Friction
Genres: Drum & Bass
Ed Keeley grew up on the south coast of England in Brighton, where he was drawn into the drum and bass scene during its explosive growth in the late 1990s. Rising through the ranks as one of the most technically gifted DJs of his generation, he earned a reputation for impeccable mixing and an instinct for identifying future anthems before anyone else. By the early 2000s, Friction had established himself as a fixture in the UK underground, known for marathon sets that moved seamlessly between sub-genres. In 2004, he founded Shogun Audio, a label that would become one of the most important imprints in modern drum and bass, breaking artists like Alix Perez, SpectraSoul, and Technimatic. Over a decade later, he launched a second label, Elevate Records, in 2016, expanding his reach into more dancefloor-focused territory with releases from Turno, Kanine, and Macky Gee. His debut album Connections (2018) and follow-up After Dark (2022) showcased his evolution from selector to songwriter, blending polished vocal tracks with heavyweight dancefloor cuts. For six years, Friction hosted the BBC Radio 1 Drum and Bass Show, bringing the genre to a national audience and championing new talent every week. His influence stretches far beyond the DJ booth -- as a label boss, radio presenter, and tastemaker, he has shaped the sound and direction of drum and bass for two decades. On the stage, his sets are a masterclass in energy and selection, cementing his status as one of the most respected figures in the scene.
Friction has 0 upcoming drum & bass event(s) listed on DNBRAVE.