Independent and influential, Smokin Beats has long been one of the only UK based labels to produce a constant flow of top quality house music. Formed in 1994, Smokin Beats is the brainchild of Paul Landon and Neil Rumney. 56 singles, countless remixes, an album and 15 years on, these bad boys of house, straight outta Luton are still rockin’ dance floors around the world.
The fusion of Paul and Neill is a musical combination that couldn’t have been better designed, with Neil’s roots based in electro and early hip-hop; Paul’s background grew from soul, high energy and disco. Together they influenced the original UK garage scene, despite the fact their sound, many would argue, is of a purer’ US nature.
Smokin Beats influence has had wide acclaim reaching audiences in the US, across Europe and Japan, as well as entering the UK top 40 @22 with Dreams signed to AM-PM remixed by Eric Morillo and Kings Of Tomorrow. At the time of release, their debut album Ready To Fly was accredited by Danny Tenaglia putting them in a league with some of the leading artists and making them one of the only DJ’s to release a fully produced album, sending SB into the global market. SB is now a well established brand receiving credibility from many of the world’s top artists, remixing tracks for the likes of Roger Sanchez, MAW, King St Records, Strictly Rhythm, EMI, Zomba/Jive, AATW and even The Back St boy’s to name a few. With legendary US DJ’s such as T Humphries, Roger Sanchez, Louie Vega, David Morales and Europe’s leading lights such as Bob Sinclair, Frank Roger, DJ Gregory, The Disco Boys, DJ Roog , etc playing Smokin Beats releases in their sets. SB has also received much hype from their home ground with David Dunne (Hed Kandi), Annie Mac, Danny Rampling, Pete Tong, and Dave Pearce all plugging them on Radio 1. Smokin Beats Often appears on radio stations such as Kiss FM, Radio 1 Live, and Galaxy Network.
Smokin Beats ability to write and produce original music as well as remix a variety of styles is displayed in their live element. With a mixture of live PA, using guest vocalists Stephen G, Nikki P and Beverly T, alongside Paul and Neil’s exceptional talent of using live keyboards, a sampler and up to 4 decks to recreate music in true SB style. A regular success at the Berlin Love Paradise SB has also played Le Queen: Paris, SO36: Berlin, L; an-fer: Dijon, Creamfields, Kiss FM launch/ Lords of the Underground and many more.
Once described as funky New Yorkers trapped in the bodies of Bedfordshire boys, these Luton lads have returned to take the circuit by storm; bringing with them an element of live production, back from the days of true music.
“Know its origin and be proud to buy British Beats” – DJ Mag
“The Smokin Beats label has given the Yanks a knockout dose of their own medicine”– dream.uk
“Smokin Beats could be the UK’s answer to Masters At Work” – “Blues and Soul”
