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Culture

Biography

James Pountney, professionally known as Culture Shock, is a British drum and bass DJ and producer who has played a significant role in shaping the modern sound of the genre. Born on January 23, he discovered drum and bass in 1996 through London's pirate radio stations, which inspired him to build a home studio and begin producing his own tracks. His early work culminated in the release of 'The Vega EP' on Moving Shadow in 2004, marking his formal entry into the drum and bass scene.

Culture Shock's career gained momentum when he signed with the influential RAM Records in 2006, a label led by Andy C. His debut RAM release, 'The Third Stage' EP (2007), included collaborations such as 'Rework' with the Brookes Brothers, showcasing his knack for blending melodic elements with energetic rhythms. After a brief hiatus, he returned in 2014 with remixes and original tracks that reaffirmed his innovative approach. The 2015 single 'City Lights,' featuring Bryn Christopher, became a staple on UK radio and highlighted his crossover appeal. Subsequent releases like the 'Transit' EP (2015), 'Sequence' (2019), and 'Sequel' (2022) further cemented his reputation for high-quality, forward-thinking drum and bass.

Known for his dynamic DJ sets and polished productions, Culture Shock has maintained a strong presence in the electronic music scene. His ability to innovate while staying true to the genre's underground roots has made him a respected figure among both peers and fans, contributing to the ongoing evolution of drum and bass.

Fun Facts

  • Culture Shock's track 'City Lights' was an instrumental in his DJ sets for six years before its official release with vocals.
  • He began producing music with basic home studio equipment after being inspired by pirate radio broadcasts.
  • After a hiatus, his 2014 comeback included a remix of Moko's 'Your Love' and marked a new creative phase.
  • Culture Shock's releases have been featured as BBC Radio 1's Track of the Day, reflecting mainstream recognition.

Members

  • Kenneth Dayes
  • Joseph Hill
  • Kenyatta Hill
  • Telford Nelson
  • Albert Walker

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Andy C - Label head and early supporter who signed Culture Shock to RAM Records, providing industry guidance and exposure. (Oversaw releases including 'The Third Stage' EP) [2006–present]

Key Collaborators

  • Brookes Brothers - Co-producers on key tracks ('Rework' from 'The Third Stage' EP) [2007]
  • Bryn Christopher - Vocalist featured on a major single ('City Lights') [2015]

Artists Influenced

  • Emerging UK drum and bass producers - Inspired by Culture Shock's melodic, high-energy production style and success on RAM Records (Imitated stylistic elements in liquid funk and mainstream D&B releases) [2010s–present]

Connection Network

Current Artist
Collaborators
Influenced
Mentors
Has Page
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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
Sequel 2022-02-25 Album
Sequence 2019 Album
fabric presents Chase & Status RTRN II FABRIC (Mixed) 2020-10-30 Album
Torus (Deluxe Version) 2013-01-01 Album
Torus 2013-01-01 Album
Sequence 2019-06-07 Album
MOSAIK REMIXED 2018-03-23 Album
Reworks I 2021-09-10 Album
Reworks I 2021-07-30 Album
Sequence 2019-06-07 Album
No Sleep 'Til Japan & Iceland 2018-10-05 Album
Mosaik (Remixes) 2018-03-23 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Renaissance - Edit (Sequence)
  2. Giants
  3. Love To Give (with Billy Lockett) (Organ)
  4. Panic Room - Culture Shock Remix
  5. Visions (Sequel)
  6. Make It Pump
  7. Recombine (Sequel)
  8. Bunker (Sequence)
  9. Rise (Sequel)
  10. REACT (feat. Ella Henderson) - Culture Shock Remix

Tags: #dub, #reggae, #roots-reggae

References

  1. drumandbassuk.com
  2. cultureshockmusic.com

Heard on WWOZ

Culture has been played 6 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Dec 28, 202521:11Ghetto Manfrom Ghetto ManSpirits of Congo Squarew/ Baba Geno
Dec 28, 202521:03Ghetto Man Dubfrom Ghetto ManSpirits of Congo Squarew/ Baba Geno
Dec 8, 202521:25Surfing on Christmas DayBlues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr.
Nov 24, 202515:44FRIED CHICKEN AND GASOLINEfrom DIRT TRACK DATEBlues Eclecticw/ Andrew Grafe
Oct 26, 202521:16Too Long In Slaveryfrom International HerbSpirits of Congo Squarew/ Baba Geno
Oct 26, 202520:59Why Am I A Rastamanfrom Humble AfricanSpirits of Congo Squarew/ Baba Geno