Atlantic Connection, the solo project of North Carolina-born producer Nathan Hayes, is a cornerstone of the American liquid drum and bass movement. Emerging from the duo Basic Operations, Hayes transitioned to the Atlantic Connection moniker in 2006 to explore a more melodic, soul-driven palette.
His sound is heavily influenced by the 'Logical Progression' era of LTJ Bukem, characterized by atmospheric pads, jazz-fusion samples, and intricate breakbeat programming. Unlike the more aggressive 'jump-up' or 'techstep' variants of the genre, Atlantic Connection focuses on 'liquid funk,' a subgenre that emphasizes musicality and groove. Throughout his career, he has maintained a prolific output on prestigious labels like Westbay International and Creative Source, bridging the gap between US soul/R&B influences and UK electronic structures. Critics often cite his work for its high production fidelity and its ability to function both in a club environment and as high-quality home listening. His evolution has seen him experiment with downtempo and hip-hop tempos, but his core identity remains rooted in the 170 BPM soulful spectrum.
Shares drum and bass, soul, downtempo (subgenres); analog_warmth, studio_polished, sample_based (production style)
Shares drum and bass, downtempo (subgenres); analog_warmth, studio_polished, sample_based (production style)
Shares drum and bass, downtempo (subgenres); analog_warmth, studio_polished, sample_based (production style)
Shares drum and bass, soul, downtempo (subgenres); analog_warmth, studio_polished, sample_based (production style)
Shares drum and bass, soul, downtempo (subgenres); soulful, serene, nostalgic (moods)
Shares drum and bass, soul, downtempo (subgenres); analog_warmth, studio_polished, sample_based (production style)
Shares drum and bass, soul, downtempo (subgenres); analog_warmth, studio_polished, sample_based (production style)
Shares drum and bass, soul, downtempo (subgenres); analog_warmth, sample_based, layered_dense (production style)
Shares drum and bass, downtempo (subgenres); analog_warmth, studio_polished, sample_based (production style)
Shares drum and bass, soul (subgenres); analog_warmth, studio_polished, sample_based (production style)
Shares liquid funk, soulful, drum and bass, soul (signature)
Shares jazz-inflected sub-bass lines, shimmering electric piano chords, liquid funk, soulful (detail)
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