Sub Focus

Sub Focus — real name Nicolaas Douwma — is a pioneering English DJ, producer, and sound engineer whose genre-blending style helped redefine modern drum and bass. Born in Guildford, Surrey, he began producing music at age 13, inspired by acts like The Prodigy and The Chemical Brothers, and quickly gravitated toward jungle and DnB after hearing “Incredible” by M-Beat & General Levy.

His breakthrough came in 2003 when Andy C of RAM Records signed his demo tracks, launching Sub Focus into the UK club circuit. Early singles like “X-Ray / Scarecrow” and “Timewarp / Join the Dots” topped the UK Dance Chart, while his 2009 debut album Sub Focus showcased a fusion of drum and bass, dubstep, electro, and house.

The 2013 follow-up album Torus delivered hits like “Tidal Wave” (feat. Alpines), “Endorphins” (feat. Alex Clare), and “Turn Back Time”, all of which climbed the UK Singles Chart. His production of “Kickstarts” for Example remains his most commercially successful track to date.

Sub Focus has remixed tracks for The Prodigy, Deadmau5, Empire of the Sun, and Dizzee Rascal, and collaborated with Wilkinson on the 2020 album Portals. His live shows — including headline slots at Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, and BBC Radio 1Xtra Live — are known for immersive visuals and high-energy performances.

Book now