Submotion Orchestra

Submotion Orchestra

Submotion Orchestra is a live seven-piece group from Leeds, England, active from 2009. The group works in jazz-based and electronic styles, combining deep bass, dense textures, ambient elements and dubstep rhythms with bass, soul, funk, reggae and grime influences. Ruby Wood provides vocals, and the line-up also includes Simon Beddoe, Chris Hargreaves, Dom Howard, Taz Modi, Jack Sparrow and Danny Templeman.

Formation and early work

The project begins in early 2009 as an experimental live venture. It starts after a request from York Arts Council for a classical-dub crossover piece to be performed at York Minster. Founding members Tommy Evans, from Gentleman’s Dub Club, and Dom Howard, also known as Ruckspin and associated with Author, compose the piece and then return to Leeds with a wider musical direction and enough contacts to build the group.

The musicians come with backgrounds in live dub, funk, reggae, jazz and grime, which shapes the group’s rhythm-heavy sound. Their early reputation grows through a weekly residency at Leeds bar Hukaz, where their live performances attract attention before they move on to the UK festival circuit.

Albums and label history

Submotion Orchestra release their debut album, Finest Hour, in 2011 on Ranking Records. The album brings support from BBC Radio 6 DJ Gilles Peterson, who continues to back the group over the following years. Their second album, Fragments, follows the next year. After that release, Counter Records, the Ninja Tune offshoot label, approaches the band about future material.

That label connection leads to the albums Alium in 2014 and Colour Theory in 2016.

Live reputation

The group is known for energetic performances built around heavy low-end sounds, tight rhythmic intensity and layered arrangements. Its live dubstep approach, combined with jazz and electronic influences, makes it a notable presence on UK stages and festivals.