Brasstooth

Brasstooth has been shaping UK Garage since 1996, known for soulful vocals, deep bass pressure and stripped back, dancefloor driven 2 step rhythms.

He began his musical journey as a bassist in a school band called Kuro, landing a publishing deal with Polygram Music early on. After stepping away from the band, he moved into the emerging jungle scene, collaborating with Darius Keeler, who later formed Archive, on the track “Narra-Minds,” now regarded as one of the genre’s early releases.

While studying for a BTEC in Music, Smith adopted the name Brasstooth and recorded his first solo track, “I Can’t Quite Understand,” at Von’s Studios in London in 1996. It marked the start of a sound that would soon become instantly recognisable.

After facing repeated rejection from major labels, he founded Well Built Records to retain full creative control. Handling everything himself, from mastering to distribution, he sold thousands of white labels directly to independent record shops across the UK, building a grassroots following the hard way.

His breakthrough came in 1998 with “Celebrate Life” featuring Sean Mitchell. Originally created as a university assignment, the track became a defining UK Garage anthem, selling more than 29,000 copies and receiving major support from Birmingham’s Choice FM and the Dreem Teem. Its success secured a deal with WEA, part of Warner Records, who commissioned remixes from El-B and Zed Bias, both of whom would go on to become pivotal figures in the scene.

In 1999, Brasstooth followed up with “Pleasure,” cementing his reputation for blending soulful musicality with darker 2 step energy. However, shifts in leadership at Warner led to his release from the label, alongside several other urban artists. He returned to his independent roots, continuing to release music through Well Built.

After several years focused on mainstream DJ residencies, he stepped back to refine his sound. He later re-emerged with updated, devocalised versions of his classics alongside new productions that bridged his original style with a modern edge.

Now widely regarded as a UKG don, Brasstooth’s influence runs deep. His combination of emotive vocals, weighty basslines and signature piano motifs has inspired a new generation of producers, including DJ Q. As of 2026, he remains active on the circuit, performing at anniversary raves and sold out Garage Paradise events, standing firmly as one of the architects of the sound.