# Sub Focus

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English DJ and music producer (born 1982)

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Sub Focus Sub Focus in 2012 Background information Born Nicolaas Douwe Douwma (1982-04-13) 13 April 1982 (age 44) Origin Guildford, Surrey, England Genres Drum and bass drumstep dubstep electro house UK garage Occupations DJ music producer songwriter sound engineer Instrument Keyboards Years active 2002–present Labels Virgin EMI Mercury RAM Owsla Casablanca Website subfocus.com

Musical artist

**Nicolaas Douwe Douwma** (born 13 April 1982), better known by his stage name **Sub Focus**, is an English DJ, music producer, songwriter and sound engineer. He has been releasing [records](/source/Phonograph_record) since 2003.[1] On 12 October 2009, he released his [self-titled debut album](/source/Sub_Focus_(album)). He released his second album, *[Torus](/source/Torus_(album))*, on 30 September 2013.[2] Douwma's album in collaboration with [Wilkinson](/source/Wilkinson_(musician)) titled *[Portals](/source/Portals_(Sub_Focus_and_Wilkinson_album))* was released on 9 October 2020 through [Casablanca Records](/source/Casablanca_Records).[3] His fourth album, *[Evolve](/source/Evolve_(Sub_Focus_album))*, was released on 12 May 2023.

## Music career

### Starting out

Originally a fan of [rock music](/source/Rock_music), including bands such as [Nirvana](/source/Nirvana_(band)), Douwma started a band at school with some friends although this was a short-lived ambition as he "wasn't very good" at playing musical instruments. At the age of 13, however, he discovered computer software for producing electronic music and became a self-taught producer, and started making rudimentary dance music. The main reason he followed this path and ultimately got more involved in it was because it meant that he could successfully create a whole song on a computer without having to be able to play a musical instrument. His first major influences were groups such as [The Prodigy](/source/The_Prodigy) and [The Chemical Brothers](/source/The_Chemical_Brothers), artists who blended [guitars](/source/Guitar) with [dance music](/source/Dance_music). He first discovered [jungle](/source/Jungle_music) and [drum and bass](/source/Drum_and_bass) music after hearing "[Incredible](/source/Incredible_(M-Beat_song))" by [M-Beat](/source/M-Beat) and [General Levy](/source/General_Levy).

Douwma did not start taking music production seriously until he left school and deciding what to do for a career. In order to advance and to get more of an understanding of electronic music production, he went to college and studied sound engineering.[4] From 2001 to 2002 onwards, largely due to encouragement from his friends, he started sending out demo CDs. His breakthrough came in 2003 when a friend of his who was playing in a club on the same night as [RAM Records](/source/RAM_Records) boss [Andy C](/source/Andy_C) gave him his demo CD, with his phone number written on it (he had the CD with him so he could have some exclusive tunes to play in his set). After hearing it, Andy was so impressed with the demo, he phoned up Douwma straight away and signed every track instantly, and Douwma was signed to RAM's sister label Frequency, before making his debut on RAM two years later.

### 2005–2008: Early career

In March 2005, Douwma had a number one single on the [UK Dance Chart](/source/UK_Dance_Chart) with "X-Ray / Scarecrow". The single reached number 60 on the [UK Singles Chart](/source/UK_Singles_Chart).[5] In June 2008, he hit number one on the UK Dance Chart again with "[Timewarp / Join the Dots](/source/Timewarp_%2F_Join_the_Dots)".

### 2006: *Sub Focus*

In 2006, he traveled to the U.S. and played at Five Nightclub in Washington, D.C., courtesy of Upfront Productions.

### 2009–2010: *Sub Focus*

Main article: [Sub Focus (album)](/source/Sub_Focus_(album))

In August 2009, he cracked the UK top 40 for the first time with "[Rock It / Follow the Light](/source/Rock_It_%2F_Follow_the_Light)", which reached number 38.[6] "Rock It / Follow the Light" also got him a third [UK Dance Chart](/source/UK_Dance_Chart) number one, as well as reaching the B-list of [BBC Radio 1](/source/BBC_Radio_1)'s playlist. Sub Focus has also remixed selected works of [The Prodigy](/source/The_Prodigy), [deadmau5](/source/Deadmau5), [Rusko](/source/Rusko_(musician)), [Dr. Octagon](/source/Dr._Octagon), [Empire of the Sun](/source/Empire_of_the_Sun_(band)) and [Dizzee Rascal](/source/Dizzee_Rascal). On 6 October 2009, Sub Focus released "Smooth" which was free to download. On 12 October 2009, he released his debut studio album, *[Sub Focus](/source/Sub_Focus_(album))*; the album peaked at number 51 on the [UK Albums Chart](/source/UK_Albums_Chart).

