In the ‘90s, Budapest’s Tilos Rádió played a pivotal role in bringing dance music to Hungary, connecting the city’s electronic scenes. DJ Mentalien, a key figure in Budapest’s drum ‘n’ bass scene for 20 years, discovered this music through the radio. “Growing up, radio was my main access to music,” says Mentalien, real name Gergo Farkas.
Tilos Rádió, once a pirate station, helped mainstream dance music. Today, stations like Lahmacun continue to spotlight rising DJs and producers. For many like Gergo, drum ‘n’ bass and jungle became a new passion, fueled by online forums and music platforms. “Drumandbass.hu connected me with fellow enthusiasts,” Gergo adds, emphasizing the genre’s growing influence since the late ‘90s.
Drum ‘n’ bass has been a defining genre in Budapest’s dance scene. Today, its energy attracts younger generations, with venues like Arzenál — Hungary’s largest indoor club — at the forefront. DJ Bug highlights the scene’s revival post-pandemic. “Young organizers and artists are bringing back the pre-COVID rave energy with fresh enthusiasm,” she says.
Drum ‘n’ bass is also breaking into the mainstream, with big DJs introducing it to wider audiences. “Mainstream media now uses drum ‘n’ bass in radio and TV,” Bug notes, reflecting its growing popularity across Eastern Europe, including cities like Warsaw and Belgrade. For many, the genre offers an escape from harsh realities, as Gergo explains.
DJ Shaymi, a resident of Bladerunnaz — Budapest’s biggest drum ‘n’ bass party series since 1999 — sees the genre’s growth across Eastern Europe. “Drum ‘n’ bass has grown faster this year, and I want to pass that on to the next generation,” she says. Bladerunnaz has been a platform for local and international talent, drawing big names like Chase & Status and Netsky.
Arzenál, housed in a historic building, has become a leading venue for drum ‘n’ bass events. Venue owner Andrew Csokán notes the shift in music trends, leading to the revival of the Otherside brand, which unites the old and new generations of bass music lovers.
The demand for drum ‘n’ bass in Budapest is growing rapidly, with a shortage of dedicated venues. Summer offers open-air options, but the club scene faces challenges. Gergo, who helps run the RIGHT TIME events, emphasizes the importance of balancing mainstream and underground genres.
Community events like RIGHT TIME and Bladerunnaz continue to shape Budapest’s flourishing drum ‘n’ bass scene. New radio stations like Lahmacun and community-driven events such as Niteflexx’s family-friendly activities reflect a bright future for the genre. Bug’s radio show supports young DJs, promoting collaboration and cultural preservation.
On September 13, the Burn Energy Tour will bring top names like Honey Dijon and Hedex to Arzenál, with workshops led by Lahmacun radio and BBC Radio 1’s Charlie Tee, exploring how to build a community through music.
