcome everyone. Secure cloakrooms, multiple bars, and a variety of food vendors mean you can focus on enjoying the music without missing a beat. For more information on facilities and upcoming shows, check the venue’s official website or social media channels.