Stellar Audio
Bristol’s Future Drum and Bass Label
Founded in 2020, Stellar Audio has quickly made its mark as one of the most exciting new labels in the drum and bass scene. Based in the heart of Bristol, UK, the label is not just about releasing music — it’s about crafting a fully immersive sensory experience that blends cutting-edge sounds with captivating visuals. In an industry that often feels like it’s in constant motion, Stellar Audio is carving out a unique space that balances future experimentation with a grounded connection to its roots.
We spoke with Iwan Lewis, the founder of Stellar Audio, to dive deeper into the label's origins, philosophy, and what’s next on the horizon. Iwan is also a key member of the marketing and talent team at Motion, one of Bristol’s most iconic venues. His diverse experience in the city’s underground music scene has shaped the vision for Stellar Audio, which is fast becoming a go-to label for forward-thinking drum and bass music
How Did Stellar Audio Begin?
The story of Stellar Audio began in a rather unconventional setting — a university flat kitchen in Bristol. Iwan laughs as he recounts, "Probably around 4 AM or something!" Having just moved to the city in 2019, he had quickly immersed himself in Bristol's vibrant music scene and built a network of like-minded individuals. With a clear vision and the right set of connections, the time felt right to create something new — and thus, Stellar Audio was born.
"I had just moved to Bristol a couple of months prior and got to know a lot of people in the music scene here, so with my set of specific expertise and connections, I thought it’d be a perfect opportunity to start a label & brand!" Iwan explains. The label’s mission was clear from the start: to combine the intense energy of drum and bass with futuristic soundscapes, while also embracing the importance of visuals to create a truly immersive experience for listeners.
A Unique Approach to Drum and Bass
When asked about his influences, Iwan mentions Camo & Krooked, who are known for pushing a futuristic sound while still maintaining appeal to the broader, mainstream audience. This balance between the underground and the overground is something Stellar Audio also strives to achieve.
"We like to think of ourselves as a bit of a bridge between the overground and underground," Iwan reflects. This philosophy allows the label to experiment with different sounds — from the more accessible, vocal-heavy tracks to the darker, heads-down vibes that are synonymous with the genre. It's a reflection of Iwan’s personal journey in the drum and bass scene, where he embraces both ends of the spectrum.
What sets Stellar Audio apart, however, is its commitment to blending both music and visual art to create an experience that goes beyond just listening. "Anything space-related is a massive influence," Iwan adds, pointing to the label's name as a nod to the expansive and cosmic themes that inspire much of their work.
Bristol’s Changing Scene
Since moving to Bristol, Iwan has witnessed a dramatic shift in the local music scene. As with many cities, the pandemic and other factors have led to fewer promoters putting on events, and the community has been forced to adapt. Despite this, the love for drum and bass has remained strong.
"When I moved here in 2019, the scene was already changing," Iwan notes. "On the events side, we’ve seen a drop in promoters putting on parties. It’s been a tough time, but the love for drum and bass in particular has never been stronger." This is where Stellar Audio’s commitment to community becomes vital. "The most rewarding thing for me has been seeing that we’re building a solid community. Things can feel slow, but the people who support us make it all worth it," he says.
Defining Moments and Future Goals
Stellar Audio’s journey hasn’t been without its defining moments. "The most stark moment was when I realised we were building a really pleasant and solid community through the brand," Iwan recalls. That feeling of connection has been one of the driving forces behind the label’s growth. Another significant turning point was when they brought on James Hinton (AKSEL), which marked a broader expansion of the label.
Looking ahead, Iwan says the label is in a comfortable position, focusing on releasing music that speaks to the team and their audience. "We’re just signing music that we love," he shares, acknowledging the challenges of balancing his work at Motion with the demands of the label. The recent year of personal reflection has allowed him to relax his approach, and now Stellar Audio is aiming for a steady release schedule, with new tracks expected to drop every five weeks starting in April.
The Vision for the Future
For Iwan, the future of Stellar Audio goes beyond just releasing great music. His involvement in filmmaking during university has fuelled his passion for the visual aspect of the brand, which he sees as a crucial part of the overall experience. "I would love to collaborate with some visual artists to bring the music to life in a more immersive way — maybe an exhibition where people can do more than just listen to the music and get drunk," Iwan muses. This holistic approach to events is something he believes is missing in the current scene, and it’s an area he’s eager to explore further.
The idea of creating an event that combines both music and visuals, offering a unique and immersive experience, aligns perfectly with the label's overarching ethos of pushing boundaries and delivering something fresh to the drum and bass community.
Final Thoughts
Stellar Audio is more than just a label — it’s a movement, a community, and a vision for the future of drum and bass. With a foundation built on passion, authenticity, and a commitment to innovation, the label is poised to continue shaping the future of the genre. Whether you’re a longtime drum and bass fan or new to the scene, Stellar Audio’s blend of cutting-edge sound, visual art, and community connection is sure to leave a lasting impression.
As Iwan reflects on the journey so far, he offers this thoughtful piece of advice: "Sometimes you need to stop, look back, and be grateful for what you’ve achieved, rather than always pushing forward to the next thing." And with this mindset, Stellar Audio is ready to continue its mission — creating a truly immersive journey for listeners around the globe.