Fred V & Grafix

Fred V & Grafix

Fred V & Grafix are a drum and bass duo from Exeter, made up of Fred Vahrman (Fred V) and Josh Jackson (Grafix). The pair work together from 2009 to 2018 and become known as a UK liquid drum and bass act, with releases on Hospital Records.

Background and influences

The duo begin by making live music before turning to drum and bass after hearing Pendulum’s Hold Your Colour and High Contrast’s High Society. Their sound draws on influences beyond drum and bass, including electro, French house, ambient and hip hop. They cite Flying Lotus, Bonobo, J Dilla, Jimi Hendrix, High Contrast and Logistics among their key inspirations.

Releases and label work

Fred V & Grafix first release music on Allsorts and Talkin Beatz. They later sign to Hospital Records in 2011 and make their first appearance on the label with “Find My Way” on Fifteen Years Of Hospital Records. They also contribute “Major Happy” to Sick Music 3 and “Purple Gates” to Hospitality D&B 2013. Their debut EP, Goggles EP, follows, and their debut album Recognise is released in 2014.

Recognition and split

The duo receive radio support from Zane Lowe and Annie Mac. After years of working together, during which they release three albums plus many singles and EPs, they announce their split and move on to solo careers. They remain friends after the separation.