City Beats: Utrecht

In our City Beats series, we explore underground scenes in cities all around the world, and this week we’re spotlighting Utrecht, Netherlands.

Utrecht’s Grip on Modern Neurofunk

Utrecht, a city in the Netherlands, is most famous for its medieval city center, tree-lined canals, Christian landmarks, and historic university. But it’s also made a name for itself as one of the cities at the forefront of neurofunk, a psychotic sub-genre of Drum ’n' Bass that’s growing in popularity worldwide.

What is Neurofunk?

Neurofunk started making waves in the late '90s. It blends dark, techy vibes with complex, robotic basslines and intricate rhythms. The genre was spearheaded by producers like Ed Rush, Optical, and Utrecht’s own Black Sun Empire, all of whom added raw, futuristic elements to the sound.

This crew pushed D&B boundaries by mixing heavy bass with a more cerebral, experimental feel, making it stand out from other styles. It quickly became popular in underground circles thanks to its intricate production and intense energy.

Why is Neurofunk Big in Utrecht?

A big reason is Black Sun Empire, a D&B crew that has been tearing up the scene since the late '90s. They’re well-known for their dark, intense sound and spearheading the neurofunk evolution.

Their music is characterized by heavy basslines, sharp beats, and sci-fi energy, like listening to a rave in outer space. The trio, which consists of producers Mike, Rene, and Milan, launched their own label, Black Sun Empire Recordings, in 2002, followed by its offshoot, Blackout, in 2010. Through their label they’ve shared releases from Noisia, The Upbeats, Phace & Misanthrop, Mefjus, Neonlight, Pythius, and Rido, to name just a few.

Their Blackout events have expanded the sound worldwide and made neurofunk synonymous with Utrecht. Their annual Blackout Festival at TivoliVredenburg concert hall in the city center attracts neuroheads from around the world and nurtures local talent.

Utrecht’s New Wave of Neurofunk Artists

There’s no better place to be a neurofunk fan than Utrecht. Not only is it home to Europe’s largest neurofunk festival but it also boasts one of the most prestigious electronic music schools: Herman Brood Academie. That’s where a young Pythius learned how to produce, alongside a fresh-faced Martin Garrix.

Pythius is one of Utrecht’s most promising young artists, and that’s partly thanks to the community developed by Black Sun Empire. After he graduated from his production course, he secured an internship at Blackout Recordings where he learned the intricacies of the industry while honing his skills as a producer.

Now, Pythius is a regular on Blackout Recordings and their festival line-ups, alongside big names like Spor, Mandidextrous, Burr Oak, and Prolix.

The Connection between Neurofunk and Metal

Believe it or not, there’s a correlation between people who love metal and people who love neurofunk. Neurofunk producers regularly blend elements of metal into their productions, using live instruments, like guitars and bass, to add an analog energy to their music.

Neurofunk also draws on the intricacies of metal composition as inspiration, appealing to people who have extreme tastes in music, whether it's the screech of thrash metal or the freneticism of D&B.

Blackout Utrecht 2025

On April 12th, Blackout Festival will descend on Utrecht once again. The line-up this year is massive, with Black Sun Empire, Mefjus, Buunshin, and Posij headlining, and MC Phantom, Camo & Crooked, Myselor, Pythius, and many others gracing the decks too.

And that’s how the unassuming city of Utrecht became synonymous with a particular offshoot of D&B, and with Blackout Recordings and events still going strong, there’s no doubt Utrecht will continue to spearhead this weird and wonderful sound.