'At A GLANCE'
WHAT IS THE EXPERIENCE?
The Mountain Bass Experience is a membership community, unique, intimate music experience with a focus on liquid drum and bass in stunning mountain locations, off the beaten track. We are a not-for-profit members club aiming to give back to the drum and bass community through taking a different approach to events as well as offering true value to all those involved, based on experience gained over the last 20 years as attendees, performers and industry professionals. We strive to be inclusive, give new artists opportunities to grow and hone their skills whilst gaining valuable industry connections and experience.​
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(Photo - Monrroe performing for the first time at 2550m altitude in Spain)
Our goal is to redefine event culture with an ethos on community growth, artist development enjoying nature and outdoor activities and creating unique, sustainable experiences that challenge current industry norms . We're driven by fulfilment of all who attend, procuring truly unique opportunities that are not bound by the current industry practices and a passion to level the playing field for new artist development. We're determined to succeed and motivated by addressing the shortcomings, monopoly and restrictive nature of current industry giants.
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(Photo - Ellie performing on our Women's only, sunset DJ session)
Through the generation of incredible, paid opportunities for work and unique chances for emerging and existing artists, we aim to create a safe, inclusive and engaging atmosphere with a focus on growing connections, enjoying music in exceptional locations and engaging in cross-cultural activities. We also strive to be sustainable, minimise our footprint on the environment and reduce the stigma of electronic music events by performing Liquid drum and bass in new areas and working with the local communities to build rapport, appreciation and new perspectives.​
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(Photo: Riya & Etherwood performing their track 'Illuminate'​
​​As well as developing drum and bass producers, DJs and even attendees through our open deck sessions, with funding we hope to provide opportunities for videographers, photographers, sound engineers, music industry freelancers, wellness practitioners and activity providers to hone and showcase skills as the event concept grows. Previously, I have been unable to pay anyone with the exception of the headline artists, all others involved have volunteered and spent considerable time, expenses and personal sacrifice to be a part of it. With funding, this project can grow to its full potential with multiple, successive events in a range of locations in the UK and one annual event abroad.​
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(Photo: Keeno performing in Andorra at our 1st event)
IMPACT STATEMENT​​
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Despite being self funded with little personal resource and no marketing budget, the impact of our project is tangible and measurable by metrics shown below. With funding I can vastly improve, promote the experience and bring it to the attention of the wider, thriving drum and bass community generating more opportunities.
Drum and bass is experiencing a significant rise to prominence with UK artists recently winning producer of the year at the BRIT Awards and their tracks rising to UK No1 position. Spotify recently reported the genre's streams have increased by 94% since 2021 on their platform alone.
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DEMOGRAPHIC & CULTURAL EXCHANGE​
In 2023 we had a 50% ethnic line up,
in 2024, we had a 50% female line up (which we are continuing in 2025) and a 100% female support artists sunset event. We also have multiple LGBTQ artists and attendees involved.
Our experience has attracted attendees between 18 to 70 years old where cross cultural connections, experience and insights have been shared and our members regularly meet up on other projects and events. ​
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REVIEWS
We have received a 100% satisfaction rating with 24x 5 star reviews across Facebook and our google profiles.
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(Photo: Two brave attendees on our rock climbing activity in Sierra Nevada)
SUPPORT ARTIST DEVELOPMENT​
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All 24 of our support acts from the last 2 events got the chance to perform a set supporting a headline artist, another set of their choice in an indoor or outdoor location and the opportunity to develop ideas for creative projects and engaging content. We also pay for a group meal between all headline and support artists creating an opportunity to unwind and connect & network.
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Cellar recorded two podcasts at our events, one of them with interviews from our headliners and music filmed on the ski slopes called Interstellar Audio. (SEE VIDEO HERE). This grew his brand and he was inspired to expand it from a video series into his own record label and start to become an event promoter himself. Before our event this wasn't possible as he was refused bookings of world class DJs due to inexperience. He now has a number of events, charity compilations and new artists under his belt.
