Tantrum Desire

Tantrum Desire is a London-based drum and bass and electronic group from the United Kingdom. The project is associated with Jay Faleye, and begins as a duo with Devin Smith. The pair meet in 2004 at a small pirate radio station through their shared interest in drum and bass, after already working in producing and DJing in their own fields. They then work together with the aim of breaking into the drum and bass scene.

Early releases and radio support

Under the Tantrum Desire name, the duo promotes its music through internet radio appearances including Kunninmindz, Planet dnb, UK Rumble and Kool FM. In 2005, a collection of tracks is distributed on CDs in Spain at a major drum and bass event, which attracts the attention of Nu-Breed’s MC Shortston. That leads to the launch of Heavyweight Records, which becomes the duo’s home label.

Heavyweight Records releases tracks including The Red Pill, Dreamscape EP, The Inner moon and White light, which receive regular airplay on stations such as 1xtra, Radio 1 and Kiss. The group also works on bootleg projects, which lead to the creation of a companion label called Booty. Releases on that label include Transformers, Jealousy, Drop It Like It’s Hot and Can’t Stop.

Technique Recordings and later work

In early 2008, Simon “Bassline” Smith signs Tantrum Desire exclusively to Technique Recordings after hearing the range of styles in the project’s drum and bass productions. Technique releases the debut 12-inch Xenomorph and The Last Stand, which help define the project’s sound through large bass synths and orchestral introductions.

The group is then featured in Knowledge Magazine. In 2015, Tantrum Desire releases Oblivion and the debut album Diversified. Oblivion is selected as one of UKF’s top tracks of the year, and Diversified reaches the Top 10 of the Beatport release charts and is nominated for Best Album at the Bass Music Awards, which are sponsored by Sony.

Live work

Tantrum Desire supports the album with international touring, including performances at Ministry of Sound, Avalon in Hollywood, and Shambhala Festival in Canada.