Visionary Underground
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Visionary Underground are a technology based, diverse, conscious collective who aim to innovate and entertain, as they play their own unique fusion of nu skool breaks, drum’n’bass, hip hop, ragga, soul, dub roots and Asian (Indian) vibes, accompanied always by interactive visuals. They are renowned for their mind blowing live performances that are delivered with energy and passion, and can be seen out playing regularly with special guest Dr Das (founder member and formely of Asian Dub Foundation) on bass. Making up the core band are founders DJ FeelFree and VJ Coco alongside singer Damion Mulrain, vocalist MC Mikie and on live drums Bobby Demers. Additionally also, many other guest artists have joined the group along the way for the making of the debut album “Keep The Grime On”. Most notable is Dr Das's contribution for studio as well as live.
Reflecting Visionary Underground’s independent nature, VU Recordings, their own label was created to overcome the lethargy and lack of opportunity in the music industry. “When no-one gives you an opportunity – you have to make your own”.
Prior to the release of “Keep The Grime On”, VU Recordings released four 12” vinyl singles and one CD/vinyl single. Feeling Good, Urban Uproar, Countries @ War, and Eye of the Storm, have all 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. “It’s a good way of introducing people to our sound and also gives something back to all those that have been supporting us”.
Over the past five years VU have worked with and remixed for a host of artists including: Asian Dub Foundation ft Sinead O’Connor, Nitin Sawhney, Aref Durvesh (tabla maestro), Chandru (bollywoodstrings.com), Pandit Dinesh (tabla and percussion guru), MC Navigator (of Freestylers fame) & Sonia Mehta (Indian vocalist).
