Steve Kielty, better known as Survival, has been a key figure in drum and bass since the mid-1990s. Starting out under aliases such as Akustic Research and Banaczech alongside Roy McCabe, he made his early mark with releases on respected labels like Vinyl Addiction and Partisan Recordings. After a break from producing during which he worked as studio manager at London's West Row Studios, Kielty returned to the scene in 2005, adopting the Survival moniker and bringing a renewed focus to his craft.
Survival's resurgence sparked an impressive run of releases on acclaimed labels including Creative Source, Exit Records, DNAudio, Quarantine, Critical, and Shogun Audio. Known for his deep, organic sound design and precise production style, he quickly re-established himself as a standout producer. His collaborations with leading names such as D-Bridge, Break, Silent Witness, Fierce, Sabre, and Alix Perez further reinforced his status as a driving force in modern drum and bass.
In 2013, Survival joined forces with Mike Borthwick, also known as Script, forming the duo SCAR. Their debut track When featured on the Platinum Breakz 4 compilation, setting the stage for a prolific partnership. SCAR have since delivered a string of releases on notable labels such as Metalheadz, Dispatch, and Horizons, culminating in their 2016 debut album The Orkyd Project, which showcased a versatile blend of classic drum and bass elements with experimental flair.
Beyond music, Kielty demonstrated his creative versatility by reaching the finals of the UK television show MasterChef in 2017. Impressing judges with his technical skill and innovative approach to cooking, his success on the show highlighted a talent that extends well beyond the studio. Whether through his solo productions, collaborations, or culinary endeavours, Survival remains a respected and influential presence in the drum and bass community.
