Visionary Underground
Encyclopedia
Visionary Underground are a technology driven, audiovisual drum ’n’ bass/breakbeat band from London. At VU’s core, DJ Feelfree’s distinctive, driving beats are laced with UK hip hop, ragga, soul, dub and Asian flavas and accompanied by VJ Coco’s vibrant, interactive visuals. Damion Mulrain’s soaring vocals are a perfect counterpoint to the fluid delivery of rapper Duane Flames. Collectively, they ably demonstrate that they have a finger on the pulse of the nation’s psyche. Their live performances are delivered with energy and passion.
The debut album “Keep The Grime On” saw many guest collaborations but second album “Fired Up” reverts to a more traditional format of featuring mainly only band members. Currently the third album is being written. The first single to come off that album is "Get The Beers In"
--Visionary Underground
Prior to the release of “Keep The Grime On”, VU Recordings released four 12” vinyl singles and one CD/vinyl single. All have been well received by the underground club market especially Eye Of The Storm which was picked up by MTV’s Party Hard. Also Militant 24-7 taken from KTGO was chosen as TV title music for BBC 2s Asian arts and culture programme; Desi DNA, whilst a selection of VU tracks have also seen their way onto a variety of compilation albums including FabricLive15 (mixed by Nitin Sawhney) and Peace Not War Vol II. Nov 2006 saw the release of Dr Das's solo debut album "Emergency Basslines"
A sign of the times, VU have embraced Internet technology and acknowledge it as a powerful tool that can help you reach people all over the world. Since their conception they have always given away many MP3 downloads from the VU site.
Featured Artists
The debut album “Keep The Grime On” saw many guest collaborations but second album “Fired Up” reverts to a more traditional format of featuring mainly only band members. Currently the third album is being written. The first single to come off that album is "Get The Beers In"
History
Reflecting Visionary Underground’s independent nature, VU Recordings (their own label) was created to overcome a lack of opportunity for the group in the music industry.--Visionary Underground
Prior to the release of “Keep The Grime On”, VU Recordings released four 12” vinyl singles and one CD/vinyl single. All have been well received by the underground club market especially Eye Of The Storm which was picked up by MTV’s Party Hard. Also Militant 24-7 taken from KTGO was chosen as TV title music for BBC 2s Asian arts and culture programme; Desi DNA, whilst a selection of VU tracks have also seen their way onto a variety of compilation albums including FabricLive15 (mixed by Nitin Sawhney) and Peace Not War Vol II. Nov 2006 saw the release of Dr Das's solo debut album "Emergency Basslines"
A sign of the times, VU have embraced Internet technology and acknowledge it as a powerful tool that can help you reach people all over the world. Since their conception they have always given away many MP3 downloads from the VU site.
Lineup
Founders- FeelFree (DJ/Producer)
- CocoCocoCoco, CoCo, Co-Co or similar can mean:*Co-Co locomotives, a code for a locomotive wheel arrangement with two six-wheeled bogies with all axles powered, with a separate motor per axle*Co-Co , a British pop group...
(VJ/Visual Artist) - Damion Mulrain (Vocalist/Lyricist)
- Duane Flames (Rap/Lyricist)
Featured Artists
- Dr Das (founder member and formerly of Asian Dub FoundationAsian Dub FoundationAsian Dub Foundation are a British electronica band that plays a mix of rapcore, dub, dancehall and ragga, also using rock instruments, acknowledging a punk influence...
) (live bass) - bobby "sox" demers (live jungle/breakbeat drummer)
- YapYapYap, also known as Wa'ab by locals, is an island in the Caroline Islands of the western Pacific Ocean. It is a state of the Federated States of Micronesia. Yap's indigenous cultures and traditions are still strong compared to other neighboring islands. The island of Yap actually consists of four...
(Pink Punk) - Asian Dub FoundationAsian Dub FoundationAsian Dub Foundation are a British electronica band that plays a mix of rapcore, dub, dancehall and ragga, also using rock instruments, acknowledging a punk influence...
ft Sinéad O'ConnorSinéad O'ConnorSinéad Marie Bernadette O'Connor is an Irish singer-songwriter. She rose to fame in the late 1980s with her debut album The Lion and the Cobra and achieved worldwide success in 1990 with a cover of the song "Nothing Compares 2 U".... - Nitin SawhneyNitin SawhneyNitin Sawhney is an Indian-British musician, producer and composer. His critically acclaimed work combines Asian and other worldwide influences with elements of jazz and electronica and often explores themes such as multiculturalism, politics and spirituality...
- Aref DurveshAref Durvesh-Aref Durvesh Introduction:Aref Durvesh is a celebrated and prolific tabla artist who has recorded and performed with Badmarsh & Shri, Sting, Susheela Raman, Cheb Mami, Jeff Beck, Visionary Underground, and is also one of the longest-serving members of Nitin Sawhneys band, having performed on all...
(tabla maestro) - Chandru (bollywoodstrings.com)
- Pandit Dinesh (tabla and percussion guru
- MC Navigator (of Freestylers fame
- Sonia Mehta (Indian vocalist).
Discography
| Released | Album | Notable Singles |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | "Get The Beers In" | |
| 2008 | Fired Up | |
| 2005 | Keep The Grime On | |
| Feeling Good | ||
| Urban Uproar | ||
| Countries @ War | ||
| Eye of the Storm | ||
| Emergency Basslines |