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Dub Pistols & Freestylers Announce Debut Collaboration Album ‘Enter The Sound’
Two of the UK’s most influential electronic acts, Dub Pistols & Freestylers, announce their highly anticipated collaboration album ‘Enter The Sound’, set for release March 6, 2026 via Cyclone Records. The full-length project marks the first complete album partnership between the long-time friends and touring companions, representing decades of shared stages, mutual respect, and creative synergy finally captured in album form.
A Friendship Forged in the Big Beat Era
Born from a friendship forged in the explosive big beat era of the mid-1990s, ‘Enter The Sound’ takes listeners on an expansive sonic journey through reggae, ska, hip-hop, trip-hop, breaks, and jungle – showcasing the full spectrum of influences that have defined both acts’ groundbreaking careers.
Barry Ashworth, founding member of Dub Pistols, reflects on the collaboration: “Throwback to the mid-90s when Freestylers were a huge part of the Dub Pistols’ early journey! We shared the stage during the big beat era, touring the US and Europe, forming a lasting friendship. They’ve played a pivotal role in my last album, ‘Frontline’, so it felt right to join forces for ‘Enter The Sound.’ The album truly encapsulates what we’re both about. Musically we have brought in some of the best vocalists and musicians in the scene for this record!”
Star-Studded Collaborations
The album features an impressive roster of collaborators including Jonny Osbourne, Tippa Irie, General Levy, Too Many T’s, Horseman, Belle Humble, Scarlett Quinn, Tennor Fly, MC Spyda, Seanie T., and JA13 (Richard Drury and Keith Finch), alongside legendary vocalist Derrick Morgan, often credited as the man who invented ska.
The Singles: A Genre-Spanning Journey
The album’s singles showcase its remarkable sonic diversity. “Ska Train” (feat. JA13 and Derrick Morgan) has garnered significant support from David Rodigan on BBC Radio 1Xtra and Chris Hawkins and Steve Lamacq on BBC Radio 6 Music, delivering classic two-tone bounce through a contemporary electronic lens.
Aston Harvey from Freestylers says of “Ska Train”: “Think we took the train back to Skaville for this, such bouncy happy vibes. Very classic in its style but done in a modern way, sure to bring a smile or two when you hear it. We wanted to catch that 2 tone-element with a joyous uplifting celebration.”
“Back On The Circuit” (feat. Harry Shotta) and “Hold Up Your Hands” (feat. Jonny Osbourne) explored breakbeat and reggae territories, while latest single “Give You Love” (feat. Belle Humble, 16th January 2026) introduces a more uplifting, melodic dimension to the album’s sonic palette.
“Give You Love” reunites the Freestylers with platinum British-Canadian singer-songwriter Belle Humble, whose last collaboration with the duo, “Cracks,” has amassed over 150 million streams across platforms. A slice of electronic dub with heavy beats and hypnotic melodies featuring hints of trip-hop, the track delivers a profound message of unconditional love and connection.
Belle Humble explains: “I wrote ‘Give You Love’ to channel the frequencies of unconditional love and compassion. Life can indeed be wild, but love can always be tuned into, and is never-ending. I hope this song brings light, comfort, and connection—a reminder that, wherever you are on your journey, you are seen, supported, and loved.”
The Title Track
The album’s title track and focus track “Believe Me Now” encapsulates the essence of this landmark collaboration – a sonic gateway that invites listeners into the vibrant world these two acts have created together, blending their distinct yet complementary styles into a cohesive artistic statement.
About The Artists
Freestylers – Aston Harvey and Matt Cantor – have remained at the forefront of electronic dance music for nearly three decades. From their breakthrough hits like “B-Boy Stance” and “Ruffneck” reaching the UK Top 20, to “Push Up” hitting Number 21 in the UK National Charts and Number 1 in Australia, Holland and Belgium, they’ve consistently delivered chart success. “Cracks” became a dubstep classic with 150+ million streams, while their legendary Glastonbury 1999 performance and collaborations with Pendulum cement their status as electronic music innovators.
Dub Pistols have proven their longevity with ten albums spanning from the big beat explosion of the mid-1990s to their current position as festival favorites. Led by Barry Ashworth, they’ve collaborated with everyone from Terry Hall of The Specials to Busta Rhymes, while their annual Mucky Weekender festival has become a cornerstone of the UK electronic scene. Their previous album ‘Frontline’ reached Number 1 on the Official UK Indie Chart, making ‘Enter The Sound’ their second album release on Cyclone Records.
The partnership comes naturally – both acts have spent decades perfecting their craft on the world’s biggest stages, from Top of the Pops appearances to major festival residencies, bringing together the best of UK electronic music heritage.
Both acts embark on an extensive UK tour throughout March-May 2026, bringing ‘Enter The Sound’ to stages across the country.
Album: ‘Enter The Sound’
Focus Track: ‘Believe Me Now’
Release Date: March 6, 2026
Label: Cyclone Records
Latest Single: “Give You Love” feat. Belle Humble (Out 16th January 2026)
UK TOUR DATES 2026
March
06/03/26 – Princess Pavilion, Falmouth
07/03/26 – KOKO, London
08/03/26 – Fighting Cocks (Banquet Records), Kingston (SOLD OUT)
10/03/26 – Rough Trade, Nottingham
11/03/26 – Brudenell Social Club (Crash Records), Leeds
12/03/26 – Resident Records at Chalk, Brighton
14/03/26 – Booking Hall, Dover
20/03/26 – Cheese & Grain, Frome
21/03/26 – Globe, Cardiff
26/03/26 – Rough Trade, Bristol
27/03/26 – Sin City, Swansea
28/03/26 – Gorilla, Manchester
April
03/04/26 – Bullingdon, Oxford
04/04/26 – Corn Exchange, Hertford
17/04/26 – Arts Club Loft, Liverpool
18/04/26 – Brewery, Kendal
25/04/26 – White Rock Studios, Hastings
May
01/05/26 – Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis
LINKS:
The Freestylers Instagram: @thefreestylersofficial
Dub Pistols Instagram: @dubpistol