Sub Focus

Drum and bass

Sub Focus, real name Nick Douwma, is a British drum and bass producer and DJ from Guildford, UK. He began releasing music in 2003 and gained early attention with tracks including Acid Test and X-Ray. Originally interested in rock music, Douwma cited bands such as Nirvana as early influences. He briefly played in a school band with friends, although he later described himself as not being very skilled at playing instruments, stating he “wasn’t very good”. At around age 13, he began using computer software to produce electronic music and developed a self-taught approach to production. His early influences included acts such as The Prodigy and The Chemical Brothers, both of which are known for blending electronic music with rock elements. He was introduced to jungle and drum and bass after hearing Incredible by M-Beat featuring General Levy. Douwma did not initially pursue music production professionally, but after leaving school he decided to focus on a career in music. He later studied sound engineering at college to develop his technical skills. Between 2001 and 2002, he began sending out demo recordings, encouraged by friends. His breakthrough came in 2003 when a demo CD was passed to Andy C, founder of RAM Records, who was reportedly impressed and quickly facilitated a signing. Douwma was subsequently associated with RAM Records and its sister label Frequency, marking the beginning of his professional career in the drum and bass scene. On 12 October 2009, he releas...