The Birth of Dubstep Captured in New Photobook ‘Drumz of the South’

Artist and photographer Georgina Cook has launched a crowdfunding campaign to print her photobook covering the early days of London’s dubstep scene. 

“A combination of things have encouraged me to finally make the book, but mostly, I wanted to create something to honour the early dubstep community and their creativity,” she says in her essay.

Inspired by the blog of the same name, the 220-page volume Drumz Of The South: The Dubstep Years (2004-2007) is the first photography book to showcase the birth of the genre rooted in Sound System culture that inspired a generation of ravers. With exclusive images of pioneers like Mala, Sgt Pokes, Skream, and Burial, it brings us back to the memories of those groundbreaking nights that were FWD>>, DMZ and Skull disco. 

“The book is also for those of you that were too young to get into DMZ, but are well into the history and culture of dubstep and grime,” adds Cook. 

The Kickstarter campaign aims to raise £20,000 to cover the printing costs, and will run until 16th September. Head here to support.

Credits:

Head image:

FWD>> at Plastic People, LDN 2005.  L-R: Skream, Jammer, Blackdown, JME, Jackie Steppa, Wiley, Sgt. Pokes, Mala, Crazy D, Tubby, Chef © Georgina Cook

Gallery (from left to right):

1. Dancefloor at Fwd>> at Plastic People, London, 2005, © Georgina Cook
2. Loefah’s Mug, London, 2005, © Georgina Cook
3. Coki & Mala (Digital Mystikz) in their studio, Croydon, 2004 © Georgina Cook
4. View from South London train, 2007 © Georgina Cook

Images courtesy of Georgina Cook

Published August 25, 2021.