There’s excitement in the air for bass music enthusiasts, a palpable atmosphere that stems from the industrial settings of SE16. An ex printing factory, that has hosted UKF and Ram Records in recent times, will soon be hosting another infamous imprint in the drum and bass scene: Playaz, the revered label of DJ Hype and Pascal. Such a label has been at the cornerstone of drum and bass for nearly twenty years, so it seems only right the imprint takes over one of London’s greatest event spaces: Printworks. Bass heads tune in, there’s a lot to be excited about.

It’s safe to say we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to the drum and bass side of things. Hype will be going back to back with Hazard, a partnership that produces serious chemistry behind the decks; Shadow Demon Coalition will be attending, the DnB brigade consisting of Voltage, and badboy MCs Bassman and Trigga; TNA will be in attendance, the deadly combination of MCs Azza and Grima, with DJ Nu Elementz; and finally SASASAS, the DnB supergroup made up of MCs Skibadee, Shabba D and Harry Shotta, with Macky Gee and DJ Phantasy on the decks. That’s a B2B from two of the scenes most respected DJs, and three deadly DnB supergroups, all within the sprawling confines of an abandoned printing factory.

And it keeps on going. Representing Playaz are four artists that have all become synonymous with the imprint, stemming from the old school and the new, and showcasing the sound of jump up right through the ages. Now is the time to brace yourselves, because this really is something special: Annix, Sub Zero, Taxman and Tyke, all performing BACK TO BACK. We’ll let that sink in. Long enough? Good, because then we’ve got DJ Die B2B DJ Randall, A.M.C and Turno, and Majistrate performing with Eksman. Yep, things are looking serious indeed.

So that’s drum and bass covered, but what about bassline? It’s the UK genre that stems from Sheffield, has it’s home in Tank nightclub, and features sounds that are unique in their nature. To the untrained ear, it can sound different to say the least, but to those in the know, the pronounced kicks and distorted wobbles are exactly what the doctor ordered. The full Crucast roster will be playing, composed of Skepsis, Darkzy, Mr Virgo, Lazcru, Bru C, and Notion, as well as Bushbaby, Sammy Virji, Zero and J.G. If you’re not familiar, check out the video from Bassfest 2017 below.

So that’s our round up of the upcoming Playaz takeover of Printworks! It’s seen some of the greatest names in house, techno and drum and bass previously, and in just over a months time, some of the most established names in jump up and bassline will be added to that list. It may be a far cry from the usual house and techno exploits that have adorned the venue previously, but we’re not complaining, as the upcoming Playaz takeover exemplifies Printworks as an event space that represents all corners of underground, electronic dance music. And boy can’t we wait.

Playaz takeover Printworks on the 10th of March. Second release tickets available here.