The UK Bassline scene is full of emerging talent, but few things matter more than seeing someone put in the graft and start achieving the things they once dreamed about.
For Leeds DJ Harry Denton, that journey has already brought some unforgettable moments. From making his Cru2 debut in his hometown to appearing at Bassfest 2026 and becoming the personal DJ of fellow Leeds artist KAV, Harry's passion for the music is opening doors.
He's also been involved in bringing Bassline to smaller towns through Locked Into The Bassline, and more recently has been working on his own events venture, LVL Events, alongside Ryan Smith.
For our latest Sit Down With…, we caught up with Harry to talk about where it all began, the artists and tracks that shaped his sound, the moments that mean the most, and what the future holds.
Let's start right at the beginning. How did you first get into Bassline music, and what was it about the sound that made you want to get behind the decks yourself?
In 2018, I went to go see Danny T at Leeds Arena, and that was in his Bassline era. But Bassline was completely different back then.
I've got an old Bassline playlist from them years, and the tracks in there are a lot of Corrupt, a lot of Holy Goof, and of course, the boy TS7.
But then I went quiet with the sound, I won't lie. To be completely honest, I hated Bassline. Thought it was the chavviest thing ever.
Until this little blondie came into my life, top-of-the-line chav, and she got me to my first ever rave. Jamie Duggan b2b Danny Bond at Testbed.
From that day forward, I understood the sound, fell back in love with it, and started playing it in my sets, as I'd already been nightclub DJing a good few years at that point.
Every DJ has those artists, tracks or nights that shaped their sound. Who or what were your biggest influences growing up, and how have they influenced the DJ you are today?
My inspiration as a kid, 110%, was Martin Garrix. There was something about his live sets that just hit the spot.
Every night I'd have a Garrix set to fall asleep to, probably his Ultra Miami or Tomorrowland sets.
But tracks that shaped who I am? Heads Will Roll (A-Trak Remix). The obsession I have for this song is not healthy.
I can tell you the part of the song that made me fall in love with it. At 00:58, when you have a decent pair of headphones on or a decent sound system, that electronic sound again just hits the spot.
I also have the song tattooed on my wrist! 🤣
You've been involved in the scene for a while now. Looking back over your journey so far, what have been some of your proudest moments or standout memories?
My Cru2 debut.
Getting that first message from Denon asking if I wanted to play at Cru2 Room 2 at The Warehouse Leeds. It was what I worked for, and all I wanted to do was play under that purple sign, and in my own home city to top it off.
Bassfest 2026, I can't not mention that.
I messaged that account back in 2023, being cocky, saying, "I'd look great on your lineup." Something along them lines.
I was just a kid playing in the first club that gave me my first platform through BBC Radio 1's Danny Mylo, who's now become a long-time friend.
And also getting the KAV gig. He's really influenced me with him being on Cru2 and being another Leeds lad. Now being his personal DJ and his pal, that's a big thing.
We know you've been involved with Locked Into The Bassline. Can you tell us a bit about how that came about, what your involvement looks like, and what you're trying to build with the brand?
I've actually stepped away from running LITB now, but what we formed together is absolutely incredible.
We set a goal to bring Bassline to small towns, not where your heavyweights go, and we definitely pulled it off in the end.
Owen is still running it, as he does. Wish him nothing but the best with it all.
I'll still be on lineups 100%. Should see what's planned for December!
Bassline has come a long way from its Yorkshire roots, and we're seeing a whole new generation discovering the sound. What do you make of the scene right now, and where do you see it heading over the next few years?
With Denon starting Closr and bringing the up-and-comers up, who maybe don't get the chance to play in front of big crowds, it's a massive, massive thing.
And it also gives promoters the chance to see any underdogs.
There's always a debate about old-school versus new-school Bassline. What do you think makes a proper Bassline track, and are there any elements of the original sound you feel should never be lost?
We need the old school to influence the new school music. Music changes, sounds evolve, but in the end, what makes a banger Bassline track is a dirty sound and dirty kick.
There's a lot more that goes into the tracks than just that (I ain't a producer YET), but in my opinion, you need a dirty, catchy melody and a female singer singing about heartbreak.
Or the chavviest MC you can think of.
Away from the decks and the music, what's Harry Denton like? What do you get up to when you're not playing gigs or working on something music-related?
I love the pub! I love going places and travelling, and enjoy the peace, haha.
I live a pretty boring life outside of music. That's why I try to make everything music-related! 🤣🫡
Finally, what's next for Harry Denton? Have you got any exciting projects, events or plans coming up that you can give the BassLab readers a little insight into?
Got a few Cru2s and Sound of Basslines coming up.
As it's getting to the end of the year, I think most DJs agree it gets the busiest time for us. So get these last months of 2026 out of the way and see what 2027 has in store for me.
Me and Ryan Smith formed LVL Events, and we kicked it off in Leeds not long ago. But some stuff came up and it's delayed our next moves.
But don't worry, LVL Events will be back and taking people to the nxt lvl!
From the BassLab team
What stands out about Harry's journey is how much of it has come full circle.
From listening to the artists who inspired him, to sharing stages and building friendships with people he once looked up to, he's a reminder of what can happen when passion meets persistence.
His story also reflects something we care about at BassLab: giving emerging talent a platform, supporting the grassroots scene, and keeping the next generation of Bassline moving forward.
With more Cru2 appearances, Sound of Bassline events and plans to bring LVL Events back, there's plenty still to come.
A massive thank you to Harry for taking the time to sit down with us and share his story.
The underground doesn't build itself. It's built by people who give a shit about the music.
Sit Down With… is BassLab Radio's interview series, getting to know the DJs, producers and people helping shape underground music.
