University Star

Dubstep group Magnetic Man is tearing up the United Kingdom electronic-dance music scene. The group consists of three dubstep producers and DJ’s – Benga, Skream and Artwork. The U.K. possesses the heart of dubstep and is where the music genre first originated. Thus, Magnetic Man is “dupstep gold.”

Skream, born Oliver Jones, is often critically acclaimed the “ambassador” of dubstep. He has played a big role in the genre’s development. Skream started producing music at 15 years old, using FruityLoops.

Benga, born Adegbenga Adejumo, has been reppin’ his infamous afro on the U.K. underground scene for almost 10 years. At the age of 15, he released his debut 12-track, “Skank/Dose”. 

Artwork, born Arthur Smith, is the man both Skream and Benga refer to as their mentor. Artwork is musically ahead of his time; He recorded the dubstep anthem, “Red,” before the genre even had a name.

The trio met in their hometown of Croydon, England at the Big Apple Records store during the 1990s. Artwork was running the store and making music in the upstairs room. He let the young Skream and Benga use his studio, and the group evolved over time. They signed with Columbia Records in February 2010. Their debut album, “Magnetic Man,” was released through Sony Columbia Records in October 2010. 

Benga, Skream and Artwork perform using three computers. Artwork is in control of the master laptop when Magnetic Man performs. The trio is known for a marvelously fun performance, full of bass-busting sounds and crowd-surfing fans. Their sets consist of original tracks that the trio produced together, as well as solo Benga and Skream tracks remixed live. 

Good luck catching the trio in the United States. Magnetic Man usually only plays at clubs and music festivals in the U.K., because they already have an established scene. The Coachella 2011 crowd was lucky enough to witness the group’s first U.S. performance at the beginning of April. 

Magnetic Man’s new essential mix is now available in the U.S. and can be downloaded here for free. The first time I heard this mix was in my friend’s car. My ears didn’t even know what hit them! The bass-line is so dirty that it left my brain tingling.