Dublin producer creates "first-ever" drum ‘n’ bass album for babies

A DJ and producer from Dublin has released a “drum ‘n’ bass-inspired album for babies to rave and sleep to”, using children's musical instruments.

Graham Smyth said the idea for the album came from learning that babies’ heart rates are “50% higher than adults”, which is reflected in the faster-paced styles of ‘Music For Babies To Rave And Sleep To’.

The eight-track album is made using a toy piano and kalimba, with the concept coming after Smyth began composing lullabies on his family piano for his newborn nephew.

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Speaking to District Magazine, Smyth explained: “The album is intended to introduce children to the different aspects of electronic music, from building up to the peak time rave all the way down to placing the head down for a snooze.”

The record comprises two halves – one featuring softer, more ambient-led tracks made for winding down, and the other at a higher BPM, inspired by drum ‘n’ bass.

“Babies’ heart rates are 50% faster than adults so the music should reflect this, hence the drum ‘n’ bass inspired beats on ‘Toy Pianonono (For Raving)’,” he said. “The percussion is even influenced by how young children interact with instruments.”

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‘Music For Babies To Rave And Sleep To’ is made alongside ambient producer Gareth Quinn Redmond, with a name inspired by Brian Eno’s famous downtempo record, ‘Ambient 1: Music For Airports’.

Described as the “first-ever rave album for babies”, the record also takes into account research from children’s development experts, finding that music has an "enormously positive effect on a baby’s developing brain, enhancing cognitive and social skills and memory”.

Listen to 'Music For Babies To Rave And Sleep To’ here.

[Via District Magazine]

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter