Halloween Rave feat. Ray Keith (Dread Recordings)

Ray Keith biography:

Ray Keith has diverse influences from underground hiphop music; live electronic acts such as Depeche Mode, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and Gary Numan; and techno artists such as Derrick May, Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson. His interest in jazz, funk and soul music led him to buy turntables. He began DJing as a teenager in the 1980s before getting his break DJing on the London acid house and rave scene.

He started working as a recording artist and producer for his own style of music and other genres in 1990. One of his early remixes was a bootleg mix of Orbital's Chime in 1990, which was then officially released in 1992.

He found his niche with drum&bass music becoming a seminal and heavily influential figure in the scene. He is famed for producing bass heavy yet soulful tunes and has made classics such as the jungle anthems "Terrorist" and "Chopper". Ray Keith set up Dread Recordings in 1994 alongside other record labels and has produced numerous albums showcasing the breadth of his styles. He has also remixed Moby, Shades of Rhythm and Moving Shadow.

Throughout his career, Ray Keith has collaborated with legends of the drum and bass scene, including Kenny Ken and Shy FX. His nephew, Peter O'Grady, also known as Joy Orbison, continues the family's musical legacy as a respected DJ and producer. 

As a DJ, Ray Keith is renowned for his dynamic sets that blend the soulful and heavy aspects of drum and bass. His contributions to the genre have been acknowledged through various accolades, and he remains an active and respected presence in the music community. In 2021, he released his autobiography, Dark Soldier, offering an in-depth look into his life and the history of drum and bass.

He continues to be an influential and driving force of drum&bass today; famed for his integrity, and passion for music.