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Twelve Step Audio used his opportunity to record a podcast for his series 'The Liquid Chill Podcast' receiving hundreds of views and enabled him to showcase his own music and hone his skills in a unique, outdoor viewpoint at sunset (SEE VIDEO HERE). He also used this opportunity to gain experience being a vocalist not just a DJ and after the event, he decided to launch his own record label as well! 'Outer Edge Audio'​​
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(Photo: The Liquid Chill Podcast at MB2024)​​​​
DJ COMPETITIONS
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Through our DJ competitions, we select an unestablished artist to join the event from their DJing ability only! We ask each winner which headline artist they would like to support and preference of location or daily event.
Our 2023 DJ competition winner was Steve LP who used his opportunity to record a video of his set from a mountain receiving hundreds of views, new followers, connections and subscribers. He returned as a support act in 2024 where he also filmed a music video (to be released).
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Our 2023 DJ competition winner was Miss Gray please see her inspiring story below!
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(Photo: Miss Gray performing)
Miss Gray was our 2024 DJ competition winner and despite only learning to DJ and make music 6 months prior to entering, she won! She initially felt too nervous to perform and being a single mother, working long hours as a nurse, it was a big ask to get to our event without any payment or expenses covered. She did not regret it as she not only performed right after her biggest music idol, Etherwood, which is unprecedented in this industry after 6 months, she ended up getting mentoring from him, he calmed her nerves, gave her tips on her music and they performed again together on our final night (Left). The event heavily inspired her to write a new EP called 'Rise', using her own vocals and production. The experience also re-ignited her drive to pursue her dream of being an artist. Now she's getting bookings for other events, not just nationally but also internationally, and radio show appearances. See below her description of the inspiration behind this. Listen to her EP (HERE)
(Photo: Miss Gray performing with Etherwood)
SUPPORT ARTIST'S REVIEWS
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.."It really was one of the best experiences I have ever had. I entered the DJ competition for the 2024 mountain bass and I was so over the moon to have won. Being a new DJ and producer there is no way I would have thought I would get the opportunity to DJ in the mountains alongside artists I have admired and have been inspired by since I found my love for DnB. But I did and that is all thanks to Matt and Jo and their support for new DJ's like me, I came away with a new found confidence and belief in myself and what I want to achieve... I met new people that I will call friends for life, I had an experience like no other and I absolutely can not wait to go again"
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"A huge thank you to everyone who was there and everyone who has helped Liquid Chill come this far, this was an incredibly proud moment for me to take my little podcast to such a beautiful location! Also, a huge thank you to Matt & Jo from Mountain Bass who worked tirelessly on the event to make this happen!"
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"Well what can I say about Mountain Bass.. I performed as a support artist at Mountain Bass Experience 2024...It wasn't just about the (AMAZING) music, but also about the incredible community of beautiful people. Everyone was so wonderful and we felt like a family. Many of us are still in touch now. I also got the chance to network with some of the headliners. That was so much fun and inspiring. I'd only performed at one festival previous to this event, so this gave me invaluable experience"
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"Such a unique concept! Mountain Bass bring the most unique music experience for both members and artists of all levels. As a support artist it gives me the chance to be shoulder to shoulder with world class acts in both warmup and back2back sessions but more importantly spending time together during the week gaining vital insight, contacts and making real friendships. This happens at no other event I have ever played at over the last 30 years all over the world"​​​​
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"I’ve had my fair share of incredible experiences, but nothing quite compares to the magic of Mountain Bass.. One of the highlights of my time at Mountain Bass was the opportunity to meet other incredible DJs, each with their own unique style and energy. Sharing stories, exchanging tips, and simply vibing together high in the mountains was an experience I’ll cherish forever. The camaraderie among artists was genuine and uplifting, reinforcing the idea that music truly brings people together, regardless of background or location...I left the mountains with my heart full and my spirit lifted"​
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(Photo: Group meal paid by us for all support and headline artists to connect)
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT ​
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After working in the UK events industry for 14 years and experiencing first hand its shortcomings, I always wanted to try this project to make a difference. After the pandemic, many smaller, grassroots events closed leaving me with a huge gap in employment. In 2023, I decided to try it as I was struggling to find regular event work so I had the enormous amount of time needed to plan and deliver the event. Since starting this project, it has been a rollercoaster of learning and developing skills. I've also met an incredible, passionate team who so far haven't been paid a penny (including myself). Despite ploughing my personal funds into this and losing a lot of it, the feedback, love and community spirit it has generated has driven me to succeed. There are now so few paid opportunities for UK event work, I have gone from working on 12 events a year to just one. With this project I can work as my own boss, treat everyone with the respect they deserve and build a concept that can one day be financially viable and an asset to the events industry.
