Dissident is the production name of Russian drum and bass artist Stanislav Sevostyanikhin. He is based in St Petersburg, Russia, and begins producing electronic music in early 1996, first working from techno and breakbeat before moving into darker drum and bass.

Early projects and development

Sevostyanikhin first works under the name T.Step Collective, a drum and bass project with Aspekt, Nec and MC Akim. In 1998, the group renames itself Dissonance and gains releases and live performances in Russia. He leaves the project and starts releasing solo material in 2001.

Releases and labels

Dissident’s first release abroad is Technecium, made with Paul B, on the British label Renegade Hardware in 2002. He then signs to the American label Fear Red with the track Fuji / Last DNA Donor. He later releases three long-player albums on TAM Records, a label he co-owns with Bes.

His first import LP, Escapism, comes out on Gamma Ray Records in Toronto as a 3x12" vinyl release, with a sampler that includes a remix by Electrosoul System.

Style and influences

His music draws on a wide range of influences, including 4hero, Photek, Alaska, Matrix, Portishead, DJ Krush, DJ Vadim, Future Sound of London, Massive Attack, Kraftwerk, Prodigy, Squarepusher, Aphex Twin, Miles Davis, Jan Garbarek and Gary Peacock. Over time, his sound moves away from a more techno-oriented approach towards drum and bass with acoustic instruments, deep ambient atmospheres, glitches and drum breaks. He also uses the Soviet Polyvox synthesizer in the studio.

Collaborations and performances

Dissident collaborates with Sta, Paul B, Ruffen, Bes, Uzhas and others. As a DJ, he performs alongside LTJ Bukem, Paradox, Nookie, Seba, Goldie, Bad Company, Fabio, Grooverider, Matrix, Ill.skillz and Cause4Concern.