full spectrum
full spectrum
full spectrum
What is Full Spectrum and how did the event come about?
We’re a community of people who avidly believe in leveling the playing field in DnB. We have
been a collective for 4 years, where we focus on giving emerging artists a platform to play out in
a supportive atmosphere.
How important are inclusive spaces, especially in Drum and Bass?
They’re paramount. The ‘scene’ is propelling towards a domination of commercial nights, and
the fundamental importance of creating inclusive lineups along with safe dancefloors is not only
dwindling but outright ignored.
When people feel they belong, they bring their unique energy and perspectives, enriching the
scene for everyone. It’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their identity, feels
represented on stage and welcomed on the dancefloor.
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How important are events like Full Spectrum for keeping the club scene alive?
There are so many factors in why the underground needs protecting. In a scene that’s becoming
evermore diluted by corporate brands, smaller nights with affordable tickets are crucial in
allowing the next generation to fall for not only clubbing but discovering new music.
With the uncertain future of grassroots venues due to rising fees that result in closures, there
needs to be a shift in supporting smaller nights. Without these spaces, the scene risks losing its
essence and the heartbeat of club culture. There needs to be a shift in how smaller nights are
valued and supported.
Bristol is fortunate to have a vibrant network of collectives pushing for representative lineups
and fighting for the integrity of the underground. We’re proud to be a small part of this
movement.
"... we challenge the status quo and set the stage for a more inclusive and innovative future."
How was hosting Vispera’s, ‘Eden’ EP show in Bristol in September?
Hosting an MC’s EP debut felt really special, especially when it was for someone as immensely
refreshing as Vispera. Eve has a poetry to her lyricism that tackles issues that underpin the
struggles a lot of femmes experience in not only music but the world. I truly believe Eve is a
fundamental figure in the MC landscape and being able to host her first headline show is a real
honour.
How important is it to give an accessible platform to new talent?
I feel the goalposts of what a new artist has to achieve in order to ‘make it’ are becoming
unachievable for many. Social media is king for many brands, which has made for lazy lineups
as the algorithm is king.
Accessibility means breaking barriers across multiple dimensions. We want people to come to
us and not have to worry if they don’t have the best social following or perfectly mastered mixes.
Whether someone is 18 or 48, their talent and passion are what matter to us, not how well they
fit into society’s expectations of what an artist "should" be achieving.
Ultimately, we believe in cultivating a scene that represents everyone, not just those who fit
neatly into the industry's traditional mold. By making space for fresh voices, we challenge the
status quo and set the stage for a more inclusive and innovative future. We hope our work
inspires others to do the same.
"... a vision that drum and bass can truly be inclusive."
Since you’ve been running open decks, have there been any stand out DJs that have
blown you away?
YES! So many. Dysfunction, Haydee, Ell, Sheerah, the list goes on! Our open decks are
fundamental in discovering new artists and getting to know people. We host our open decks at
To The Moon which is an intimate venue in Old Market and is known for always being
welcoming and supportive.
You’ve been taking away the idea of a headliner at your events this year, what changes
have you seen since doing it?
I feel the dancefloor has become truly representative of what we’re about, people who are eager
to support the new selectors and support a vision that drum and bass can truly be inclusive. We
also felt that we were rinsing through money for the perfect headliner when we wanted to invest
in new talent in every aspect of what we do.
How is Bristol’s DnB scene and who are some local artists we should be listening to?
Bristol is always thriving for DnB. Some notable local DnB & Jungle producers I’d love to shout
about are Aksel, Keptek, Fireworks Factory, Miss Medik, Arterial, Eminence and Neon Pumps.
What’s been your favourite event, so far?
Feel really lucky that this is a really hard question to answer as there have been many stand out
moments. I feel our Jungle & Hardcore takeover at the Exchange was particularly special as it
felt like the most authentic lineup we’ve put together. We had fresh B2B’s all night and all the
sets brought something really unique.
What’s coming up this year?
We’re really excited to be venturing into new territories in 2025. We have priorities in ensuring
everything we do feels completely organic and aligns with our values, and I feel that it’s all
starting to come together. Playing the long game is the only way to do it.
