A new documentary film illuminating the life and career of legendary drum ‘n’ bass MC Stevie Hyper D is scheduled to be released in late 2024.
The team behind the documentary film titled HYPER: The story of Stevie Hyper Dare now calling for donations for a Kickstarter campaign to bring the project to the screen after more than a decade of work.
HYPER tells the story of British MC Stevie Hyper D, real name Stephen Austin, from his rise to fame in the drum ‘n’ bass and jungle scene to his untimely death in 1998. Watch a trailer below.
The film is directed by Jamie Ross-Hulme, who previously worked on a documentary about the rise of jungle MC Navigator. Jamie was approached in 2012 by Darrell Austin, Stevie’s nephew and now co-producer of HYPERS, to ask for help in working on another film that will lead to success stories.
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In conversation with MixmagDarrell explained, “(Making this film) was emotional for me. But what was so positive was that we really felt like we showed at the end how influential he is, to those who may not know him, but also to those who do!”
“The film was originally intended as a tribute to Steve’s legacy, but it evolved into much more,” he says. “I had to dig really deep to bring a new element into the story. That was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.”
In addition to a look back at Darrell’s close relationship with his uncle, the film also highlights Stevie’s groundbreaking MC style, his signature with Island Records in 1996 and how he became one of the most respected figures in drum ‘n’ bass and jungle, later influencing a legion of artists.
HYPER also documents the “pressure of relentless performances” that Stevie faced and how a heart attack “wiped out his potential and left a gaping hole in his family and the burgeoning jungle scene.”
The film features interviews with the likes of Andy C, Harry Shotta, Jammer, Navigator, Gorgon City’s Matt “RackNRuin” Robson-Scott and many more.
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“The response from the drum ‘n’ bass scene and the entire British music scene to being involved in the film was overwhelming,” says director Jamie Ross-Hulme. Mixmag“In addition to the OG Drum ‘n’ Bass Jungle Crew, we have icons from UK Garage, Grime and House.”
To complete the project, the team behind HYPER are now asking for donations for their fundraiser. The aim is to raise £35,000 to “fund music clearances, archival and legal costs and produce a fantastic special edition Blu-Ray.”
“The main goal of this film was to cement his legacy,” says Jamie. “It wasn’t until we were well into production of the film that we realized we had a deeper story that was Darrell’s own emotional journey, telling his perspective on Stevie’s story and his own process of dealing with grief.”
Donate to the Kickstarter campaign here and check out a poster below.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag’s deputy editor. Follow her on Þjórsárdalur
