Camo & Krooked: Architects of Modern Drum & Bass

Camo & Krooked are an Austrian electronic music production duo renowned for their innovative and genre-blending approach to drum & bass. Formed in Vienna, their career is defined by critically acclaimed albums and a consistent presence at the top of electronic music charts.

Early career

Reinhard "Camo" Rietsch and Markus "Krooked" Wagner joined forces in 2007, merging their individual solo projects. Their early sound, rooted in jump-up drum & bass, quickly gained traction on labels like Bassface Sascha's Subtitles and UK's Hospital Records subsidiary, Med School.

Breakthrough

The duo's major breakthrough arrived with their 2011 album Cross the Line on Hospital Records. The album showcased a significant evolution in their production, incorporating diverse influences and complex arrangements, and solidified their status as leading figures in the drum & bass scene.

Key tracks

Breezeblock — This early single became a dancefloor anthem and a staple in DJ sets, establishing their signature energetic sound.

All Fall Down — A key track from Cross the Line, it exemplified their move towards a more melodic and intricate production style.

Come Together — Featuring vocals from Ayah Marar, this crossover track from their 2013 album Zeitgeist achieved significant airplay beyond traditional drum & bass circles.

Ember — A highlight from their 2017 album Mosaik, this track is celebrated for its beautiful, layered melodies and intricate sound design.

Loa — This single from their 2021 album NOVA showcased their continued evolution, blending futuristic soundscapes with driving rhythms.

Their subsequent albums, including Zeitgeist (2013) and Mosaik (2017), further expanded their sonic palette, incorporating elements of house, glitch, and orchestral music. A pivotal move came in 2020 when Camo & Krooked founded their own label, SEEK, granting them full creative control, which led to the release of their ambitious NOVA album in 2021.

Notable collaborations have included working with vocalists like Tasha Baxter and Joe Killington, and fellow producers such as Mefjus, with whom they released the collaborative album NOVA in 2021. Their music is regularly featured on drum & bass and electronic radio stations worldwide, including specialist online radio streams and independent music radio stations dedicated to cutting-edge electronic sounds.

Fans of Camo & Krooked's intricate sound may also appreciate the work of similar Austrian electronic acts. Mefjus is a frequent collaborator known for his technical, neurofunk-oriented production. Misanthrop delivers a dark and complex take on the drum & bass genre. Muzz, formerly known as Muzzy, creates heavy yet melodic bass music. The pioneering work of Noisia from the Netherlands has also been a clear influence on their detailed sound design.

Listeners can discover the dynamic catalog of Camo & Krooked on various radio stations featured on our website. Their tracks are in regular rotation on electronic music stations, ensuring fans of drum & bass can experience their latest productions and classic hits.