Join the Future – Bleep Techno and the Birth of British Bass Music

Matt Anniss’s critically acclaimed alternative history of UK dance music in the acid house era returns—updated, expanded, and more essential than ever.

Named by Rolling Stone UK as one of the best books on British music culture, Join The Future explores the untold story of bleep techno, the first distinctly British form of electronic dance music, and its profound influence on the evolution of UK bass music.

From mid-80s electro all-dayers and reggae soundsystem clashes in the North and Midlands, to the emergence of breakbeat hardcore, jungle, and dubstep, this book traces the lineage of low-end sound that has defined UK dancefloors for over three decades.

Based on five years of deep research and hundreds of interviews, it uncovers the hidden roots of British club culture—its regional identities, underground innovators, and forgotten pioneers. With vivid first-hand accounts, it journeys through legendary raves and clubs, the rise of Warp Records, and the genre’s unexpected international outposts in Canada and the U.S.

This newly expanded edition features:

• Additional interviews with key players

• Deeper analysis of the bleep legacy

• A brand-new afterword chapter bringing the story forward

Whether you're a dance music historian, a bass music lover, or a new-school producer digging into your sonic heritage, Join the Future is a vital piece of UK music history—and a love letter to the bassline.