Trackers & Breakbeats, new exhibition about Brain Records and Bizzy B

27 September 2024 - Press release

Rendezvous Projects presents Trackers and Breakbeats: Celebrating Brain Records' Underground Revolution, an exhibition that explores the groundbreaking influence of Brain Records and its pioneering use of 8-bit technology in the 1990s. This exhibition brings to light the often overlooked yet pivotal role of Brain Records and its founder, Bizzy B, in shaping the UK hardcore and jungle scenes, as well as their connection to the wider demoscene. The exhibition takes place at The Stephen Lawrence Gallery, University of Greenwich 11 October – 2 November 2024.

Trackers and Breakbeats highlights the critical contributions of Bizzy B, whose innovative use of the Commodore Amiga and OctaMED software allowed him to push the boundaries of music production. Despite his significant impact, Bizzy B has often been left out of the mainstream narrative around breakbeat and jungle, making this exhibition a vital step in acknowledging and celebrating his legacy and those of his collaborators. The exhibition also delves into the broader demoscene, where early software was used creatively to challenge and redefine cultural boundaries.

Founded in 1992 in Leytonstone by Bizzy B, Brain Records emerged from a small home studio setup to become a cornerstone of DIY culture. Bizzy B's relentless creativity and innovation, despite limited resources, helped to establish a raw and unique sound that would lay the foundation for what is now a globally recognised genre. Sub labels included: Bizzy B (Dubplates), Brain II, Brain Progression, Cant Stop Wont Stop Records, Fat Beats (2), i-d Records, Joker Records, Macca, Second Protocol Records. Bizzy’s work on Brain Records, along with collaborations with artists like Lennie De Ice, TDK, DJ Dlux, DJ Red Alert & Mike Slammer, Peshay, and Equinox, Swift & Zinc, Technical itch, Raw Trax, Agent K, Blakeski, MC 2 tone, Mr Woosh and DJ Pugwash, played a crucial role in the development of the breakbeat hardcore and jungle sound.

The exhibition features key Brain Records (and associated label) releases, studio equipment, photography, flyers, and oral history extracts, offering a comprehensive look at the label's impact. It also sheds light on the close-knit, collaborative nature of the scene, where even those working from "bedroom studios" were deeply connected with larger labels and influential producers.

Katherine Green of Rendezvous Projects states, "In the mainstream narratives of jungle, and drum and bass, the influence of Brain Records and its distinct sound is often overlooked. This exhibition seeks to correct that imbalance by honouring and recognising these true pioneers and innovators who have played a crucial role in shaping the UK music scene. Bizzy B and the crew around Brain Records contributions, particularly through the innovative use of technology like the Commodore Amiga, have left an indelible mark on the genre and deserve to be celebrated."

Playlist 
Listen to this NTS show by Equinox, In Focus: Bizzy B

A small selection of Bizzy B and Brain Records tracks on YouTube. 

See Discogs of Brain Records and Bizzy B for a full back catalogue. 

Event details:

• Dates: 11 October 2024 – 2 November 2024

• Venue: Stephen Lawrence Gallery, University of Greenwich, 10 Stockwell Street London SE10 9BD

• Curated by: Katherine Green, Rendezvous Projects, Jonathan Weinel, Bizzy B and DJ Dlux