With Rid being a vinyl head at heart, he works hard to ensure that his work is full of soul. ‘Good music is good music’, a statement which helps Rid steer clear of limitations, creating new flavours every time he is in the studio. Best known currently for his D&B track ‘Lucifer’ on Tyke’s Holographic Records, he took a curveball pivot into the world of house in 2023 with his track ‘Don’t Be Scared’ released on Italian imprint, Unbelievable Records. Now, he runs Optivus Music, a label for disabled and neurodivergent artists only. The journey for Rid continues, as he carves a path for not only himself, but for others too.

From the first time Rid witnessed ‘Peace Love and Unity’ and ‘Reach Out’ blasted through a soundsystem at legendary nightclub Bagleys in London, the producer was hooked on drum & bass. It was a ‘this is for me’ moment, which would later take place throughout different venues in London and further afield, with nights out at Bagley’s Carnival being described as the best nights of his life. Spending the evening pouring over jungle and drum & bass, Carnival was a pivotal part of his journey as well as the journey of many others, steeped in the culture which enabled the genre to flourish. Although from here, he’d also extended his roots across several influences, whether that was the live sounds of Pendulum, or in the crowd watching music play out of speaker stacks in Bagleys. But it was the pinnacle moment upon watching Pendulum live which spurred his choice to jump feet first into music making. 

The ethos behind Rid’s music is simple; his aim is to translate the happiness he feels on the dancefloor into other people’s lives. Whether that’s reminding people of a good time or happy memory, the feelings he experiences within tracks such as ‘LK’ by DJ Marky sparks emotions which instantly hit a feel good button no matter where he is or what he’s doing. And RID is aiming to have this very same effect when people listen to his own records, something he is moving towards with his first release ready to drop.

After mentorship from Tyke, and with musical inspirators ranging from Shy FX, Serial Killerz, Brockie and imprints such as Jungle Cakes, as well as other genres such as garage which frequents in his own DJ sets, Rid has always made an effort to channel rave energy within different aspects of his life. Although the path hasn’t always been without obstacles, especially after a decade old brain injury resulted in long term effects and partial deafness. However it's Rid’s love for drum & bass which has pushed him forward, as he’s engineered a path for himself which will see him endeavor to help those suffering from brain injuries whilst tapping into his musical passions too. 

Rid hasn’t allowed adversity to overcome his plight for music production and instead he’s used this to ignite his progression towards releasing music. With a forthcoming album in the works, the profits raised will be directed to a charity that supports children with brain injuries. He wants to show people that music production is an example that despite brain injuries people can still flourish, and his current climb is certainly a testament to this. Rid has taken charge of his future, which will come to fruition in the coming year as he gears up for his debut.

Miss Medik: DJ, Producer, classically trained musician from Somerset. Her vast classical background has led her to be the perfect creator of sublime liquid and orchestral drum and bass.

Who are you? Tell us a bit about who you are as an artist.

I am a liquid/orchestral D&B producer and DJ. I love combining classical music with EDM as I was classically trained but fell in love with drum & bass. I’m also inspired by 90s trance as I found it around the same time I found D&B.

What was your first taste of dance music? What got you hooked?

Drum & bass was the first music I felt a connection to. I discovered it in 2007 when I was 15. I spent my life not fitting in and drum & bass was the first time I ever felt like I belonged anywhere. It saved my life so many times. I was also passionate about trance music, but D&B will always be my passion.

What disabilities do you have?

Autism Spectrum Disorder.

How does your disability affect your life?

I have a very limited social battery, which means I can only be around people for a couple hours before I lose the ability to socialise. Being around people exhausts me so much that after a rave/event I spend about a week recovering, despite being completely sober. But I love being there and around people, so it’s a very frustrating limit as I want to do more. I become overstimulated easily which can lead to distress and needing to be alone or in a low stimulated area, which is difficult if I’m not at home. Then I’m out of control of how I respond to people or how I act. I am so worried about people thinking I’m rude if I’m burnt out or if I respond in a way that might be weird to them, so I generally try not to socialise. Autism also means I have constant high levels of anxiety, which makes everyday tasks difficult.

