LTJ Bukem

LTJ Bukem is widely credited as a key figure in the evolution of jungle music, transitioning it from a subgenre of hardcore techno to a distinct and respected genre by the late 1990s. His influence spanned various aspects of the drum'n'bass movement, from being a top breakbeat DJ to founding and overseeing the Good Looking/Looking Good labels. Drawing inspiration from '70s jazz fusion and Chicago house, Bukem's signature sound set him apart in the jungle scene, which later gained momentum in the mid-'90s with artists like Roni Size and Goldie in the spotlight.

Born Danny Williamson in Watford in 1967, LTJ Bukem's musical journey started with trumpet lessons as a child, eventually leading to his involvement in DJ battles and the rave scene in the late '80s and early '90s. Frustrated by a lack of control over his music, Bukem formed his own label, Good Looking, in 1991, offering a soulful and melodic alternative to the prevailing hardcore tracks. His collaborative approach with artists like Peshay and Photek, along with his club nights and mix albums, solidified his status as a leading figure in the drum'n'bass community, paving the way for his successful solo albums and continued influence in the genre.