Manchester-based Owen Haisley performs as Madrush MC across jungle and drum and bass, working as an MC, DJ and producer. He had already been performing as an MC before he began recording in 2001, and says music workshops in Manchester helped him develop as a recording artist. His activity in jungle and drum and bass spans more than 30 years. Alongside that work, Haisley makes house and garage under the name Groove Surgeon, extending his work as an MC, DJ and producer into those styles.
Early collaborations include “Vs Up” with Heavyfeet, which was signed to Aquasky’s Passenger Records, and “After Party” with 601 for the group’s Bring The Bass LP. Later collaborators include Sub Zero, T>I, Bou, Exile, DJ Hybrid and Euphonique. He also worked with Enei on “Crash Landing” and with T>I on the Step Back EP. In 2020, Madrush MC released the singles “Kill Dem” and “Backhand”. The latter, made with Joely, earned a nomination for Track of the Year at the 2021 Drum&BassArena Awards; Haisley said it brought him significant exposure.
Operating Theatre Records is the label Haisley runs. His later singles include “Scatter”, made with DJ Gaw and Lokal in 2024, and “Missed Call”, a 2025 collaboration with Annix. That same year, he appeared on “One By One (VISLA Remix)” with Operate and VISLA. His work also includes a 2024 collaboration with Enei on the single “Freeze”. A 2021 release with Sub Zero and T95 appeared on Propaganda Audio. Enei’s 2023 release with Madrush MC came out on Critical Music, while their 2024 collaboration was released through Vandal Records. Neksus Sound released the Annix collaboration, and Overview Music released the remix with Operate and VISLA. Madrush MC also runs Stand Up Speak Out.