Ulterior Motive are the hotly-tipped duo lighting up dancefloors worldwide in 2011 and look set to make their mark with releases across Subtitles, Critical and Metalheadz. Their own unique brand of high-tech basslines, neck-snapping beats and low-slung funk has earned them regular DJ support from the likes of Teebee, dBridge, Ed Rush & Optical, Friction, Fabio & Grooverider and Hype and a steadily-growing reputation as one of the exciting DJ/production partnerships in drum & bass.
James Davidson and Greg Hepworth joined forces in 2003 when they discovered a mutual passion for the kind of funky, technical and futuristic drum & bass pioneered by Ed Rush & Optical in the late-90s. Taking this as inspiration, they worked hard to forge a sound of their own by combining custom hand-built studio kit with modern production techniques before tentatively reaching out with early demos. The response was immediate and Ulterior Motive tracks have since become a staple for the very best selectors in the scene.
Teebee was one of the first to recognise their talent, snapping up ‘Infrasonic b/w Holding On to Never’ for Ulterior Motive’s debut single on Subtitles. Summer 2010 brings two further 12”s, ‘Featherweight b/w Glued’ and ‘2098 b/w Yoghurt Brainwave’, with both singles getting heavy rotation right across the board from Noisia, DJ Marky, Marcus Intalex, Alix Perez, Loxy, Calyx, Commix, Break, Icicle and Kasra to name but a few.
One of the standout tracks of 2009’s Sun & Bass Festival, ‘Featherweight’ put the duo firmly on the map and has been punching holes through speakers worldwide ever since. Built on crisp breaks, cheeky percussion and a classic hip-hop hook, the certified dancefloor-smasher showcases their signature funky sound and delivers a downright dirty bassline sure to test any system.
Combining an open-minded creative approach with the technical skills and drive to bring their ideas to life, Ulterior Motive have already collaborated with the likes of Jubei, Rockwell, Zero T, Sabre and FD among others. Demonstrating attention to detail, quality control and a strong work ethic, the versatile producers have their sights firmly set on the top with offers from leading labels and some high profile remix work in the pipeline.
Appearances for top label nights Renegade Hardware and Ram and festivals including Sun & Bass have proved both members of Ulterior Motive to be highly-capable DJs in their own right. Look out for live sets across the UK and Europe as Ulterior Motive look set to build on their successes and keep their sound fresh.