Souls: The UK's Pioneers of Melodic Drum & Bass

Souls is a British electronic music duo known for crafting emotive, vocal-driven drum and bass anthems. Formed in London, the pair achieved a significant commercial milestone when their debut album, "Love, Lust & Other Wreckage," entered the UK Albums Chart at number 12, solidifying their place in the genre's mainstream.

Early career

Souls was formed in 2010 by producers Liam Carter and Marcus Vale, who met while studying sound engineering. Their early output consisted of self-released digital singles and remixes, which quickly garnered attention on underground drum and bass forums and pirate radio stations. This DIY success led to their first label signing with the respected drum and bass imprint Liquid V in 2012.

Breakthrough

The duo's mainstream breakthrough arrived in 2015 with the single "Heartbeat," featuring vocalist Ella May. Released on Hospital Records, the track became a crossover hit, peaking at number 32 on the UK Singles Chart and receiving extensive radio play on BBC Radio 1. The success of "Heartbeat" was certified Silver in the UK, paving the way for their acclaimed debut album the following year.

Key tracks

Heartbeat — This 2015 single featuring Ella May was their first chart entry and a genre-defining melodic drum and bass anthem.

Wreckage — The title track from their debut album showcased their darker, more atmospheric side and became a live set staple.

Fading Lights — A collaboration with singer-songwriter Etherwood that exemplified their sophisticated, musical approach to production.

Never Enough — This 2018 follow-up single replicated their chart success, landing in the UK Top 40 and achieving Gold certification.

Following their debut album's success, Souls embarked on major festival tours and secured high-profile remix work for artists like London Grammar. Their sophomore album, "Parallel Lines," released in 2019 on Hospital Records, debuted at number 8 on the UK Albums Chart, outperforming their first. The duo has consistently collaborated with top-tier vocalists, including Pola & Bryson and Ruth Royall, further refining their signature sound of lush harmonies and powerful basslines.

Fans of the melodic and vocal-heavy side of drum and bass should explore similar artists featured on our site. Hybrid Minds share Souls' focus on atmospheric soundscapes and emotive songwriting. Etherwood operates in a similar musical space, blending organic instrumentation with deep drum and bass rhythms. Fred V is another key figure in the genre known for his uplifting and melodic productions. London Elektricity, the founder of Hospital Records, represents the long-standing legacy of musicality within the drum and bass scene that Souls continues.

Souls' music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on dedicated electronic and drum and bass radio stations. Their tracks are frequently featured in the playlists of online radio streams specializing in liquid drum and bass and are regular selections on influential independent music radio stations that champion the UK dance music scene.

The music of Souls can be heard across various radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover their chart-topping drum and bass anthems and deep cuts by tuning into the electronic music stations available on onairium.com.