Renegade Riddims: Thomas B

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For this week’s Renegade Riddims, we take a trip across the Atlantic for a mix from Thomas B. If you know the name, you already know the man lives and breathes bass culture. If you do not, strap in and catch up, because Thomas B has been shaping dancefloors longer than some ravers have been alive.

His story begins in the wild New York rave era of the mid-90s, back when Jungle and Drum & Bass powered basements, rooftops and sketchy warehouse corners. Thomas was already in the thick of it, promoting parties and building community. No hype, no ego, just pure graft and passion for the culture.

Fast forward, and Tucson, Arizona, became his home base. And he did not just move there; he helped put the place on the dance map. Earthdance, Reflections, Gem and Jam, June Jam, weeklies, monthlies, you name it. If there was a party worth talking about, chances are Thomas was on the decks or behind the scenes turning gears.

Musically, he is a shapeshifter in the best way. Drum & Bass at the core, but expect footwork switch-ups, 2-step swing, 140 depth and garage flexes woven into tight, confident blends. Proper DJ’s DJ energy, built for sweaty club nights and outdoor rigs humming under desert skies.

In 2013, Thomas stepped into production and linked with long-time collaborator Ghast. Their ‘Bone Dance’ LP on Free Love Digi lit the fuse, followed by a string of projects including the breakout ‘Endling’ EP in 2016. International support rolled in, with love from DJ Mag Spain and Magnetic Magazine, a Drum & Bass Arena interview that cemented his global arrival, and even a Spotlight Mix for us in 2017!

Then came the side quests. Onism Qi with Ghast and Quentin Hiatus. A whole new sonic lane and plenty of praise. Basic Biology with Matthew Cassidy soon followed, dropping the ‘Melting Patterns’ LP on Free Love Digi and the ‘Stomata’ LP in 2021. Always exploratory, always reaching beyond the obvious.

And the creativity did not stop there. In 2023, Thomas joined Androids Dungeon Radio and delivered the nostalgia-soaked ‘Flower’ LP on digital and cassette. He also kicked off the ‘Apartmani’ EP series with Quentin Hiatus, inspired by their Croatia trip for Noise Test Festival. Three EPs deep and nowhere near finished.

What keeps his sound fresh is the way he makes it. Hardware synths warming up, knobs twisting, ideas flowing, everything guided by instinct. No rules, no strict lanes, just exploration. That playful, hands on approach is exactly why his music carries so much character.

Thomas B is one of those lifers who never clocks out. Two decades in and still pushing, still evolving, still building the sound with passion and intention. Exactly what Renegade Riddims is here to celebrate.

Listen, stream and lock in to the journey. The man is far from done!

Check out the mix below and download it for free here!

Q&A:

Sum up this mix in 10 words…

Vibey, aggressive, warm, experimental, eclectic, dark, heavy, chill, buttery, and smooth

What’s your personal favourite track on it?

‘We Love You Quentin’ by Quentin Hiatus

What’s the special ingredient in this mix?

I selected a bunch of original songs alongside some favorites from other producers. Some of the originals are dubs and a bunch of them will be on my next LP coming out next year.

Tell us about your next release…

I will have my second LP drop on ADSF, a Denver based label next year. It will be a physical release as well as digital. !0 tracks spanning the halftime, jungle, and experimental sides of bass music. I also have some more music slotted for Free Love Digi & Plush recordings.

What have you got coming up? 

It’s rock climbing season in Tucson, Arizona where I live so right now my focus is being outside and climbing as many boulders as I can. But as far as music goes…I just had a conversation with my good friend Quentin Hiatus and it looks like he and I might be travelling to play some shows in the UK this spring!

When was the last time you actually raved?

The 90’s 

And finally, do you have a special message for our readers?

When curating this mix If it wasn’t an original or a promo I received I purchased the songs from Bandcamp. I encourage all djs, fans, and music lovers to buy music or art as close to or directly from the artists as much as possible. Bandcamp is a great platform as revenues earned have a better chance of making it to the artist.

Big up to Data Transmission for the features and inviting me to curate the mix. Thanks for listening! [heart eyes emoji] 

TRACKLIST:

Thomas B – ???

Thomas B – A3 (Forthcoming on ADSF)

Thomas B – Bittersweet (Forthcoming on ADSF)

Thomas B – Emotional Damage

Automatic – Windup

Thomas B – A Friend

Archangel – U & I

Channell, Noppo & Brazil, Zar, Vilah – Drawn Out

Unknown Face – Sample Theory Feat. Need For Mirrors

Thomas B – Heat Dome

Xeonz – Wanna Know

Archangel – Ten Steps

Trail – Midnight Sun

Moty – Remedy

Viah – Challenges Come (VIP)

Thomas B – Pale Yellow (Forthcoming on ADSF)

Monty – Grind Mode

Anile, Midstate – Space Notes

Moresounds x JKenzo – Real Tree Riddim

Quentin Hiatus – Pale Wonders

Thomas B – Beside (Forthcoming on ADSF)

Thomas B – ???

 Ghast – Obfuscation Pattern (Thomas B Remix)

Quentin Hiatus – We Love You Quentin

Thomas B – ???

Thomas B – Simple (Forthcoming on ADSF)
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