Artist Feature: Sub Focus

Beginning his career at the tail end of 2003, it didn’t take Sub Focus too long until he had clocked his first of many number one tracks on the UK Dance Chart. By March 2005, the world of electronic music had sat up and taken notice of his brutalist 'X-Ray / Scarecrow' single, which tore through the drum n bass community like a rampaging bull. Combining spot on production skills with overt synth stabs and pulverising bass tones, Sub Focus had announced his arrival in emphatic fashion.

Sub Focus'X-Ray'

The hits kept coming his way in 2008, and again in 2009, his music gradually becoming more fierce, ending up on Andy C’s Ram Records where he remains as one of the most vital members of the taste-making imprint. With his adept skill at throwing down brutal bass heavy tracks, switching up drum patterns and later on showing a penchant for the melodic, Sub Focus carved for himself his own distinct sound that has continued to impress. 

He went on to support Pendulum on their 2010 tour of the UK to resounding success, as Sub Focus slowly worked his way into mainstream consciousness. With some of his biggest fans including Radio One’s coolest DJs, namely Annie Mac and Zane Lowe, it was only a matter of time before this was achieved. It was undoubtedly his collaboration with Example for 'Kickstarts' (of which Sub Focus was the producer) that truly stated his arrival as a producer to watch.

Sub Focus featuring Kele 'Turn It Around'

More success followed, and in 2012 Sub Focus headlined the Radio One Dance stage at Leeds and Reading to a rapturous reception, which he again did this year. With his brand new album Torus featuring guest artists such as Kele from Bloc Party, Alpines, Alex Clare, Kenzie May and Foxes, Sub Focus has brought a pop sensibility to his low end, drum n bass palate, and the successful intertwining of the two has yielded immense critical plaudits as well as a surge of new fans.

His upcoming tour will feature a live performance from Nick Douwma himself, alongside stunning visuals that are being billed as one of the years most essential electronic events. If his performances at this year’s Glastonbury, Global Gathering and Bestival are anything to go by, we’re in for something of a treat, as he whipped up the crowds time and time again with his brand new live show.

Head here for your Sub Focus tickets