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(Video: My 2024 Event After Reel. This is all recorded and edited on my phone)
The skills I have learned include liaising with local authorities to gain event permissions and earn the trust to perform music in protected natural areas. I've learned how to operate in challenging, remote areas and building new relationships in English and Spanish, engaging local communities to be involved and provide services as well as selecting talented event professionals. I've learned what attendees truly value from events and how to provide outstanding customer service and value. I've built very close relationships with all attendees, globally renowned artists and support acts all who fully appreciate, back and support the project which is unheard of in this area of events. I've learned how to design websites, marketing material, my own branding and logos. I have also grown my social media following by thousands and have been reaching over 50,000 views on content produced and made by myself using very limited, outdated, basic equipment. Despite this, I need more staff to relieve myself of the burden as this project has become an almost full time job which currently loses any personal money I make and I literally struggle all year round to deliver this event at a minimum quality.
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(Photo: Instagram views over 90 days)
ATTENDEE'S IMPACT
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Even as an attendee, the value proposition for them is unmatched in current event models. They gain additional value through meeting everyone involved in the project from organisers to all artists in a close and personal setting. Attendees get treated like family, like friends in our own house, not just a number or a way to make money. They get given detailed information on how to plan their trip in sustainable and affordable ways with direct communication with the organisers. They can experience the community spirit and get put into an event Whatsapp group enabling car pooling, solo travellers to join up and information to be shared prior to, during and after. ​​​​
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(Photo: An attendee who loves the event so much, he got a tattoo!)
Attendees can meet their favourite artists up close and in person rather than being behind a barrier with thousands of other fans far away from their musical heroes with very little chance of ever meeting them. All of our headline artists come for the whole experience and are encouraged to mix with the attendees if they are happy to do so, which most of them are! Attendees also have the opportunity to get involved and show off DJ skills in truly stunning locations on our open decks events which is also a gateway to perform on our event as a support artist. They make lifelong friendships and connections through being immersed in an environment with like minded, respectful people where they spend a week together.
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(Photo: Stuart enjoying our open decks event on the slopes of Andorra)
Lastly, the attendees as well as all of the artists, experience a full itinerary of enjoying fulfilling, fun and healthy outdoor activities, fun games and unique music experiences and 'out of the box' thinking concepts that are done nowhere else. This includes a DnB pub quiz, excursions, outdoor bookable activities and social events. This creates a truly unique environment that fosters the building of friendships and relationships, networking opportunities and more. Many of our attendees and artists now meet up at other events, go traveling together and support the wider ecosystem. ​
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(Photo: Our 2024 event itinerary)
ATTENDEE REVIEWS
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The reviews speak for themselves, some of which are below. Please see full attendees exceptional feedback (HERE) which is linked to the MB Facebook profile.
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"Without a doubt 1 of the best experiences to date so much love, care & attention went into organising this fabulous event, I am beyond grateful for creating these amazing life long memories for us all x"
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"100% The best personaly curated boutique DNB experience on the planet!"
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"A mind blowing, unique experience that I'm hooked on. This is a festival for appreciators of music, dancing and beautiful scenery. It also allows freedom and time to explore the area and connect with genuine, interesting people/artists. Very well organised and kept informed throughout, with detailed schedules and updates on the various locations etc. ABSOLUTELY CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT TIME!!"
