Pessimist is the primary stage name of Kristian Jabs, a British electronic music producer, DJ, and musician based in Bristol, UK. He is known for his work in drum and bass (often minimal or autonomic styles), jungle, techno, ambient, and trip-hop influences, blending dark, atmospheric, and experimental sounds. Jabs has been producing music since the age of 15 and began releasing tracks around 2010. His style emphasizes dread-filled drones, paranoid breakbeats, and a non-conformist approach that bridges genres, influencing a new wave of experimental drum and bass artists. He runs his own label, Pessimist Productions, founded in 2018 as a no-fuss outlet for his solo work, collaborations, and experimental projects, distributed by Cargo Records.
Background and Aliases
• Real Name: Kristian Jabs.
• Location: Bristol, UK.
• Aliases and Groups: Operates under aliases like Soft Boi and Stigma. He is one-third of the Bristol trio Ruffhouse and one-half of Boreal Massif.
• Early Start: Began producing at 15, with initial releases emerging around 2010. Previously part of Ruffhouse before establishing his solo identity.
Career Highlights
Jabs has released on prominent labels including Blackest Ever Black, Osiris Music, Ilian Tape, Cylon Recordings, Renegade Hardware, UVB-76 Music, Samurai Music, and his own Pessimist Productions. His 2017 self-titled debut album on Blackest Ever Black was critically acclaimed for its unique fusion of techno and drum and bass, marking him as a standout figure in the scene. He co-founded UVB-76 Music and has collaborated with artists like Karim Maas and others in Ruffhouse.
His DJ sets are eclectic, incorporating drum and bass, jungle, techno, ambient interludes, and 90s trip-hop, reflecting his production style. Profiles highlight his impact on the wider electronic music community, with roots in drum and bass but extending into experimental territories. He has performed internationally, with mentions of US and Mexico gigs alongside producers like Forest Drive West. In 2018, he appeared on XLR8R’s podcast series, showcasing his dark drum and bass sound.
Featured track : “Pagans” from
Pagans (2017, Osiris Music UK): 12” EP at 33⅓ RPM, tracks include “Pagans,” “Astrous.” Written and produced by K. Jabs.
Pagans Video : coding by ediblspaceships
