Zed Bias

Even casual UK garage fans are likely to know Zed Bias’ “Neighbourhood”: The 2000 single was, and is, one of the biggest anthems in the original wave of 2-step, thanks to its irresistibly feel-good, ragga-inspired vocal. To heads, the Manchester DJ-producer born Dave Jones is one of the architects of UK garage at its most advanced. Zed Bias emerged in the late ’90s as a resident at London’s hallowed FWD>> club, where his brand of supple, shadowy beats—sometimes called “dark swing”—was influential in the evolution of dubstep. He has maintained a steady release schedule since the turn of the millennium, occasionally taking time out for his broken-beat alias, Maddslinky, and he’s a ridiculously prolific remixer. His more than 200 commissions include work for Whitney Houston, Rita Ora, Bad Boy Chiller Crew, and Disclosure, making him a crucial ambassador between underground garage and chart-topping pop.