DJ/Producer from London.
Co-owner of Virus Recordings & head henchman of Piranha Pool Recordings.
One half of Killbox. Bookings : mark@esp-agency.com 
USA/Canada : saleem@amodeagency.com

An artist synonymous with Drum and Bass, Ed Rush has become a byword for cutting edge, forward thinking
beats. Moving through the sounds of hip hop and electro in his early musical years, Ed Rush soon became
interested in the emerging London jungle scene.
Showing his innate ability to manipulate chopped breakbeats and piles of sub-low bass, it wasn't long before Ed
Rush and Nico dropped the huge 'Bludclot Artattack'. The first classic to Ed Rush’s name, this proved to be a
platform for another collaboration with DJ Trace. Simultaneously developing his own style whilst pushing the
boundaries of a genre, classics such as ‘The Mutant' and 'Guncheck' put Ed Rush’s attitude injected productions
firmly on the map.
One of the pioneers of new sound dubbed Techstep, Ed Rush soon teamed up within another leading light,
Optical; to form what would become one of the most progressive production teams in the scene. In 1998, Ed
Rush & Optical released an album universally recognized as changing the landscape of Drum and Bass forever
with the legendary, ‘Wormhole’ on Virus Recordings. Still regarded as one of the main catalysts for the Neuro and
Techstep sound, ‘Wormhole’ paved the way for household names such as Noisia, Bad Company and many more.
Since then Ed Rush has released a plethora of genre-defining tracks and albums, both solo and with his partner in
crime, Optical. Still busy at work on a new Ed Rush & Optical LP due in late 2013, Ed Rush is not merely content
with helping shape the scene and remaining one of its most consistent producers. Beginning his own venture, he
now looks to the future with the birth of Piranha Pool. An outlet for showcasing new talent and veterans alike,
Piranha Pool represents what will be the future of Drum and Bass.

Optical is owner of Virus Recordings, Music Producer and DJ from England.
Bookings: UK/ROW: mark@esp-agency.com
USA: saleem@amodeagency.com

This page is dedicated to my sons: Aidan and Solomon, they are the inspiration for everything I do in life now.

"He is best known for his work with Ed Rush, fellow head of the Virus Recordings label, and as a pioneer of the techstep and neurofunk sound. His first single for Metalheadz, 'To Shape the Future'/'Raging Calm' (1997) and his collaborative material with Ed Rush, such as the Wormhole, album (1998) were archetypal developments in the style. The duo followed this debut album with The Creeps (2000) and The Original Doctor Shade (2003), as well as countless singles and remixes. More recently, the duo have returned to form with their (2009) LP 'Travel The Galaxy' containing the modern classic 'Chubrub' and 'No Cure' LP in 2015."

"He also notably did all of the engineering and production work for Grooverider's album Mysteries of Funk, and work on Goldie's 'Saturns Return' LP. In addition, he has produced solo for many labels including Virus, Metalheadz, Prototype, 31 Records, Metro and released in collaboration with many artists, including Ed Rush, Trace, Dom and Roland, Fierce, and his brother Matrix. The first Optical release was in 1996."

"Matt Quinn's savage dance floor productions as Optical (for, among many others, Groove's own label Prototype) have earned him a place in drum'n'bass's premier division.”

"Optical's pure, unchallenged talent shines through on his solo tunes, showcasing an artist well ahead of his time. No doubt the modern sounds of the likes of D-Bridge, Instra:mental and the rest of the minimalist dark revival heads, draw heavy influence not only from Optical himself, but from his inspirations in Jazz, such as Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis. His ability to blend Jazz, Funk and futuristic, technical soundscapes is masterful. From his early work on Metalheadz and Prototype Recordings to his collaborative work on Virus Recordings and the classic Mysteries of Funk (Grooverider's landmark LP), Optical can perhaps qualify as one of the most underrated musicians of the modern era. His mind has crafted sounds which were never before heard, moods which were completely original, and his vision of the future, although ultimately dark and disjointed, is beautifully vivid and addictive. Its a world he pulls you into with each and every track and only a handful of artists can begin to dream of being this successful in their work."

Virus Recordings has become a DnB scene favourite and continues to release the ultimate in DnB vibes, with artists like C4C, Audio, Optiv & BTK, The Upbeats, Noisia, Gridlok, Ram Trilogy, Matrix, Rymetyme, Sonic & Silver, Pendulum, Mefjus,  InsideInfo


An individual who is undoubtedly synonymous with the birth, growth and rise of UK Dance music particularly Drum N Bass is DJ Grooverider and two words synonymous to him are Pioneer and Icon. Having been integrally involved within the UK underground scene for well over 15 years he has participated in and supervised its evolution to it now being an highly eclectic club culture regarded and revered globally for being one of the most dynamic and developed.

