DJ SS built Formation Records around his Leicester network at the beginning of the 1990s. The Total Kaos events, 5HQ record shop, and a crew trying to release its own music were part of those beginnings. SS travelled to London to learn about pressing, mastering, and distribution, wanting the label to give newcomers the help his crew had lacked.
Formation’s history follows the move from rave into jungle and drum and bass. Its wider imprint family gave early opportunities to Tango, John B, Twisted Individual, and Nu:Tone, with releases continuing through later generations of producers.
The Formation 200 collection grew from a planned 30 tracks to 60 when SS added older recordings alongside new music. Serum, T>I, Turno, and Aggressor Bunx contributed to the newer material, bringing different periods of the label together in one release.
