TeeBee (Torgeir Byrknes), is a prominent Norwegian drum and bass artist renowned for his distinctive sound and exceptional production skills. Born in Norway, TeeBee has left an incredible mark on the drum and bass scene with his innovative approach to sound and trend setting music.
TeeBee (Torgeir Byrknes), is a prominent Norwegian drum and bass artist renowned for his distinctive sound and exceptional production skills. Born in Norway, TeeBee has left an incredible mark on the drum and bass scene with his innovative approach to sound and trend setting music.
From an early age, TeeBee displayed a profound interest in sound. Picking up a guitar at 6 years old, he immediately made melodies and riffs which surfaced in his music decades later. As Hip-Hop emerged in Scandinavia in the early 80’s, TeeBee was completely mesmerised by the breakdancing, rapping and culture. Growing up in the suburbs of Bergen, TeeBee was lucky enough to be part of a thriving local music scene which centered around a new local youth club. This led him to discover dj’ing and what playing to a crowd could feel like. In addition, TeeBee got involved with a local radio station, hosting his own show 4 times a week between the ages of thirteen to seventeen.
As the 80’s became the 90’s his focus shifted from Hip-Hop to more electronic based music. XL Recordings and especially early ‘The Prodigy’ left a huge impression as rave culture emerged all over the world. Realising this was a movement and understanding the enormity of it, TeeBee began his plan to become a part of it (the movement). It had to be production; to have his music on vinyl, travel the world and play music to people. In the summer of 1994, he made his first solo track. This got signed to A-Level Records, just days after being finished. The test press on vinyl showed up in the mail on June 5th 1995. New beginnings.
TeeBee’s international breakthrough came in 2000 with his debut album (Black Science Labs) on the legendary Certificate 18 Records. The album showcased his exceptional talent for crafting complex drum patterns and layering atmospheric textures and captivating listeners with its unique blend of dark and futuristic sounds. The release earned him awards, critical acclaim and established him as a new artist, an artist who had real intent and belief in what he was doing. His subsequent releases, including albums like ‘Through the Eyes of a Scorpion’ (2001) and ‘The Legacy’ (2004), showcased his ability to create intricate compositions that combined both intensity and musicality. TeeBee’s unique approach to drum and bass production has garnered him a devoted fan base along with the respect of his peers in the industry.
In 2004, TeeBee along with fellow drum and bass producer Larry Cons formed a collaborative project, known as Calyx & TeeBee. Together, they created a formidable partnership that pushed the boundaries of the genre. Their debut album, ‘Anatomy’, released in 2007, received widespread recognition for its technical prowess and diverse range of styles. Calyx & TeeBee’s fusion of intricate drum programming, deep basslines and infectious melodies captivated audiences worldwide. This solidified their position as one of drum and bass’ most dynamic duos. Their ‘All Or Nothing’ album on Ram Records in 2012, has recently been certified gold in the UK. The lead single “Elevate This Sound” featuring Calyx as the lead singer, went on to be a huge hit on radio all over the world. It even featured on the legendary British soap opera Eastenders. “All Or Nothing” earned them multiple awards, such as: Best Producers, Best Track and Best Video at the 2013 Drum & Bass Awards. 2016 saw them release “1×1” with arguably their biggest track to date “Long Gone” spearheading the campaign once again with Calyx’s own vocals. Having just finalised their contract with BMG/RAM records they closed out the chapter with their “Plates” LP in 2022 taking a more experimental, club-based approach to their sound once again.
TeeBee’s impact on drum and bass extends far beyond his studio productions. His DJ sets are renowned for their energy and seamless mixing, captivating audiences with their relentless intensity. He has performed at some of the most prestigious drum and bass events and festivals worldwide, to name but a few: EDC Las Vegas/Orlando, Electric Forest, Glastonbury, Dour Festival, Boomtown, Creamfields, Shamballah, Tomorrow Land, Ultra, Let It Roll, Rampage, Hospitality, Parklife etc. leaving a lasting impression on the global electronic music community.
2023 brings a great amount of excitement and opportunity rolled into one. Along with relaunching his legendary Subtitles Music Imprint, TeeBee is now a contract free solo artist.
With the upcoming album dropping in 2023, TeeBee will embark on the promo campaign for his 4th solo studio album, and first solo album in 19 years. The album is titled “The Cosmic Carnival”, which has taken the better part of a decade to complete. It is a natural evolution from where he left off with RAM, a transition to now focus on expanding Subtitles Music into its former glory within TeeBee’s original vision.
This is the way, the way.