How has your disability influenced your music and who you are as an artist?

I love the sounds produced in D&B, particularly darker liquid. I think the sounds I create in Serum are tuned to these sounds that are really soothing to me. Drum & bass is my biggest special interest (alongside cows) so I think having autism has made me work harder and have more focus for the thing I love. If I’m having a meltdown or need big distraction from distress, I open Logic and mindlessly make music which I can then turn into something more logical when I’m in a better frame of mind.

What message would you like to share with people who have disabilities and are considering getting into music?

You may not see yourself reflected in the people you see on the lineups, but that doesn’t mean you won’t. There has been a big shift in gender, and I think a big shift in minorities is on the rise too. And don’t compare yourself to other people because there are things we can’t do the same as others, but equally, there are things we can do that other can’t. Go at the pace you’re comfortable with.

Who are you? Tell us a bit about who you are as an artist.

My name is Karl, also known as FLOOD. I’m a drum and bass DJ and producer from Kent, still finding my way through this huge and unpredictable world we call the music industry.

I first got started back in 2014 as a self-taught DJ, playing house music under the name Wheels. That journey led to some incredible opportunities, including playing at iconic venues such as Ministry of Sound and Egg London and supporting artists such as Idris Elba, Skream, and Alisha. Around that time, I also took an online course with Point Blank Music School, which really boosted my confidence and helped me develop my production skills and understanding of music.

I’ve always been drawn to deep, bass-driven sounds across different genres, but nothing has ever resonated with me quite like drum and bass. That’s what inspired me to launch my new alias, FLOOD. I wanted to make music that felt more personal and meaningful, something people could connect with on a deeper level. Music is such a powerful thing; it brings people together regardless of disability, ethnicity, or background.

Through FLOOD, my goal is to use drum and bass as a way to unite people and break down barriers. It’s my way of saying “I can do this” without needing to say the words. As a wheelchair user, I’m passionate about pushing for greater accessibility and inclusion in the industry, proving that creativity has no limits and that anyone can make their mark, no matter their circumstances.

What was your first taste of dance music? What got you hooked?

I’d say I was quite a late bloomer compared to other artists, but my real passion began when I turned 18, started going clubbing and attending festivals. Of course, I had listened to dance music at different times growing up, but nothing grabs your attention quite like hearing it on a massive club or festival sound system.

It wasn’t just the music that got me hooked, either. I was fascinated by how DJs could take control of a crowd and create such an incredible sense of unity. I knew I wanted to be part of that world and had to find a way to make it happen. Because of my disability, I couldn’t use standard decks and a mixer, but I could use an iPad. That’s when I discovered an app made by Traktor, a well-known brand for DJ software and hardware.

To be honest, I had no idea what I was doing when I first started. But like with most things, if you stick with something, you get better, and that’s exactly what happened. I began playing at friends’ house parties, and eventually I felt ready to approach local promoters. I landed my first official gig in 2014 on Valentine’s Day, supporting The Hoxton Whores and Sam Divine. I played the opening set, and it went really well. I’ve been hooked ever since!

What disabilities do you have?

I have a disability called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, which is a rare condition that causes stiffness and limited movement in my joints, often leaving them bent or curved. Growing up with this has presented its challenges, but it has also shaped the person and artist I am today. I was also diagnosed with scoliosis, a curvature of the spine that meant I needed titanium rods fitted to help straighten it.

Living with these conditions has taught me patience, resilience, and creativity in finding new ways to do the things I love. It’s made me more determined to prove that having a disability doesn’t define what you can achieve. Instead, it gives you a different perspective and a stronger drive to push boundaries, especially in an industry that still has a long way to go when it comes to accessibility and inclusion.

How does your disability affect your life?

Because my disability limits movement in all my limbs, I use an electric wheelchair to get around and have someone who supports me with my daily care. Even so, I’ve never allowed this to stop me from living what I consider a full and ordinary life. I have a loving family, I went to university, and I’ve found ways to access the tools and technology that enable me to do what I love.

Living with a disability does mean I approach things differently, but it’s also given me a unique outlook on life. It’s shown me that with determination, creativity, and the right support, you can still do what you love and make your dreams a reality.

How has your disability influenced your music and who you are as an artist?

My disability has played a huge role in shaping who I am, both as a person and as an artist. Being a wheelchair user has meant finding creative ways to navigate an industry that isn’t always designed with accessibility in mind. It’s made me more determined, resourceful, and driven to prove that talent and passion always come first.

One of the biggest ways my disability has influenced my music is through the tools I use. I’ve had to discover software that allows me to replace the hardware most non-disabled DJs rely on. As I mentioned earlier, I began using my iPad to mix, but as my skills grew, I wanted to take things further by adding a third deck and experimenting more creatively. That wasn’t possible on the iPad, so I started exploring software on my laptop, and it completely changed the game for me. It opened up a new world of possibilities and gave me the freedom to express myself in ways I couldn’t before.

My resilience feeds directly into my music. The energy, emotion, and sense of overcoming challenges are all reflected in the sound I create. It’s also shaped my purpose as an artist. I don’t just want to produce and perform; I want to make a difference. Being part of Glastonbury’s Levelling the Field programme really opened my eyes to the power of representation. It showed me how important it is for disabled people to be visible, and it inspired me to use my platform to push for more inclusivity in the music industry. I want to show that disabled people deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated for their creativity and impact.

We’re here to inspire other people with disabilities. What message would you like to share with people who have disabilities and are considering getting into music?

Don’t hold back, just go for it! Yes, you will face barriers, but those barriers can be broken, and they are being broken more and more every day. Your voice and influence truly matter. If you are someone who is struggling or unsure how to get started in music, reach out to the team at Optivus. They are incredible and really supportive. And if you would like to connect with me personally, you can find me on all social platforms at @flooddnb. I am always happy to help however I can.

I also want to highlight Glastonbury’s Levelling the Field programme, which is an amazing accessibility initiative that helps people from the deaf and disabled community gain experience working in live events, and what better place to do that than at Glastonbury itself? Taking part in that programme opened so many doors for me and gave me a platform to keep pushing for change. So take that step, get involved, and let us continue building a music industry that is truly inclusive and accessible for everyone.

Who are you? Tell us a bit about who you are as an artist.

I’m Jamie, also known as BlueFootJai. I make Drum & Bass that focuses on emotion, texture and depth. Music is how I express myself and make sense of the world. I try to create something honest that people can feel.

What was your first taste of dance music? What got you hooked?

My first connection was with electro & 80’s hip hop (Big Daddy Kane, Public Enemy) - which morphed in UK hip hop (Hijack, demon Boyz, overlord X to name a few) and then this passion for raw beats, bas & lyrics caught fire when jungle drum and bass first kicked off. It felt raw, real and alive. It felt like somewhere I belonged.

What disabilities do you have?

I’m autistic and ADHD - alongside also being a Type 1 Diabetic 

How does your disability affect your life?

I experience everything intensely - sound, emotion, detail. That can be overwhelming day-to-day, but it also means I can hyperfocus deeply when something matters to me. I notice patterns and subtleties that show up in the music. It’s a challenge and a strength at the same time.

It’s this ‘HYPERFOCUS’ which is the title and first release on Optivus Music - I can literally get lost in my studio for hours and come out with multiple finished tracks - I love it. So after learning of the label, I literally crafted 5 tracks in a couple of days and I’m really pleased with the outcome, all down to my ‘hyper focus’ 

How has your disability influenced your music and who you are as an artist?

Music is where my mind becomes clear. The hyperfocus, the emotional processing, the need for expression — all of it channels straight into sound. My neurodivergence shapes the way I build mood, rhythm and space. It gives my music its voice. As an artist I love being diverse and feel that my releases on Omni Music & FX909 demonstrate this; where my self releasing music also gives me an outlet to experiment and learn and develop as an artist. 

What message would you like to share with people who have disabilities and are considering getting into music?

Your difference is part of your power. You don’t need to create like anyone else. Take your time, use the tools that suit your brain, and let your perspective shape your sound. There’s no correct path — just your path.