Critical

More than two decades since it was first conceived in a North London flat as a platform for drum & bass's most forward-thinking artists, Critical Music has grown to become one of the most powerful and influential global forces in electronic music.

From its early years delivering cutting-edge sonics from now legendary producers such as Calibre, Break and Breakage, via scene-shaping releases from the likes of Mefjus, Enei and Ivy Lab, through to its modern role as an incubator for D&B's most innovative young talent, Critical has continually evolved without ever sacrificing its core commitment to artistic integrity and restless progression.

The imprint has taken founder Kasra Mowlavi from young underground music obsessive emboldened by an early career working in the record industry, to not just label boss, but highly respected producer and DJ at parties worldwide and, of course, the label's own Critical Sound club nights, festival shows and international tours.

Since the first event back in 2010, Critical Sound has helped carry the label's artists and musical philosophy far and wide, from a residency at fabric, to hosting sold-out parties at Printworks, representing D&B at Barcelona's highly discerning Sonar festival and taking over the main stage at Boomtown.

Now, Critical is in stronger health than ever – with a stable of exclusive artists nurtured via its talent-blooding sub-label Binary that includes some of the most exciting fresh talent around, including QZB, Particle, Simula, En:vy and Spectral, alongside a cohort of more established heads such as Calyx, Ivy Lab, Kasra himself and Enei.

As Kasra said to fabric back in 2017; "Music is all I'm good at."

Looking back on almost a quarter of a century of the label that he's dedicated the majority of his life to; it's hard to do anything but agree.