Sub Focus

Sub Focus

Sub Focus is the stage name of Nick Douwma, a drum and bass producer and DJ from Guildford, United Kingdom. He is associated with RAM Records and works across drum and bass, drumstep, dubstep, electro house and electronic music.

Background and early development

Douwma begins making electronic music at around the age of 13, using computer software and developing a self-taught approach to production. He is first drawn to rock music and names Nirvana among his early influences. He also spends a short period playing in a school band with friends, though he later describes himself as not being very skilled on instruments. His early listening includes The Prodigy and The Chemical Brothers, both of which blend electronic and rock elements. He discovers jungle and drum and bass after hearing “Incredible” by M-Beat featuring General Levy.

After leaving school, he decides to concentrate on music. He later studies sound engineering at college to build his technical knowledge. Between 2001 and 2002, he starts sending out demo recordings, encouraged by friends.

Career

His professional breakthrough comes in 2003, when a demo CD reaches Andy C, founder of RAM Records, leading to a signing. From then on, he is linked with RAM Records and its sister label Frequency. He begins releasing music in 2003 and gains early attention with tracks including “Acid Test” and “X-Ray”.

His self-titled debut album, Sub Focus, is released in 2009 and reaches number 51 on the UK Albums Chart. The album draws on a range of electronic styles, while remaining rooted mainly in drum and bass.

Later work

In 2020, he announces a collaborative album with fellow UK electronic artist Wilkinson. The project, titled Portals, is made available for pre-order on CD and vinyl, with the track listing revealed shortly after.