Nu Directions was conceived in the summer of 1999 by Neil Hutchinson, aka Tricksta, as a continuation of his previous label project Urban Flavour, Nu Directions was formed as an outlet to release quality musical and forward thinking drum & bass. Urban Flavour was a midlands based drum & bass label set up in 1996 that profited from the boom time of the atmospheric drum & bass scene, when labels lik
e Moving Shadow, Good Looking and Metalheadz were laying the blueprint. Urban Flavour blooded artists such as Pariah, Future Engineers and Justice and received pressure from the top players of the time. At legendary night Speed, Urban Flavour cuts were found regularly in the sets of LTJ Bukem, Fabio and DJ Lee and it was on these foundations that Nu Directions was created with the aim of discovering exciting new music and cutting edge global producers. The first few releases on Nu Directions continued on an atmospheric theme kicking off with tracks from local midlands boys Pariah, atmospheric stalwarts Future Engineers and exciting new producer ASC. As the drum & bass sound matured into the millennium the label followed suit with an array of twelves from new and established artists culminating in the labels first compilation following the tenth release. Mixed Emotions CD and 3x vinyl was released in autumn 2001 and featured the cream of the labels back catalogue and some of the labels exciting new signings, as well as the resurgence of Urban Flavours classic 1997 killer Demon Seed by Exocet. Following a host of quality 12s from the likes of Q Project, Seba and new boys on the block The Insiders, Nu Directions introduced their second label compilation Re:Mixed emotions. This was a project that included a selection of the exclusive tracks from the Mixed EmotionsLP remixed by some of the scenes biggest and most established producers. J Majik, Total Science, Blame and Aquasky all contributed remixes to create a solid CD and triple vinyl project. Following the Re:Mixed Emotions project the label found itself with a new identity and popularity, this was built on with the collection of an excellent selection of 12s from Blue Sonix, Danny C and Beta 2 to name a few taking on an altogether more dance floor yet still musical theme, sticking to its original roots blooding new artists alongside some of the scenes better known and well respected names. In May 2004 Nu Directions released their first solo artist LP in the form of Environments by long-standing label servant ASC. A producer who debuted through Nu Directions back in 2000 finally delivered a groundbreaking LP for the concerning junglist and home listener alike. Today Nu Directions has just entered its 9th year clocking up a fine reputation for releasing quality drum & bass with over 40 12” singles and 4 cd’s. In the coming months expect a healthy repertoire of 12s, EP and album projects. Featuring music from the likes of Mosus, Kubiks, Spectrasoul, Hobzee & Zion Base, Human Factor plus many more. Nu Directions also boasts a successful monthly club sessions Nu:Motion. Held in the heart of the UKs drum & bass scene, East London, Nu:Motion at 1001 Cafe is the perfect reflection of the ethos and style of this small but long standing independent drum & bass label.