Despite being for the most part associated with Drum N bass and regarded by both avid listeners and his fellow artist and peers as being the Godfather of this genre, he himself is quick to publicise his own musical journey charting his other creative influences and exploits prior to the birth of Drum and Bass. I’ve listened to black music all my life. Reggae, Hip Hop, R&B, Funk, Disco the whole thing. I started cruising to house then Hardcore. Now its drum n bass but house is what I know inside out.

That’s what I grew up with, my first love. I know everything about it. Drum n bass is something we formulated out of house. Its this cultured journey which qualifies him for almost unrivalled praise and recognition as clearly his efforts and his contributions have been critical in helping to establish and nurture UK Urban music as we know it today, which is flourishing as one of the most lucrative mainstream genres. As a DJ his credentials are phenomenal and testament to this is the fact that despite the underground club scene having unbelievably calmed since the memorable and tumultuous years of the 80 and 90s rave era, Grooverider is of a select few DJs who continues to play out at numerous events many of which are worldwide.

This acclaim and notoriety is a far cry from the so called early days and his time on a sound systems and pirate radio station Ill always be a DJ first. I used to DJ on a sound system years ago then I got on to a radio station It was called Phase 1 I was playing acid house every Sunday morning, like, 8 ’til 10 in the morning sometimes we would start 3 am and go on ’til the next day The guy who owned the station opened a club after-hours and booked me and Fabio, cause we were both on the station This association with Fabio also considered by many as a forefather to the scene, proved not to be a flash in the pan and the two of them remain close friends, sidekicks and business partners and presently cohost the weekly radio 1 Drum n Bass show. Amongst Grooverider’s lasting legacy will be not that he simply helped establish the genre but also he helped it grow and expand it by exporting this energetic and progressive music to those who traditionally would not have listened to it.

“It’s not just about me and Fabio, its a whole platform for drum n bass. It’s about what’s happening in drum n bass, taking it on the road and showing people who dont necessarily go to drum n bass parties that this is what we do.” This aim is clearly something that motivates him and it is clear that his long journey to where he is today had many challenges and struggles but with tenacity and resilience he started also to gain the respect of larger legitimate mainstream radio stations who could no longer ignore the genre or Grooverider, eventually he was given a set on Kiss Fm. We were on Kiss before and when Radio 1 called us in we ran at it.

In closing Grooverider has had a profound influence on UK music in general and in several different capacities as he has successfully assumed the both mantles of being a pioneering DJ and Producer. He is also the recipient of countless underground and global dance awards but perhaps his most reputed achievement was the MOBO best DJ award he won in 2002. As long as he continues to play at massive events, produce great tunes and pursue his Radio 1 shows it is likely that he will receive many more awards yet and each one will be deserve


Jim Baker, known by his alias Source Direct, is a pioneering force in the realm of electronic music, leading the charge in revolutionizing the drum and bass scene. Born with an insatiable passion for sound and a keen ear for innovation, Source Direct has crafted a sonic identity that transcends boundaries and captivates audiences worldwide.

With an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of electronic music, Source Direct has established himself as a trailblazer in the industry. His unique blend of intricate rhythms, pulsating basslines, and ethereal melodies showcases his unparalleled mastery of the art form, earning him widespread acclaim and admiration.

A true visionary, Source Direct continues to challenge conventions and defy expectations with his groundbreaking compositions. His music not only speaks to the soul but also challenges the mind, inviting listeners on a transformative sonic journey that blurs the lines between reality and imagination.

Beyond his musical prowess, Source Direct is also revered for his fearless approach to creativity and his unwavering dedication to his craft. Whether he's performing on stage, mentoring aspiring artists, or experimenting in the studio, Source Direct approaches each endeavor with a relentless pursuit of excellence and a boundless sense of curiosity.

In a world that is constantly evolving, Source Direct remains a guiding light for those who seek to explore the uncharted territories of sound and emotion. His legacy is one of innovation, inspiration, and above all, the enduring power of music to transcend barriers and unite souls in a shared passion for the extraordinary.

Stev Willemsen (Previous known as Subuse) is a Belgian producer/dj, technician, entrepreneur. Making electronic music since 1996.

Willems David is following