Heartless Crew member MC Bushkin recently shared his thoughts on the evolution of UK garage music, stating that the group added “spice” to the genre. With the 30th anniversary of garage music in the UK approaching, artists like AJ Tracey, Disclosure, PinkPantheress, and Rudimental continue to incorporate elements of garage into their music.
MC Bushkin emphasized that garage is more than just music, describing it as a way of life that brings uplift, vibe, and fun. Neutrino from So Solid Crew also highlighted the cultural significance of garage, comparing it to movements from the 1970s and 80s.
Despite the genre’s longevity, some artists feel that the grassroots of garage music need more attention to continue growing. DJ Fonti from Heartless Crew expressed concern about the decline of clubbing arenas and the impact of financial pressures on the scene.
The rise of grime in the early 2000s led to some negative associations with garage music, but artists like Ms Dynamite and DJ Eliza Rose have continued to push the genre forward. However, members of So Solid Crew feel that the genre has shifted away from its MC-heavy roots, focusing more on production DJs.
Aspiring garage artist BVNQUET acknowledges the changes in the genre, influenced by the soulful sounds of the 90s and early 2000s. He remains optimistic about the future of garage music, believing that there is still room for growth and expansion.
Overall, artists and industry figures agree that garage music has evolved over the years, giving rise to new genres like grime, bassline, and dubstep. Despite challenges, the spirit of garage music continues to thrive, with a new generation of artists like BVNQUET carrying the torch forward.
