Chase & Status Achieve First UK Number One After 20 Years in the Music Industry
After more than two decades in the music industry, Chase & Status have finally achieved their first UK number one with their latest track, “Backbone,” featuring Stormzy. The London duo, consisting of Will Kennard and Saul Milton, formed the group in 2003 and have been making waves in the drum and bass scene ever since.
The success of “Backbone” comes at a time when dance and drum and bass music is experiencing a resurgence in the charts. According to figures from the Official Charts company, consumption of these genres has increased nearly 13% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Kennard, reflecting on their journey to the top spot, shared with the BBC, “You cannot replicate the feeling of going clubbing. It’s a totally different thing doing a big concert to thousands of people with all the production to a small club experience.”
Despite the rise in popularity of dance music, the Night Time Industries Association reports that fewer people are attending nightclubs, with 67 clubs closing in the UK in the first part of 2024. Kennard acknowledges the changing landscape of the nightlife scene, noting that festivals and outdoor shows may be more appealing to audiences.
Fellow drum and bass artist Charlotte Plank also weighed in on the evolving clubbing culture, stating that people are now more selective about the club nights they attend. She emphasized the importance of feeling like part of a community and seeking out pop-up or underground events over traditional club experiences.
As the music industry continues to evolve, with major artists like Taylor Swift selling out tours and festivals year after year, it seems that music fans are becoming more discerning about where they choose to spend their time and money. Chase & Status’ long-awaited number one success is a testament to their dedication to their craft and their ability to adapt to the changing music landscape.
