Heard It Here First

Simula’s latest track, “Monolith,” brings out a menace of filthy drum & bass, and we are stoked to finally have this highly anticipated heater in our hands and libraries officially. Known for his energetic and gritty production style, Simula has carved out a distinctive sound that DnB enthusiasts can recognize almost immediately. The heavy-hitting new single, “Monolith,” has been creating a whirlwind of positive feedback from fans and other renowned artists who have given us a taste of this insane song during their sets. The single was released under Neksus Recordings, a label founded by Simula alongside fellow Drum and Bass duo Annix. He recently blasted “Monolith” at Steel Yard London for his sold-out curated event, and as expected, a havoc of excitement was unleashed throughout the crowd.

Will Ryan, better known as Simula, has been pushing the boundaries of electronic music since 2016 when he released his debut track, “Introvert.” The U.K.-based DnB don has been grasping the attention of fans across the globe, flexing top-tier soundscapes that have harnessed a niche subgenre with a distinctive sound, dubbing it hybrid jump-up. This style of DnB surges a mix of jump-up, experimental, and jungle elements, creating a melting pot of intricate sounds. To push this subgenre forward, Simula and Annix launched Neksus in 2020, with the intention of promoting other hybrid jump-up artists. The dark and experimental twist to the jump-up subgenre is what makes Simula’s sound so insanely unique to listeners.

Simula has transcended his craft, having next-level collaboration tracks such as “Lifeline” with Bou & Sydney Bryce and “Flex” with K-Motionz. Seeking to expand his project, in 2024, he founded Dance Macabre, a live showcase that embodies Simula’s sound and creative vision. He’s also played some phenomenal sets at some of the biggest DnB festivals in Europe, such as Rampage Open Air in Belgium and Let It Roll, held in the Czech Republic.

Simula’s “Monolith” opens up with intriguing vocals echoed by ominous, experimental sounds. We become welcomed into the atmospheric realm of obscurity as we await grimey, textured basslines. This track is multilayered and rhythmically intense, while also having standout hybrid jump-up elements that draw us in. Simula is credited for releasing extensive mixtapes, allowing him to feature his best work from afar. His newest release, “Monolith,” is the first track in his latest mixtape known as “Simula III,” which sparked the hype for this release. When he teased us with the single’s release, his fans, including myself, were on the edge of our seats knowing exactly what he was about to drop.                                                        

The first time I listened to Simula, I was completely taken aback. I had never heard drum & bass as dark, gritty, and innovative as the tunes he produces. While championing the hybrid jump-up genre forward, he is truly making waves in the DnB scene. Having the ability to expand something that’s niche and underground takes passion, drive, and relentless dedication, and we are always impressed with what Simula creates.

What are your thoughts on Simula’s “Monolith” track? Let us know in the comments below!

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