The DJ who raised the scene brings her sound to China Doll
Emerging out of the United Kingdom's frenzied dance club scene in 1990, drum 'n' bass is the product of a few DJs who risked everything, accelerated the breakbeats of the techno fashionable at the time to 180 bpm, then matched the intricate rhythmic structures with simple yet booming bass lines, creating a sound so hardcore and visceral that the genre quickly dominated the landscape of electronic music in the previous decade.

Founded in 1993 by a select group of artists and promoters dedicated to the genre, Metalheadz became the record label to watch as the drum 'n' bass captivated clubbers and music-fiends across the globe, serving as home base to many of the scene's greatest luminaries to date: Dillinja, Ed Rush, Optical, Grooverider, Photek and endless other names who helped to shape a sound at its most seminal moments. Along with the legendary Goldie and her partner-in-DJ-crime Kemistry, DJ Storm spent over two years managing the pioneering label, observing the nascent scene and entrancing crowds with record mixing skills that peers in the industry widely regard as flawless.

In spite of the 1999 passing of her musical partner Kemistry, and the subsequent shift to a career as a solo artist, Storm's unequivocal credentials and experience throughout nearly twenty years at the helm of a scene have cemented her status as the "First Lady of Drum 'n' Bass." While Beijing audiences often hear the chatter that a legend will be coming to town and an event simply cannot be missed, Storm's April 17 performance alongside MC Rage at China Doll will most certainly be the type of opportunity that not only die-hard conoisseurs of drum 'n' bass, but also newcomers itching for a taste of a signature sound can appreciate.

Like countless other celebrated relationships, Storm's love affair with drum 'n' bass began on a dance floor with an infatuation for the beats that permeated the London parties of the late '80s. Attending raves with her friend Kemistry, Storm became a regular on the club circuit and grew so enthralled with dance music's progression into drum 'n' bass that she relinquished her career ambitions to chase the dream of DJing.

As a stalwart and a veteran in a scene in transition, Storm was present at its inception, and worked tirelessly to promote and nurture the up-and-coming talents that she believed would keep the music for which she felt so passionately relevant even after so many in the mainstream music media declared that the heyday of drum 'n' bass had come and gone. After his set at The Syndicate-hosted show at Vics in March, drum 'n' bass producer and DJ Futurebound couldn't hold back his gratitude for Storm's efforts: "Had it not been for the work that Storm did to help everyone out, I can't imagine where any of us would be in this business. All of us owe her and Metalheadz a debt that I'm not even sure we can repay."

Rachel Simhon

Details: DJ Storm and MC Rage
Where: China Doll
When: Thursday, April 17
How Much: Free 'till 12. ￥30 after.