RA Exchange EX.784 Sub Focus
Nov 19, 2025
Sub Focus, aka Nicolaas Douwma, is a pioneering drum & bass producer whose hits have reshaped the landscape of dance music. He delves into the explosive growth of D&B in the US, the genre's migration to mainstream success, and his new album, *Contact*, featuring artists like Grimes. Highlighting the balance between artistic roots and commercial appeal, Sub Focus also discusses the importance of catchy riffs in attracting new listeners and supporting emerging talent in the scene.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
D&B's Mainstream Surge In America
- Drum and bass has moved from a secret clique to mainstream arenas in the US, changing how crowds dance and engage.
- Sub Focus sees this as a major wave driven by dubstep overlap and new presentation styles that resonate with American audiences.
Present D&B As A New Live Experience
- Present drum and bass in a fresh way when entering a new market, e.g., touring with no MCs and group stage presence.
- Use aesthetics from techno and hard dance to showcase the genre's power and broaden its appeal.
Doubling Down On A Defined Sound
- Sub Focus deliberately narrowed his focus after experimenting across genres to define his sound.
- Contact is a return to full drum and bass with big riffs, hooks, and vocals as core elements.