Dance music icon Netsky has taken the drum & bass scene by storm since the announcement of his highly anticipated return to Hospital Records for his fourth studio album. ‘Second Nature’ represents Netsky’s everlasting love for his D&B roots that has sent shockwaves throughout the dance community. His journey comes full circle as his brand new record marks the 10 year anniversary since his self-titled Hospital debut, with collaborations on the 18-track long-player from Sub Focus, Becky Hill, Rudimental, Hybrid Minds, and Urbandawn to name a few. ‘Second Nature’ is teed up to be a remarkable and seminal release for drum & bass lovers around the world.
Bringing his classic liquid sound into 2020 alongside New Zealand based prodigy Montell2099 who has worked with the likes of Diplo, 21 Savage, Lil Wayne and Mr. Carmack, future bass meets Netsky’s signature soulful groove on ‘Mixed Emotions’, paying tribute to New Zealand and the love and support he has received there over the past decade of his career as an artist and DJ.
Multi Brit-Award winning drum & bass powerhouse Rudimental and their official vocalist Afronaut Zu jump into the picture for ‘Blend’, which sees groove filled vocals rolled out alongside a slick bassline, vibrant trumpets, Netsky’s feel-good melodies, and Rudimental’s signature uplifting style.
Covering the Deniece Williams classic, ‘Free’ is reminiscent of Netsky’s love for funk & soul, introduced by his father from a young age, that can also be felt in ‘I Choose You’ (a cover of Willie Hutch’s ‘I Choose You) and ‘Everybody Loves The Sunshine’ (feat. Chantal Kashala & Daddy Waku)’ (covering Roy Ayers’ ‘Everybody Loves The Sunshine’). ‘Free’ takes you back to the original sounds of Netsky with a trademark liquid bassline and unforgettable brass topline, as sincere vocals and old school breakbeats tie the track together into a nostalgic number infused with the sounds of today.
‘Look At Me Go’ features breakbeat and UK hardcore champion Darren Styles. This four to the floor slammer with its thumping kick drum and catchy vocal sample has already received support from the likes of Sub Focus and Dimension. Coming together with Hospital’s very own Urbandawn, ‘Power’ sees the epic collision of two heavyweights as halftime drums and a slapping double bass kick start the jam, followed by the takeover of sweltering synths and sonically searing drums.
‘Destiny’ is a high voltage dancefloor anthem as Netsky joins forces with fellow drum & bass stalwart Sub Focus with Jozzy on the vocals. Big room synths inject energising vibrations on this electrifying cut which truly is a collaboration of legends. Plus, soulful pianos are paired with the unifying vocals of Becky Hill as she throws back to her second nature, and graces her first drum & bass track for several years on the heartfelt banger ‘Hold On’.
Over the years Netsky’s contribution to electronic music has been vast, ranging from a BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix (also nominated for ‘Mix Of The Year’ in 2010) to touring across the globe as a headline DJ and with his legendary live show. His phenomenal impact in dance music has been mirrored in the support received for the first single taken from the album ‘I See The Future In Your Eyes’, which received widespread support from respected industry tastemakers including Annie Mac, Zane Lowe, Nick Grimshaw, MistaJam, Rene LaVice, Hybrid Minds, Alice Levine and even New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Arden, as well as clocking up well over 1 million streams in its first few weeks. Brace yourself for an astonishing album and a formidable showcase of Netsky’s sonic prowess.
