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Dr. Apollo swung by to share his thoughts on the drum and bass scene, from the genre’s vibrant community to where he hopes to see it go in the future, and more.
As drum and bass continues to surge forward in the scene, Dr. Apollo is helping lead the charge for Americans shaking things up. This Los Angeles-based DJ and producer began his career over a decade ago. Early on, he won Insomniac’s Discovery Project contest for EDC Las Vegas, and he’s been on a tear ever since. Notable releases have landed on labels like RAM Records, BMG, Play Me, Hospital Records, Viper Recordings, Bassrush, and more, while he’s also performed throughout Southern California and beyond.
Dr. Apollo is planning his next steps in the scene in 2026, but before he gets too far, he caught up with us to chat about his love for drum and bass and share some thoughts on the future of the genre here in the States.
Drum and bass is the most exciting thing in dance music right now. It’s fueled by a global, dedicated fanbase spanning generations and seems to be only getting bigger each month. To me, DnB is an art form with endless possibilities, and it’s up to us as creators to push the genre to new heights. I’ve dedicated my life to bringing new sounds into the future, and with DnB, I have the most fun doing it.
Dr. ApolloDiving deeper into the community, Dr. Apollo paid homage to the artists in Los Angeles who have helped preserve the history and pave the way for the genre to be where it is today. “I wouldn’t exist without the guidance of DnB legends like MC Dino, Reid Speed, Dip Vertigo, Machete, and Nightstalker taking me under their wing and actually teaching me what makes this art form so special,” he shared.
Those artists, and others within the drum and bass scene, have been championing the genre for decades. Even though it’s experiencing a resurgence in popularity today, it’s been influential as a founding genre within the dance music scene. “Every year it gets bigger and will continue to grow until it’s a household name,” said Dr. Apollo. “I think we owe a debt of gratitude to Pasquale [Rotella] and Bassrush for always prioritizing DnB in their lineups and introducing the hottest DnB from around the world to the US.”
Beyond what Insomniac’s Bassrush brand has done for drum and bass over the years, Dr. Apollo pointed out that there is a flurry of American producers who are helping push the genre forward to reach new heights. He rattled off a list that included Skellytn, LMNOP, NC-17, 24hrs, Bella Renee, Skanka, Josh Rubin/XLVR, Hissteria, Ghost In Real Life, dela Moon, and Maylay as artists to keep an eye on.
Dr. Apollo also pointed out that support from icons in the EDM, dubstep, and trap communities has helped him advance his career. “Last year I did official remixes for Marshmello, Telykast, Ookay, Kompany, and Space Laces, all of whom wanted DnB versions of their future classics,” he said. That forced me to take my music to another level, and I can’t thank them enough for their help.”
As for the future of the genre, he envisions drum and bass becoming a staple in American pop music with superstars similar to those in other genres. “They’ll go on to sell out arenas nationwide and create a movement no one has ever seen before,” he said. “They’ll collaborate with the biggest artists and eventually be a mainstay in our society. It’s inevitable.”
My mission has been clear from the start. Create a show that when the audience leaves, they know they will never forget it. That’s our job as performers. Not to just show up. We stand on the shoulders of the greatest entertainers who have ever lived, and we have to act like it when we are lucky enough to be on a stage. I don’t believe in visions; I believe in action.
Dr. ApolloOn a personal level, Dr. Apollo is already shaping up to have a massive run in 2026. After dropping “Shutdown” on Marshmello’s Joytime Collective, he has a new EP signed to the label, filled with “174 BPM NeuroTrap rage crunk bangers.” Additionally, he’s been collaborating with Atlanta trap legend 24hrs and has over an album’s worth of music done. “I can’t wait for the world to hear it,” he shared. “I also have a ton of shows this year that I’m stoked to announce very soon.”
To cap it off, Dr. Apollo dropped off a mix for the Drum & Bass Devotions series, which features 100% original tracks and remixes. “Some I have dropping on the EP and some you should def look out for soon,” he said. “There might even be a super exclusive remix dropping later in the year at the end of the mix…”
Give this mix from Dr. Apollo a spin on SoundCloud and follow him on social media to stay in the know on his upcoming releases and shows.
English (US) · 