FFF

FFF is the alias of Dutch electronic music producer and DJ Tommy de Roos, based in Rotterdam. He starts making music in the early 1990s, first by trying to DJ techno and rave records, then by experimenting with sampled tape loops, keyboard sounds and feedback. After his family acquires a computer, he begins using tracker software, which changes his approach to production.

Under the FFF name, de Roos becomes one of the early figures in breakcore and in the dancehall-influenced raggacore strain of the genre. His music combines dense noise, distortion, complex breakbeats and heavy bass, and it develops from jungle and hardcore. He is also linked with ragga jungle and old-school jungle.

Releases and labels

In 1997, de Roos starts the zine and label Orange Socks, issuing breakcore, noise and experimental cassette releases by himself, his friends and artists he meets through tape trading. He begins putting out vinyl in 2001, starting with a split EP with Fast Forward, and later releases records on labels including Clash Records, Sprengstoff Recordings and 3AM Eternal. His output in the 2000s includes the 12-inch The Feeling and the 2007 release Wreck Havoc, named after his event series.

He later works with the Japanese label XXX and becomes closely involved with that scene after a 2008 Japan tour with XXX and DJ Technorch. On that label, he releases several full-length records, including the double CD 20.000 Hardcore Members Can't Be Wrong and split albums with DieTRAX. He also releases records in the 2020s on a range of imprints, including Diamond Life.

Events and scene involvement

In 2001, FFF and Rebel Assault organise Breakcore a GoGo, one of the first regular breakcore events in Europe. After that series ends in 2004, he starts a monthly event called Wreck Havoc. He also helps lead a revived jungle scene in the mid-2010s alongside producers and DJs including Coco Bryce.

Later style

From the mid-2010s, FFF moves away from the heavy distortion associated with his earlier breakcore work and makes more atmospheric, focused tracks. A 2015 split EP with Coco Bryce marks this shift towards old-school jungle, and he continues in that direction with further split releases and solo records such as Badman Touchdown. He also explores footwork on Dubcore Volume 12.