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 opens at The Stephen Lawrence Gallery, University of Greenwich. The exhibition highlights 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.

Exhibition dates and venue

• Dates: 11 October – 2 November 2024
• Venue: The Stephen Lawrence Gallery, University of Greenwich, 10 Stockwell Street, London SE10 9BD

About the exhibition
Trackers and Breakbeats showcases the critical contributions of Bizzy B, whose innovative use of the Commodore Amiga and OctaMED software pushed the boundaries of music production. Despite his significant impact, Bizzy B has often been left out of the mainstream narrative around breakbeat and jungle. This exhibition aims to correct that by acknowledging and celebrating his legacy and those of his collaborators. It also explores the broader demoscene, where early software was used creatively to challenge and redefine cultural boundaries.

• Listen to Equinox on NTS radio with a Bizzy B feature. 

Brain Records: A legacy of innovation
Founded in 1992 in Leytonstone by Bizzy B, Brain Records grew from a small home studio setup into a cornerstone of DIY culture. Bizzy B’s relentless creativity and innovation, despite limited resources, established a raw and unique sound that laid the foundation for what is now a globally recognized genre. The label’s influence extended through sublabels like Brain Progression, Joker Records, and others, with collaborations that were crucial to the development of the breakbeat hardcore and jungle sound.

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

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

Quote from Katherine Green of Rendezvous Projects
“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 honoring 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, particularly through their innovative use of technology like the Commodore Amiga, have left an indelible mark on the genre and deserve to be celebrated.”

Contact information
For more information, high-resolution images, or to arrange an interview with the curators or contributors, please contact Katherine Green at katherine@rendezvousprojects.org.uk. 

About Brain Records
Brain Records, founded by the highly prolific UK hardcore, jungle, and drum and bass producer and DJ Bizzy B in 1992, was a pivotal force in the evolution of these genres. Starting in 1991, Bizzy B released breakbeat hardcore tracks influenced by house and techno, incorporating heavy breakbeats and ragga vocal samples. His label was instrumental in debuting artists like DJ Red Alert, Mike Slammer, Marc Caro (Technical Itch), Peshay, and DJ Zinc. Alongside Dean Vincent (Pugwash), Bizzy B formed The Dream Team, which released influential material on Suburban Base Records and their own Joker Records. Throughout the ’90s, Bizzy B remained highly active, co-owning the 2 Getherness record shop between 1994 and 1998, producing under various monikers, and adapting to the resurgence of jungle in the 2010s, solidifying his legacy in the UK electronic music scene.

About The Stephen Lawrence Gallery
The University of Greenwich founded The Stephen Lawrence Gallery in 2000, working in close partnership with Stephen’s mother, Baroness Doreen Lawrence. The gallery, located in Greenwich Town Centre, promotes diversity in the representation of creative cultures, featuring work by contemporary practitioners across various disciplines. The exhibitions and associated events are open to the public, contributing to the gallery’s mission to foster inclusive communities and environments.