Sub Focus is the stage name of Nick Douwma, an English drum & bass producer and DJ. He began making music as a teenager, first playing bass in a rock band before turning to computer-based production and dance music. In 2003, he began releasing music, signing early tracks to RAM Records’ offshoot Frequency. His 2004 single Acid Test / Get on Up appeared on RAM Records, followed by the 2005 single X-Ray/Scarecrow, which helped establish him in the UK dance scene. He also remixed The Prodigy’s “Smack My Bitch Up” for the compilation Their Law: The Singles Collection 1990–2005.
Sub Focus released his self-titled debut album in 2009, incorporating styles beyond drum & bass. The album Torus followed in 2013. His singles “Endorphins” and “Turn Back Time” both reached the UK Top 10. His remix work includes releases for deadmau5 and Basement Jaxx, and his music has been associated with RAM Records, Mercury and Future Retro London. Douwma has said he worked in the studio with Chase & Status, whom he had known for years; they collaborated on “Flashing Lights.”
In 2018, Sub Focus released “Desire” with Dimension, followed in 2019 by the singles “Solar System” and “Siren.” He has also collaborated with Wilkinson, with whom he released the 2020 album Portals, and Rudimental: their track “Trouble” features Chronixx and Maverick Sabre. His work spans production and DJing, and he has released big-room drum & bass since the early 2000s, emerging from underground jungle.
In 2023, Sub Focus released “Waiting (VIP)” with Kelli-Leigh and Pola & Bryson, as well as a remix single of a track by Calvin Harris and Sam Smith. The 2024 single “Angel” paired him with Dimension and NGHTMRE. That year, he also remixed a track by John Summit and YDG featuring Julia Church. In 2026, he played at Óbuda Bay, Tägi, Sektor 6D, Finsbury Park and Factory Town.
