The Rhythm of Neumonic: A Journey into UK Garage
The Moment Everything Clicks
About 40 minutes into a Neumonic set, something predictable happens: people stop trying to name what they’re hearing. The bass is thick but not crushing. The hi-hats skip sideways. The floor starts moving before anyone agrees on what to call it.
Witnessing this phenomenon is like stepping into a scene from Back to the Future—audience members captivated by music with no frame of reference, allowing themselves to dance anyway. Last year, in San Francisco at Monarch, my wife and I experienced it firsthand. Amidst the crowd, someone leaned over and asked, “What kind of music is this?”
People made guesses, ranging from “techno/trap music” to “Garage House,” but the answers missed the essence. The guy who asked quickly returned to the dance floor, fully immersed in the experience.
What Neumonic was spinning that night was UK garage, a genre born in the UK in the 1990s that found its roots in pirate radio and London’s vibrant club culture. Its unique, swung rhythm sidesteps conventional beats, inviting dancers to move in unexpected ways. With basslines that dip and reappear and hi-hats that skip instead of march, the sound offers a fresh experience—fast without being aggressive, physical without being rigid.
The Man Behind the Music
Nick Neumann, known professionally as DJ Neumonic, originates from San Diego and migrated to Santa Cruz in 2015 to pursue his education at UC Santa Cruz. Since then, he’s become a recognizable figure in the dance music scene, creating a sound that resonates with audiences. However, it’s not just Santa Cruz that has shaped him but also the towering redwoods and serene beaches that offer him a unique space to refocus.
His passion for music quickly gained traction, and today, fans nationwide are beginning to recognize his work. The acknowledgment feels different in a town like Santa Cruz, which has always allowed sounds to develop organically before they reach wider audiences.
Riffing on the Floor
Neumonic’s ability to read the room was apparent during his sold-out Monarch show, a feat not easily accomplished in the bustling club scene of San Francisco. Monarch trusts DJs who pace their sets thoughtfully, creating an atmosphere where adventurous musical journeys can either captivate or fade into the background.
Neumonic describes his sound as a core element of his identity. “I’m known for garage—UK garage is my bread and butter,” he stated. However, he confidently adds, “When I DJ, I DJ everything.”
This fluidity was palpable as he transitioned seamlessly between genres—from the swinging pulse of UK garage into the weighty pressure of dubstep, then shifting into the urgent tempo of drum & bass. His versatile approach keeps the dance floor alive and engaged.
The Creative Process
His latest release, the Deadbeats EP, illustrates this creative philosophy, showcasing a range of four distinct sounds across its tracks. Instead of simply indulging in genre-specific tourism, Neumonic works to fuse the varied influences he has absorbed throughout his career. “I don’t like to get fully cratered into a genre. That’s what has made me stand out,” he says, a sentiment echoed by his growing fanbase.
Evidence of his momentum can be found in the tens of thousands of monthly listeners he pulls on streaming platforms. Tracks like “Movin’” have crossed the million-stream threshold, signaling a broader recognition of his work in real time.
The Santa Cruz Sound
Santa Cruz offers a unique sonic culture where new music often emerges before it gains mainstream acceptance. Historically, the town has seen waves of musical innovation, from the ban on rock ‘n’ roll in 1956 to the nurturing of underground sounds today. In a space where music can grow sideways, Neumonic is emerging as part of a legacy that includes artists like CharlestheFirst and G Jones.
Neumonic recounts his early days in Santa Cruz, often playing at forest parties—an organic response to the lack of traditional venues. After graduating with a degree in business management and economics, he retained that spirit of experimentation, throwing underground parties and connecting with other independent artists.
“I’ve thrown so many shows at Monarch,” he notes, reflecting on his efforts to bring in big names, but this time, it was about his own artistry shining through. The shift in audience response has marked a turning point in his career.
The DIY Spirit
During the pandemic, while many artists hesitated, Neumonic adapted, orchestrating renegade parties. Bringing a sound system to local beaches and collaborating with fire spinners, he was determined not to let the music fade. “I just missed music,” he says, reflecting on that tumultuous time.
This DIY ethos is a hallmark of Santa Cruz’s underground culture, which connects tightly to larger festivals like Lightning in a Bottle. As a vital part of the infrastructure there, Neumonic has shifted from performer to stage manager, taking on responsibilities that deepen his connection to the event’s workings.
A Growing Recognition
The moment everything became tangible for Neumonic was during his set at Lightning in a Bottle in 2023. Playing the pre-party, he glanced up to see a packed audience, realizing that people were there for him. This was further solidified when he sold out his show at Monarch—a venue where he had once hosted others.
The economic struggles of being an emerging electronic artist are present, but Neumonic only cares about the fact that people are showing up for him. At this stage, it’s the small, heartfelt moments that stand out the most—like being recognized on the sidewalk by a fan who wasn’t even attending the show.
Looking Ahead
As 2026 unfolds, Neumonic prepares for bigger stages, including a prestigious opening slot at Red Rocks Amphitheatre with Zeds Dead. His music resonates now more than ever, capturing the essence of human connection amid the relentless pace of festival season.
UK garage, with its lively, swung beats, is what audiences crave right now. In an environment saturated with predictable drops and tightly quantized beats, Neumonic’s sound breathes life back into dance music, inviting individuals to move authentically and connect with each other. Recognizing his roots in Santa Cruz while embracing the worldwide journey ahead, Neumonic stands as a beacon for all aspiring producers—proof that fun and authenticity are the keys to success in any creative endeavor.
