Nicely timed for these long cosy nights indoors, a brand new drum & bass comedy show has just launched: Mr Happy.
Written by Tarik Nsiri and Matt Cassidy, the fly-on-the-wall style show follows a drum & bass artist and graffiti writer named C who’s trying to navigate a creative path while dealing with life’s idiots and modern frustrations. The first episode features none other than Benny L who plays the role of a notorious foghorn merchant named Lenny B.
The first of three episodes, you can watch it here:
“We love comedy, and really wanted to do something with drum and bass,” explains co-writer Tarik, a man who’s been involved in the scene for many years in a variety of capacities and is best recognised as Echo Nine, an artist who made a serious impression on us earlier this year with his debut Neck Oil, a full-thrust bass/metal fusion tune with Insideinfo.
“We felt there is so much to explore and a lot of untapped material for comedy in the struggles modern producers face whilst trying to make it in an increasingly saturated music industry,” he continues. “And how difficult it can be to get out there in a world which is now dictated by social media presence and algorithms, and how this affects an anxious individual who just wants to write some tunes and refuses to adapt, with a comedic spin of course.”
Featuring actor Arron Von Andrian, co-writer Matt Cassidy, man like Benny L and another D&B cameo from awesome singer/songwriter Shady Novelle, the launch episode captures C’s frustrations at the way the industry currently works.
Representing a huge majority of real people, especially those trying to push themselves in creative sectors, C is really not comfortable with the attention seeking, quick fix, baity insincere ways of promotion and socialising in the 2020s and his character will resonate hard with many.
Balanced with some deliciously daft lines and off piste conversations, and jarring moments of toe curling anxiety, within minutes C’s plight is clear and you’re likely to want to see him succeed whether you’re into D&B or not. For the heads, meanwhile, it’s a brilliant storm of in-jokes and references. From the title of both the show and the episode to Benny L stamping on C’s track with a sound that’s been memed to eternity for, it follows shows like People Just Do Nothing and Ali G with a knowing, authentic nod.
“We felt it was very important to have some representation from the scene in the form of guest roles with artists and DJs who came down to put their own spin on the show,” says Tarik who explains how each artist collaborates with the show and writing process, giving them space to develop their own character.
“When Tarik came to me about his Idea and wanting me Involved with the project I was well on board with it!” adds/smirks Tres-2b guvnor and Dr Foghorn himself Benny / Lenny. “I love comedy shows and always see things that happen in real life and think, ‘That was exactly like a sketch!’ And to give Tarik ideas as well, I’m loving doing! It was interesting working with Arron too who is a professional actor and learning bits from him. I’m looking forward to the next episodes and seeing where this can end up towards.”
We know who’s coming up in future episodes and the future is looking exciting for the Mr Happy team. While D&B has its fair share of witty and funny artists over the years such as Goldie, Mozey, Something Something, Serum, Gino and High Rankin all incorporating humour into their output at different points, this seems to be the first time there’s been a properly D&B-centric comedy from known members of the scene.
“We have shows about most genres mainly garage, grime and hip hop,” says Tarik. “But we felt there was nothing really out there telling a story within the drum & bass world. We wanted something that represents our own culture.”
Developed over five years, maturing like an old school dubplate, Mr Happy seems to be the first of its kind and is an exciting new perspective on the culture. We’re keen to see how the next episodes roll out. Episode two is due in the new year. Follow their YouTube channel and stay up to date.
