BEACON Records, founded by Anthony Tedder, is a groundbreaking new player in the American drum and bass scene, which has traditionally been centered in the UK and Europe. Tedder, a passionate advocate for drum and bass in North America, launched BEACON to provide a dedicated platform for both rising and established artists to share their music and push the genre forward in the U.S. His vision for BEACON is ambitious: not only does he aim to showcase talented artists, but he also wants to build a community that brings drum and bass to new listeners and increases its presence within the broader American dance music landscape.
BEACON's debut project, the Carry The Fire EP, highlights some of North America’s most promising talents—Justin Hawkes, Bensley, and Kumarion. Each of these artists brings a unique style that, when combined, gives the EP a distinct sound blending deep basslines, complex rhythms, and soaring melodies. The EP includes four tracks: “Supernova”, “Carry The Fire”, “I’m Losing My Mind”, and “Sell My Soul.” Each track delivers a different aspect of drum and bass, from fast, euphoric beats to darker, more intense sounds. The title track, “Carry The Fire,” serves as a statement of BEACON's commitment to energizing and uniting the U.S. drum and bass community, which Tedder sees as ready for larger exposure.
Tedder’s background in music and event promotion helped shape BEACON’s mission and partnerships. BEACON has collaborated with AEI Music, the powerhouse behind UKF, which has helped bring drum and bass to global audiences for years. This partnership provides BEACON with significant industry backing, opening doors for broader reach and giving BEACON’s artists the infrastructure and resources to make an impact. Tedder sees the label as a catalyst, not just a business: it’s about creating a movement that could finally bring drum and bass into the mainstream in America. In an interview, Tedder expressed that he sees BEACON as a platform to “nurture the scene and foster growth” in ways that will serve both emerging artists and dedicated fans.
The artists on BEACON’s roster are already making significant contributions to the genre. Justin Hawkes, for example, has been active in the drum and bass scene, known for his emotive tracks that resonate with listeners on a deeper level. Kumarion gained attention with his viral hit “Want It”, which brought a distinct, aggressive sound to the forefront and showcased his skill with complex beats. Bensley, a Canadian artist, is known for his melodic, jazz-influenced approach, adding diversity to BEACON’s sound. Together, these artists create a well-rounded roster that highlights the variety within the drum and bass genre and gives listeners a taste of BEACON's potential to diversify and deepen the American scene.
Looking ahead, BEACON plans to expand its roster and release a steady stream of new music, with an emphasis on quality and creativity. Tedder's goal is to establish a label that resonates as much with the seasoned drum and bass enthusiast as with new listeners. By bridging gaps between underground and mainstream scenes, BEACON hopes to become a major driver in the transformation of drum and bass in America, helping the genre gain the recognition it enjoys in other parts of the world.
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