Born out of London’s club scene in the early 1990s, Garage fused elements of House, R&B and Jungle into a sound defined by shuffling 2-step rhythms, chopped vocals, and deep basslines. From its underground roots to chart-topping hits in the 2000s, Garage has remained a vital force in shaping UK dance music culture.
Few DJs embody the forward-thinking spirit of UK Garage quite like Arthi. A musician, selector and resident over at London-based Rinse FM, she has carved out a reputation for weaving soulful, bass-heavy grooves with a modern touch, keeping the sound as fresh today as it was when it first set UK dancefloors alight in the late 1990s.
For Arthi, Garage isn’t just nostalgia — it’s a living, breathing genre that continues to evolve, drawing energy from its roots while pushing into new sonic territory. In this guide, she opens the door on UKG’s past, present, and future, spotlighting the selectors and mixes that prove why Garage remains one of dance music’s most enduring and exciting movements. “These are mixes I’ve selected that contain music from across the many different eras of garage,” she tells Mixcloud. “Hope you enjoy it!”
DJ EZ – DJ EZ Presents NUVOLVE Radio 167
What is there to say about DJ EZ that hasn’t already been said. When it comes to UK Garage, EZ is something of a godfather. He has seen and contributed so much to the scene by way of mixes, live and radio shows. One of the earliest plugs for UK garage music, his long-running Kiss 100 radio show presented the latest and greatest of the sound. Meanwhile, mixing the Pure Garage series of compilations kept him further on the pulse.
Garage runs through his DNA and his NUVOLVE Radio show from a few years ago is proof. In between the bliss of Garage cuts are also forays into Bass and everything in between. Rubber stamped by the legend himself.
KINDRED – ESC 24.6.25
Music producer and DJ ESC is a regular fixture at Foundation FM. This time, she releases an hour of bouncy Garage for her set over at KINDRED. She plays some wonky tunes that verge many spectrums of Electronic music, but Garage remains at the core. Hypnotic and jumping, ESC presents an accurate and exciting picture of UKG in 2025. These sonics will stay in your ears for days to come.
DMY – DMY Mix 015 | BAKEY
If you’re hip to the modern UK Electronic scene, then BAKEY’s name rings louder than doorbells. The DJ and producer is well known for his original tracks, remixes and edits of not only UKG but also Grime and other sounds. Naturally, respected music magazine DMY tapped him for an explosive addition to its mix series. Steeped in club sounds, BAKEY blends tracks with poise and finesse, and there’s enough Garage to go around. As described by the man himself, this is “the kind of set I’d run in a dark, low-ceiling room, proper sound, with a close crowd that’s super locked in.”
Zed Bias – Classic UK Garage Mix
To older generations who witnessed the birth of Garage music in real time, Zed Bias’ name stands out among the best. The architect of ‘Neighbourhood,’ a track released in 2000 that achieved moderate mainstream success, Zed helped popularise the sound in the eyes of many. For this mix, Zed takes it back to the classic era of UKG. He pulls out tracks by the likes of Groove Chronicles, Dem 2 and Wookie. These are names that are part of the fabric of the scene. If you’re looking to brush up on your Garage, this is a great first start.
Ray Juss – UK Garage Todd Edwards/Tuff Jam/New Horizons Mix
In the spirit of throwbacks, London-based Ray Juss carries on the festivities with this ode to the original era of Garage. He packs his mix full of tracks by originators like Todd Edwards, Tuff Jam and Steve Gurley. Meanwhile, he shines a light on others that haven’t seen the light of day in years. Sit back and enjoy the trip down such a pivotal time in dance music!