Electronic · US

Dave Owen

Soulful, jazz-inflected drum and bass that feels like a warm embrace. Smooth rolling breaks and deep grooves for urban nights and focused afternoons.

Browse Catalog
Intro

Dave Owen is a pivotal figure in the American drum and bass scene, specifically within the liquid funk and atmospheric subgenres. Emerging in the late 2000s, he quickly gained international recognition for a sound that emphasized soulful musicality over the aggressive 'neurofunk' trends of the time.

His work is characterized by heavy use of jazz and soul samples, sophisticated Rhodes piano arrangements, and a 'rolling' breakbeat style that pays homage to the UK's Good Looking Records era while maintaining a distinct US urban grit. He has released on prestigious labels like V Recordings, Good Looking, and Creative Source, earning support from legends like LTJ Bukem and Fabio. His career arc shows a consistent dedication to the 'musical' side of D&B, often collaborating with vocalists and other soul-focused producers like Paul SG. Critically, he is viewed as a master of the liquid subgenre, praised for his ability to maintain dancefloor utility while producing music that functions equally well for home listening. He remains a key bridge between the UK-centric D&B establishment and the American electronic music landscape.

Our Catalog
The Sound · Center of GravityWeighted across the artist's discography. Tap a trait for examples.
Adjacent Artists
MJ
Mr Joseph

Shares drum and bass, soul, downtempo (subgenres); sample_based, analog_warmth, hi_fi (production style)

TV
The Vanguard Project

Shares drum and bass, soul, downtempo (subgenres); sample_based, analog_warmth, hi_fi (production style)

S
Submorphics

Shares drum and bass, soul, downtempo (subgenres); sample_based, analog_warmth, layered_dense (production style)

E
Eveson

Shares drum and bass, soul, downtempo (subgenres); sample_based, analog_warmth, layered_dense (production style)

M
Mutt

Shares drum and bass, soul, downtempo (subgenres); soulful, serene, nostalgic (moods)

M
mSdoS

Shares sample_based, analog_warmth, hi_fi (production style); serene, nostalgic, soulful (moods)

ID
Influx Datum

Shares drum and bass, downtempo (subgenres); processed (vocal style)

IM
Intelligent Manners

Shares drum and bass, soul, downtempo (subgenres); sample_based, analog_warmth, layered_dense (production style)

R
Redeyes

Shares drum and bass, soul, downtempo (subgenres); soulful, serene, nostalgic (moods)

K
Kasper

Shares drum and bass, soul, downtempo (subgenres); soulful, serene, nostalgic (moods)

TV
The Vanguard Project

Shares liquid funk, soulful, train_ride, drum and bass (signature)

E
Eveson

Shares soulful, train_ride, drum and bass, liquid (signature)

Cassette uses generative AI to enrich its catalog. How we use AI →