Stereoboard Speaks To DJ Sub Focus At Relentless NASS 2011 (Interview)
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Written by Adam Holden
Since arriving in the DnB/Dub Step scene in 2003, Sub Focus has now become a regular headline act in his genre. Speaking at Relentless NASS 2011, Guildford born Nick Douwma sat down for a quick Q and A.
What is it that first encouraged you to get behind the decks?
I bought a pair of decks when I was 16 to start playing all the DnB I was getting into at the time. At that time the only format a lot of the tunes were released on was Vinyl.
Is there a secret method you have for producing club anthems? Or is coming across a hit club tune like ‘Rock it’ slightly to do with luck and how the crowd react to certain songs?
It's to do with the feeling I get when I'm producing a track, I can usually tell when something is going to work well in the clubs - the key things are that it has to be catchy and have something different about it that sets the tune apart.
What’s your favourite mix you have ever done?
In terms of remixes - probably my recent remix of Rusko - 'Hold On'. I didn't expect it to get the great reaction it has got.
Has dub step replaced drum n bass?
No I think it works well with DnB as there are so many similarities - I see the whole thing - DnB, Dub step and (some) House, as Bass music - it’s all part of the same movement.
Do you feel dub step is here to stay and is it successful abroad too?
Yeah it’s definitely here to stay and is blowing up abroad too, especially in America.
Your lighting set up is so sick (for those of you who haven’t seen his LED set up, it’s well worth a watch). Is the future of electronic music based around a theatre like performance with lights, fireworks and everything else?
I think the lights and production really add to a show - artists are starting to think more about the whole experience of a gig now, not just the music.
Which venue or festival you always look forward to and why?
Glastonbury festival is one my favourite festivals, club-wise Amnesia in Ibiza is one of my favourite venues - I love the ice cannons.
Who is currently being played on your ipod
A real mixture of different stuff: currently Jamie XX, The Alpines and Skrillex are some acts I've been feeling lately.
Look out for Sub Focus at Global Gathering, Reading and South West Four and Ibiza Rocks.
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Do you feel dub step is here to stay and is it successful abroad too?
