Matrix & Futurebound

Matrix & Futurebound

Matrix & Futurebound are a UK drum and bass duo made up of Jamie Quinn, known as Matrix, and Brendan Collins, known as Futurebound. The project starts in 2005 and continues to operate. Their work sits within drum and bass and electronic music, with the wider profile of both artists also tied to liquid funk and futurestep.

Formation and members

Matrix comes through the drum and bass scene via early releases on DJ SS’s New Identity Recordings and later launches the Metro imprint in 1997. Futurebound, born in Liverpool, begins DJing and promoting in the early 1990s after attending illegal raves from 1989, and later starts the Viper Recordings label in 2003. The duo combines their individual production backgrounds into a long-running collaboration.

Releases and key tracks

The pair release Strength 2 Strength together, which becomes one of the tracks associated with their partnership. They then release the studio album Universal Truth on Viper in 2007. The album includes tracks such as “Universal Truth”, “Knite Riderz” featuring MC Spyda, “Skyscraper”, “All Born Angels” featuring Mister Who, “Rat Trap”, “Sand Storm”, “Strength 2 Strength”, “American Beauty VIP”, “Family” featuring Robert Owens, “The Edge” and “Coast To Coast”.

Matrix’s background

Matrix’s solo work includes the long player Sleepwalk on Virus, a release that shows his range beyond 12-inch singles. He also remixes Ed Rush & Optical’s “Medicine”, Klute’s “Phone Call” and Kirsty Hawkshaw’s “Leafy Lane”, which are described as enduring classics. In addition, he appears as part of the Goldtrix production team on “Trippin (It’s Love)”, which reaches the pop charts. He later collaborates with Shimon on “Slipstream” and “Dirty 5th” on AudioPorn Records.

Futurebound’s background

Futurebound builds his reputation as a DJ, producer and promoter through the Liverpool club scene. Early influences include Fabio, Grooverider, Mickey Finn and Top Buzz. He secures a home-town residency in 1991, playing warm-up sets for Carl Cox, Grooverider and Sasha, and later books artists including LTJ Bukem, Goldie, Ray Keith and 4 Hero for his own parties. In 1999 he starts the X events, which become part of Liverpool club history. As a producer, he begins releasing records in 1993 and works with artists including J Majik, Matrix, Digital and Adam F. His label Viper Recordings issues releases by artists such as Shock One, Metrik, Brookes Brothers and DC Breaks. He also works with the Brookes Brothers on “Dawn Treader”, released on Breakbeat Kaos.

Remixes and later activity

Matrix & Futurebound remix Nu:tone’s “System”, which becomes a widely played club record and a regular fixture in DJ sets. They also remix Justin Timberlake’s “Love Stoned”. A later single pairs “Womb” with “Family” in a release that also includes Nu:tone and Logistics remixes. Their work is presented as part of an ongoing output across releases both together and separately.