Your first drum and bass night: what to expect and how to enjoy it

Your first drum and bass night can be overwhelming in the best way. The volume, the speed and the energy of the crowd are unlike most other nights out. A little preparation makes it easier to relax and enjoy it.

Before you go

Check the line up and the times. Drum and bass nights often run late, and the headliner may not play until near the end. Look at the venue's website for entry rules, age limits, the bag policy and last entry. Arrange how you will get home before you set out, since late finishes mean thin public transport.

Bring ear protection

Drum and bass is played loud, and the bass is heavy. Health guidance warns that sustained exposure to loud sound can damage hearing, and you will not notice the harm until later. Buy a pair of earplugs designed for music, which lower the volume while keeping the sound clear, and wear them. They are cheap, small and make the night more comfortable. Take breaks away from the speakers.

What the night looks like

Expect a main room with a DJ and sometimes an MC, a big sound system and a lot of low end. Sets last from an hour to two. Early sets tend to be deeper or more liquid; later sets tend to be harder. You may also find a second room with a different style.

Learn the language

A few words help. A rewind is when the DJ pulls a record back and plays it again because the crowd loved it. A drop is the moment when the bass and drums return after a break. A dub, or dubplate, is an exclusive tune that has not been released. An MC is the person on the microphone. When the DJ rewinds, cheer, and you will feel part of the room.

Where to stand

The front of the dancefloor is where the energy is, and where the bass is strongest. A spot a few metres back, near the middle, is usually where the sound is clearest. Avoid standing directly in front of a bass bin, which is both uncomfortable and unhealthy.

Look after yourself and others

Drink water, eat before you go and know your limits. Look out for your friends, and speak to the venue staff if someone seems unwell. Respect the people around you: dance, but give space, and do not film the dancefloor so close that you block others.

After the night

Write down the names of tunes you loved or use a music recognition app. Check the label and the artist, follow them and keep an eye on their next release. The best part of a first night is that it opens a door. Wikipedia describes drum and bass as a genre with an underground and a mainstream presence worldwide, and the best way to understand it is to stand in a room with the people who love it.