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"This is absolutely an EXPERIENCE. And a top tier one at that. The best vibes, music and people I could imagine."
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"From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The organizers had clearly gone to great lengths to create an environment where everyone felt comfortable and included. The attendees were an international mix of people, all united by their love of drum and bass music"
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"A few weeks on and still lost for words on how to describe how good mountain bass was!! The organisers done such a supreme job, every event felt unique, intimate and different to any other festivals. Very happy family vibes and having the organisers and headline djs join in on the fun made it extra special"
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"Mountain Bass was by far one of the most unique and intimate experiences I have ever been to. Getting to hang out with my heros in a close and personal setting was beyond awesome. not only that but I'm sure I made friends for life from this event and will move heaven and earth to return again every year they do it. I have definitely found my new favorite event and my new favorite people ♡♡♡"
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"Was it too good to be true? I mean, it has been a few weeks since I’ve been home and I still feel like I’m in awe, but you’ll have to find out for yourself at MB 2.0!"
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"Several weeks after the event and I’m still ranting about it seriously unforgettable week, very well put together and organised, couldn’t recommend highly enough!!!"
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​"Amazing festival with great vibes all round, the hosts were brilliant and something i will never forget! Look forward to the next one"
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(Photo: Chris meeting two of his favourite artists, Degs & Etherwood)
HEADLINE ARTIST IMPACT
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Our 2023 event had a 50% ethnic lineup
Our 2024 event had a 50% female lineup
Over both events we have created unique, rewarding and fun work opportunities for 9 UK based industry professionals.
3 of those artists left the worlds biggest, UK based drum and bass record label to pursue their own projects. Our events gave them opportunities to record videos, release new music and perform in truly unique locations in support of their careers. All of these artists want to return to perform again and engage in more projects. All of the artists fully support the project and give it nothing but incredible feedback and support in sharing online, which greatly contributes to our exposure.​
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(Photo: Riya at our headliner sunset session MB2024)
HEADLINE ARTISTS MEDIA
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Media recorded, shared and posted on social media platforms from our event have gained over 149,084 combined views.
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HEADLINE ARTIST SPOTLIGHT - KEENO
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Keeno used our inaugural event as a platform to record his first album release video his own, new label, Keeno music. This EP was titled 'Courage' and represented his feelings about leaving the biggest global DnB label to start his own journey where he could be creatively free. He also launched a new sub genre "Orchestral drum and bass" and the video, facilitated by Mountain Bass, generated over 48,000 views (see video on the left). Keeno Music has now evolved to present a whole new show with a 5 string ensemble.
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(Video: Keeno's 'Courage Ep' release video filmed as a part of MB2023 in Andorra) ​
​​​​HEADLINE ARTIST'S REVIEWS
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"This event is truly special and a real highlight of my festival calendar"
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"This was my favourite event this year. I perform at so many and can barely remember most of them!"
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"What an experience, we have never been looked after so well, never met so many lovely people, one of the most beautiful places we have ever been and had so much fun"
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"Its so good to do something different, so needed in such a stagnant, copy-and-paste festival market. It's the most beautiful, personal, joyful experience and it really does show the care that has gone into it"
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"Thank you for supporting me and my new label and making this video a reality"
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"I'd like to say a massive thank you to yourself and Jo for being amazing!!! It's been such a great experience for me and I've loved every minute of it"
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"Thanks so much, you go above and beyond and make it such a special and memorable experience"
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"Thank you SO much for an incredible time, the best tours and unmatched hospitality. We feel like we have a new family for life"
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A huge thanks to Matt, Jo, Jeni, Terry and the rest of the MB family you guys made the week so special. The vibes were unmatched, it was like being on holiday with your family even though I met everyone there for the first time!.. I could have stayed there forever...but it really was the people that made the week one I will never forget"
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(Photo: Duskee performing during sunset at 2550m altitude)
