Bulletproof was the New Zealand drum and bass project associated with Jay Monds, initially developed with founding partner Josh Lees. Its recordings travelled through labels including Renegade Hardware, Moving Shadow, and Commercial Suicide, while Monds’ own Cyanide Recordings provided another outlet for the music. His work also extended into dubstep.
Beyond releasing records, Monds documented the people who built the scene around him. His The History of New Zealand Drum & Bass podcast brought producers, DJs, and MCs into conversations about the country’s musical history. Monds died on 29 September 2022.
A remastering project he had discussed during the podcast continued after his death. Lees selected material and Evan Short of Concord Dawn remastered it from original DAT tapes and WAV files for Bulletproof Remasters. The series included Recoil / 110 Degrees and Trapdoor / Filthy Sinner, returning early recordings to circulation. Its organisers directed proceeds to Monds’ son, Zion.
