Break: The Drum & Bass Architect
Break, real name Charlie Bierman, is a British drum & bass producer and DJ renowned for his technical precision and influential sound. Hailing from London, his career is defined by a prolific output on his own Symmetry Recordings and a consistent presence at the top of the genre's charts since the mid-2000s.
Early career
Charlie Bierman began his musical journey in the late 1990s, immersing himself in the UK's vibrant drum & bass scene. His early releases emerged on labels like Bassbin and Commercial Suicide, where his complex drum programming and deep basslines quickly distinguished him from his peers.
Breakthrough
Break's major breakthrough arrived in 2007 with his debut album Symmetry on the respected Metalheadz label. The album was a critical success, solidifying his reputation as a leading producer and leading to high-profile remix work. This period established his signature style: a fusion of intricate, funk-infused drum work with heavy, rolling basslines.
Key tracks
Symmetry — The title track from his debut album remains a genre benchmark for its flawless production and musicality.
They're Wrong — A massive dancefloor anthem from 2009 that dominated sets and demonstrated his peak-time power.
Love So True — This 2011 single featuring Kyo showcased Break's ability to craft soulful, vocal-led drum & bass without sacrificing weight.
Steam Train — A relentless, rhythmically inventive track that highlights his mastery over drum programming and sampling.
Last Chance — A collaboration with Kyo from his 2016 album Another Way, exemplifying his mature, musical approach to the genre.
Following his breakthrough, Break founded Symmetry Recordings in 2008, which became the primary outlet for his own music and a platform for like-minded artists. His subsequent albums, including 2016's Another Way and 2020's Another Way 10 Years remix project, have been met with consistent acclaim. He maintains a heavy touring schedule as a DJ and is known for collaborations with fellow luminaries such as MC Fats, Total Science, and Die.
Fans of Break's intricate and powerful sound should also explore the work of similar UK drum & bass artists. Calibre shares a similar dedication to musical depth and soul. Spectrasoul operates in a comparable space of sophisticated, atmospheric drum & bass. The technical production of Alix Perez also resonates with Break's meticulous approach. Finally, the early work of Digital provides a foundational link to the techy, bass-heavy style Break evolved.
Break's music is a staple on dedicated drum & bass and electronic music radio stations worldwide. His tracks are regularly featured in DJ mixes on specialist online radio streams and independent music stations that champion cutting-edge bass music.
The music of Break can be heard across various radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover his extensive discography and latest releases by tuning into the drum & bass and electronic stations available on onairium.com.
