In 1996, drum and bass legend Peshay (Paul Pesce) crafted “Studio Set 1996”, a mix that has become a cornerstone of electronic music history. For decades, this mix has become a time capsule of jungle’s golden era and has inspired artists, generations of producers, and acted as a gateway to the genre. Its 3.8 million YouTube views weren’t just numbers, they represented a living archive of a genre that shaped rave culture worldwide.
But in 2025, this piece of history was erased twice by wrongful copyright claims from Dice Ryu Sykes (Ninj Yang Productions), Sykes registered Chameleon – Links (1995, Good Looking Records) as Tropical Jungle (Remade) (SR0001026600) without any authorisation, then rebranded it as his own creation. He has then exploited YouTube’s copyright system to monetise uploads of disputed tracks while disputing the original creators’ rights. By erasing Peshay’s mix, Sykes’ actions threaten the preservation of drum and bass history, a loss we believe constitutes cultural vandalism.
For fans, this mix isn’t just music, it’s the soundtrack to late night raves, friendships forged in basslines, and a genre that defied boundaries. For Peshay, it’s a legacy under siege.
The Crisis: Wrongful Takedowns Threaten All Music
In 2025, Dice Ryu Sykes managed to register “Chameleon – Links” as his own track, renaming it “Tropical Jungle (Remade)” (U.S. Copyright Office registration number SR0001026600, registered on 2025-02-11).
With this registration filed nearly 30 years after the original, Sykes was able to exploit YouTube’s copyright system to remove Peshay’s legendary mix. He’s using this paperwork to claim ownership of music he didn’t create, and to silence the real artists who made drum and bass what it is today.
This isn’t just a loophole; it’s a flaw in the system that lets anyone erase our musical history with a few clicks and a disputed registration. If this can happen to Peshay and Good Looking Records, it can happen to any artist, in any genre.
Sykes’ scheme is part of a systemic issue threatening artists globally:
- He registered works such as ‘Chameleon – Links’ and ‘Shogun – Ulysses’ under new titles and uploaded them to Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
- He filed copyright claims that resulted in the removal of Peshay’s mix, taking advantage of gaps in the DMCA process..
- As a result, these uploads generate ad and streaming revenue, while the original creators’ work is removed.
This isn’t isolated:
- Over 34,000 disputed DMCA notices targeted legitimate content in 2022 alone (Lumen Database).
- 13% of music piracy now involves YouTube rips, costing artists $29.2 billion annually (Muso).
- YouTube’s system is failing creators: 60% of disputed claims are resolved in favour of uploaders, but only after videos are banned for weeks (YouTube Transparency Report).
Our Demands
We call on YouTube and U.S. lawmakers to enact urgent reforms:
- Automatically Reinstate Content
If claimants like Sykes fail to sue within 10 business days, videos must be restored immediately. No more “takedown limbo.” - Penalise Fraudulent Claimants
Suspend channels that repeatedly abuse the system (e.g., Sykes’ Ninj Yang Productions).
Impose fines under 17 U.S.C. § 512(f) for knowingly false claims. - Modernise the DMCA
Require proof of original ownership for takedowns targeting legacy works (pre 2000).
Void registrations like Sykes’ “Tropical Jungle (Remade),” which violate 17 U.S.C. § 103(b) (unauthorised derivatives).
Why This Matters for Everyone
This isn’t just about drum and bass. Every genre is at risk:
- Hip-hop samples, classic rock riffs, and folk melodies could vanish overnight.
- Legacy artists (especially those on defunct labels) often lack the resources to fight back.
- Fans lose access to the music that has defined their lives.
If we lose our archives, we lose our history. This is a fight for every artist and fan.
How You Can Help
- Sign this petition to demand that YouTube and Congress act.
- Share on social media with #SavePeshayMix and #StopCopyrightAbuse.
The Stakes
Peshay’s mix is just the tip of the iceberg. Without change:
- Individuals, like Sykes, will continue to exploit copyright registration loopholes
- Platforms like YouTube will prioritise automation over artistry.
- Creators everywhere will face being silenced by bad actors.
We can’t let this stand. Sign now to defend the past and protect the future of music.
Evidence of Disputed Ownership
- Shazam Match: “Tropical Jungle (Remade)” = “Chameleon – Links.” Watch here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BpzK8k67vhhju9468JTLSYX8i9LVevlw/view
- Original 1996 Release: Good Looking Records’ catalogue entry. Label: Good Looking Records – GLR 14. Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM. Country: UK. Released: 1995
50,000 signatures will force YouTube and Congress to respond. Let’s make history again. Sign now. Share widely. Save our sound and culture.
The post Peshay’s 1996 Mix Erased in Copyright Dispute appeared first on Decoded Magazine.
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