Magnafide Makes His United By Bass Recordings Debut With Verdant / Something Special

Los Angeles Drum & Bass Veteran Magnafide Joins UBB Recordings for Its 18th Release

Los Angeles has long been home to one of the United States’ most distinctive drum & bass communities, and few producers have been part of that story as consistently as Magnafide. With a career spanning more than two decades and a deep connection to the soulful, atmospheric and liquid side of the genre, the Los Angeles veteran now brings his sound to United By Bass Recordings for the label’s 18th release.

Verdant / Something Special marks Magnafide’s debut on UBB Recordings, delivering two beautifully crafted drum & bass cuts that explore warmth, groove, melody and atmosphere. Together, the tracks showcase the musicality and versatility that have made Magnafide a respected name within the deeper corners of the D&B community.

Magnafide: A Longstanding Voice in Los Angeles Drum & Bass

Magnafide has been an active force within the Los Angeles drum & bass scene since the early 2000s, developing a production style deeply influenced by the soulful, jazzy, atmospheric and melodic sides of the genre.

Rather than relying on sheer intensity, his music has consistently demonstrated an appreciation for groove, musicality and texture. His productions occupy the space where drum & bass becomes as much about the journey as it is about the dancefloor — rolling rhythms, warm basslines, intricate percussion and lush musical elements coming together to create a sound that feels both timeless and distinctly his own.

His involvement with the Los Angeles-based Fourth Level Audio collective has further cemented his place within the West Coast D&B community, with a catalog that reflects a broad appreciation for liquid funk, soul, jazz, hip-hop, ambient music and the many sounds that exist between them. That musical perspective is evident throughout Verdant / Something Special.

Magnafide — Verdant

Opening the release, Verdant immediately establishes an immersive atmosphere built around a steady, rolling rhythmic foundation.

The track doesn’t rush. Instead, it gradually draws the listener into its world through lush textures, subtle layers and a deep, hypnotic groove. There is a warmth running through the production that gives Verdant an organic quality, while the detailed percussion keeps the track moving with the understated momentum that is such an important part of deeper drum & bass.

It’s a track that rewards attention. The arrangement allows individual elements room to breathe, creating an expansive sonic landscape without losing sight of the groove.

Verdant feels equally at home in a late-night club set, a deeper D&B mix or simply through a pair of headphones — a beautifully atmospheric cut that demonstrates Magnafide’s ability to create movement without sacrificing musicality.

"I was going for pure, lush liquid d&b as a concept. It's my favorite genre of all time. I chopped up some brass and piano, and the rest settled into place nicely. A couple friends heard it early and their supportive reactions gave me the boost to see it through."

Magnafide

Magnafide - Something Special

If Verdant is the more reflective side of the release, Something Special brings a little more forward momentum.

Built around an infectious rhythmic groove, the track introduces additional energy while maintaining the warmth and musical character that define the release. Melodic elements weave through the rhythm, giving the production a soulful quality and helping create a track that feels immediately engaging without becoming overly aggressive.

There is a natural sense of progression throughout Something Special, with the various elements working together to keep the track moving while allowing the details of the production to shine.

Placed alongside Verdant, it creates a compelling contrast: two tracks with distinct personalities that still feel unmistakably connected.

A New Chapter for United By Bass Recordings

For United By Bass Recordings, welcoming Magnafide to the label is particularly meaningful.

Since launching UBB Recordings, the label has aimed to provide a home for drum & bass that reflects the diversity, creativity, and community surrounding the genre. From established artists to emerging producers and from deeper liquid sounds to the many other forms of D&B that continue to evolve.

Magnafide’s connection to Los Angeles and the broader West Coast drum & bass community makes Verdant / Something Special a natural fit for the label.

It also represents another milestone for United By Bass Recordings as we reach our 18th official release.

What began as an extension of the United By Bass community has continued to grow into a platform for artists and music from San Diego, Los Angeles, across California and far beyond. With each release, UBB Recordings continues to build a catalog that reflects the many different sounds and perspectives that make drum & bass such a unique culture.

We’re excited to have Magnafide be part of that journey.