Hive

Like those that spawn from the Odditorium in Los Angeles, Hive is a uniquefixture in the universal order. Born and raised in Washington DC, Hive learned his musical chops as rhythm guitar player for the hardcore band “Backfire.” Shortly after completing high school in 1992, Hive made the trans- continental move to Los Angeles, and began the further development of his sample-based compositions.

The next few years were spent in the underground trenches of Los Angeles, conspiring with various emcees and producers on a variety of hip-hop-based projects. In late 1996, Hive formed his own record label, Mandala Recordings, and proceeded with the independent release of his first album, Working With Sound. The jazz-influenced beatdown also confirmed Hive’s innate abilities in the realms of drum and bass.

The West Coast underground gave its nod of approval in the form of positive zine reviews and college radio play. As the record gained momentum, it wasn’t long before A&R reps started knocking down the door. A small bidding war resulted,
but Hive eventually found a home at London Records.

This Summer has seen the commercial release of Hive’s first single on London records, “Ultrasonic Sound.” A maniacal fusion of hip-hop, jungle and hardcore punk, “Ultrasonic Sound” has corrupted the minds of listeners worldwide. The “Ultrasonic Sound” CD single also features remixes by the venerable Mix Master Mike (Invisibl Skratch Piklz, Beastie Boys) and East Coast jungle producer DJ Wally (Konkrete Jungle).

Domestic press has since been very supportive of these futuristic experiments in synthetic rhythm. Hive has appeared onthe cover of BPM Culture, and was featured in URB Magazine’s “Next 100” for 1998. Hive has also received positive reviews in the likes of Spin, Sweater and Mean Magazines, to name a few.

Meanwhile, Hive’s live performances have left audiences bewildered from coast to coast. He’s rocked venues from the Getty Center and South By Southwest, to the WHFS Summer Festival and L.A.’s original drum & bass weekly, Science.

Needless to say, Hive’s recording schedule has been downright hectic: His cutting edge hip-hop production is showcased on Phoenix Orion’s “Zimulated Experiencez” LP, along with a forthcoming remix of Ubiquity’s Skyjuice. This October will bring the London Records release of Hive’s Devious Methods long player, an hour-long sonic adventure that melds beats in ways previously thought impossible. The ante has been raised…