Pioneers of Modern Drum & Bass and British Bass Music
Early Lives and Backgrounds
Saul Milton was born 18 June 1981 in London, England. Raised in the capital during a period when British electronic music was rapidly evolving, Milton was exposed to diverse musical influences from an early age.
His upbringing immersed him in the sounds of:
- hip-hop
- reggae
- jungle
- UK garage
London’s multicultural musical environment would later become a defining influence on his artistic outlook.
Will Kennard
Will Kennard was born 11 January 1983 in London, England. Like Milton, Kennard grew up surrounded by a dynamic music culture that embraced experimentation and innovation.
His early musical interests included:
- punk rock
- alternative rock
- hip-hop
- electronic dance music
This wide-ranging taste helped shape the genre-blending approach that later defined Chase & Status.
Education and Formation of the Duo
Milton and Kennard met while studying at University of Manchester, where both were pursuing academic studies unrelated to music.
Their shared fascination with electronic music and sound design quickly led them to collaborate on production experiments. Inspired by the thriving drum-and-bass culture of Manchester and London, they began creating tracks together.
The name “Chase & Status” reportedly originated from a simple phrase reflecting ambition and determination—capturing the duo’s drive to achieve recognition through music.
Early Career and Breakthrough
During the early 2000s, Chase & Status began producing drum-and-bass tracks that caught the attention of prominent DJs.
Their early breakthrough came when legendary drum-and-bass figure DJ Hype began supporting their productions.
Soon afterward, they released tracks through respected labels including:
- RAM Records
- Bingo Beats
Their early single “Duppy Man”, featuring Jamaican dancehall artist Capleton, became an underground anthem and helped establish the duo’s reputation.
Rise to International Fame
Debut Album – More Than Alot (2008)
Chase & Status achieved major recognition with their debut album More Than Alot, released in 2008.
The album demonstrated their ability to combine:
- powerful drum-and-bass rhythms
- dubstep elements
- vocal-driven songwriting
Tracks such as “End Credits”, featuring Plan B, showcased a cinematic side of the duo’s production style and reached a wide audience.
The album received strong critical acclaim and established Chase & Status as leading figures in the evolving bass music scene.
Second Album – No More Idols (2011)
Their second album, No More Idols, propelled the duo into mainstream success.
The album featured collaborations with major artists including:
- Tinie Tempah
- CeeLo Green
- Tempa T
Several singles became chart successes in the United Kingdom, including:
- “Blind Faith”
- “Time”
- “Let You Go”
The album’s genre-blending sound expanded the reach of drum and bass into mainstream pop and hip-hop audiences.
Evolution and Artistic Experimentation
Brand New Machine (2013)
The duo continued pushing boundaries with their third album Brand New Machine, which incorporated stronger rock and electronic influences.
The project included collaborations with artists such as Rita Ora and Moko, reflecting the duo’s willingness to explore new sonic territory.
Return to Drum & Bass – RTRN II JUNGLE (2019)
In 2019, Chase & Status released RTRN II JUNGLE, a project celebrating the roots of UK jungle music.
The album paid homage to the early rave culture that inspired the duo’s career and featured collaborations with legendary figures including:
- Craig David
- Cutty Ranks
The project was widely praised for reconnecting modern audiences with the heritage of British bass music.
Musical Style and Influences
Chase & Status are known for their eclectic production style, drawing from numerous musical traditions.
Key influences include:
- jungle and drum and bass
- reggae and dancehall
- hip-hop
- dubstep
- rock and punk
Artists who helped shape their musical perspective include:
- Goldie
- The Prodigy
- Public Enemy
Their productions often combine aggressive basslines with melodic hooks and live instrumentation.
Live Performances and Festival Impact
Chase & Status have become renowned for their electrifying live performances.
They have headlined major festivals including:
- Glastonbury Festival
- Reading and Leeds Festivals
- Creamfields
Their live shows often feature a full band setup alongside MCs and vocalists, creating a hybrid concert experience that blends DJ culture with live performance energy.
Awards and Recognition
| Year | Award | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | MOBO Awards | Best Album (More Than Alot) |
| 2011 | NME Awards | Best Dance Act |
| Various Years | Drum & Bass Arena Awards | Multiple nominations |
Their achievements helped bring drum and bass into wider public recognition.
Collaborations and Industry Influence
Chase & Status have worked with a wide range of artists across genres, including:
- Stormzy
- Stefflon Don
- Example
Their willingness to collaborate across musical boundaries has played a significant role in shaping the modern British music landscape.
Challenges and Controversies
Throughout their career, Chase & Status have occasionally faced criticism from traditionalists who felt their mainstream collaborations diluted the underground spirit of drum and bass.
However, the duo have consistently argued that musical evolution is essential for the genre’s survival.
Their ability to navigate both underground credibility and mainstream success has ultimately strengthened their reputation.
Public Personal Lives
Both Milton and Kennard maintain relatively private personal lives, choosing to focus public attention on their music and collaborations.
In interviews, they frequently emphasize the importance of community within the electronic music scene and the collaborative nature of bass culture.
Selected Discography
Studio Albums
| Year | Album |
|---|---|
| 2008 | More Than Alot |
| 2011 | No More Idols |
| 2013 | Brand New Machine |
| 2019 | RTRN II JUNGLE |
| 2023 | 2 Ruff, Vol. 1 |
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Chase & Status have played a pivotal role in bringing drum and bass into mainstream global culture.
Their contributions include:
- bridging underground rave culture with chart success
- introducing drum and bass to new audiences worldwide
- collaborating across genres to expand the possibilities of bass music
Their influence extends beyond music production into festival culture, live performance innovation, and the evolution of British electronic music.
Enduring Influence
More than twenty years after their formation, Chase & Status remain among the most influential figures in drum and bass.
Their music continues to inspire producers, energize dancefloors, and demonstrate how electronic music can evolve while staying connected to its roots.
