"Hot Drum" (stylized as "HOT DRUM")[3] is a song by English DJ and producer John Ford. It was originally released on 7 September 2016, but was re-released by American record label Owsla on 16 November 2016.
Background and release
The song originated from a reggae drum loop, which gave the song its title.[4] The song was originally self-released for free as a digital download via SoundCloud on 7 September 2016, with American record label and creative collective Owsla re-releasing the song two months later on 16 November 2016.[5][6] The song was released alongside an announcement of a three-track extended play by Ford to be released on the record label in mid-2017.[7] The song piqued the interest of American electronic dance music producer Skrillex, who debuted his Boiler RoomDJ set with the song, leading to the re-release of the song on Skrillex's own record label.[8][1]
The music video was released by Ford via his YouTube channel on 6 September 2016.[9] It was later re-uploaded by OWSLA via their own YouTube Channel on 16 November 2016.[10]
Critical reception
"Hot Drum" was well received by most critics. Austin Evenson of Dancing Astronaut noted Ford's style as "yielding energetic, bass-heavy outputs", describing the song as built upon a "bustling, house foundation, which Joyryde layers with a clamouring steel drum for a refreshing, groove-ridden lead."[2] Writing for Your EDM, Greg Sills wrote that the song took to Fords roots of his sound, noting the song's utilisation of a reggae drum loop and his "signature bass and percussive style" and calling the song "yet another epic Joyryde tune."[11] Max Chung of Run the Trap described the song as yet another showcase of Ford's unique talent for bass house-influenced sound, calling the song a "funky house banger boasting some crazy call and response."[12] Wendel Genosa of Earmilk called the song "solid proof of the producer's creative tactics and ear for unique compositions."[13]Noiseporn's Reid Golden praised the song, describing it as the "cream of the crop" of bass house, noting its structure as featuring Ford's "signature high-energy, four-on-the-floor beats, paired with some funky, reggae-infused drums, and topped off with a filthy bassline."[6] Writing for EDMTunes, Joey Rubio noted its perfected "Crazy samples and unique sounds", stating that the song threw "so much diversity of sound into his bass house music."[14]