### 2010–2019: *Torus*

Main article: [Torus (album)](/source/Torus_(album))

In 2010, Sub Focus was a support act for Australian drum and bass band [Pendulum](/source/Pendulum_(drum_and_bass_band)) on their UK tour to promote their third album *[Immersion](/source/Immersion_(album))*.[7] Later that year, he produced the [Example](/source/Example_(musician)) track "[Kickstarts](/source/Kickstarts_(song))" for his second album, *[Won't Go Quietly](/source/Won't_Go_Quietly)*. The track was successful in the [UK Singles Chart](/source/UK_Singles_Chart), peaking at number three.[6] This makes it Sub Focus' most commercially successful production to date. A free track "[Falling Down](/source/Falling_Down_(Sub_Focus_song))" featuring vocals from Kenzie May was released on his website and was later released digitally as an EP. In 2012, he released "[Out the Blue](/source/Out_the_Blue_(Sub_Focus_song))" featuring [Alice Gold](/source/Alice_Gold) and it reached number 23 in the UK Singles Chart. It was followed by "[Tidal Wave](/source/Tidal_Wave_(song))" featuring [Alpines](/source/Alpines) which peaked at number 12 in the UK Singles Chart, which also became his first to spend at least two weeks in the top 40. "Tidal Wave" also featured on the Mercedes Benz "Sound with Power" advertising campaign, along with [Tinie Tempah](/source/Tinie_Tempah). On 12 May 2013, "[Endorphins](/source/Endorphins_(song))" featuring [Alex Clare](/source/Alex_Clare) was released, continuing his recent chart success, peaking at number 10 in the UK Singles Chart. The album's fifth single "[Turn It Around](/source/Turn_It_Around_(Sub_Focus_song))" was released on 22 September 2013 and reached number 14. His second studio album *[Torus](/source/Torus_(album))* was released on 30 September 2013. He headlined the Radio 1 Dance stage at the [Reading and Leeds Festivals](/source/Reading_and_Leeds_Festivals) 2013. Sub Focus played at Glastonbury 2013 with his new live show setup. Later in the summer of 2013, he went on to play at Dour Festival, Reading & Leeds, Global Gathering, Bestival and Isle of Wight festival among others. He headlined [BBC Radio 1Xtra](/source/BBC_Radio_1Xtra) Live at the [Bournemouth International Centre](/source/Bournemouth_International_Centre) on 7 October. He then completed a 2013 UK tour. The sixth single from *Torus*, "[Turn Back Time](/source/Turn_Back_Time_(Sub_Focus_song))", slowly climbed the UK Singles Chart to number 10. The next single from *Torus*, a new version of "[Close](/source/Close_(Sub_Focus_song))" featuring a session singer instead of [MNEK](/source/MNEK), failed to chart.

### 2020–2023: *Portals* and *Evolve*

Main articles: [Portals (Sub Focus and Wilkinson album)](/source/Portals_(Sub_Focus_and_Wilkinson_album)) and [Evolve (Sub Focus album)](/source/Evolve_(Sub_Focus_album))

On 15 September 2020, Douwma announced on Twitter that a collaborative album with fellow UK artist [Wilkinson](/source/Wilkinson_(musician)) would be released on 9 October of that year.[8] The album was made available for pre-order on [CD](/source/Compact_disc) and [vinyl](/source/LP_record).[9] *[Portals](/source/Portals_(Sub_Focus_and_Wilkinson_album))*' tracklist was revealed by Douwma on 17 September. It contains 11 tracks, including the four singles "Air I Breathe", "Illuminate", "Just Hold On" and "Turn the Lights Off".[10]

On 8 March 2023, Douwma announced a third solo album *[Evolve](/source/Evolve_(Sub_Focus_album))*, which was released on 12 May 2023.[11] The album contains 14 tracks including the singles "Vibration (One More Time)" featuring AR/CO, "Ready to Fly" with [Dimension](/source/Dimension_(musician)) and "Off the Ground". The album won "Best Album" at the Drum and Bass Arena Awards in 2023.[12]

### 2024–present: *Contact* and later releases

On 14 March 2025, Douwma released the banger "On & On" featuring bbyclose, in the lead-up to his fourth studio album *[Contact](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Contact_(Sub_Focus_album)&action=edit&redlink=1)*.[13][14] On 28 September 2025, he announced *Contact*, saying it was his fourth studio album and that it would be released on 21 November 2025.[15][16] The album was released as a 14-track record and includes collaborations with artists such as Fireboy DML, IRAH, Katy B and Emily Makis.[17][18][19]

## Discography

Main article: [Sub Focus discography](/source/Sub_Focus_discography)

- *[Sub Focus](/source/Sub_Focus_(album))* (2009)

- *[Torus](/source/Torus_(album))* (2013)

- *[Portals](/source/Portals_(Sub_Focus_and_Wilkinson_album))* (2020) (with [Wilkinson](/source/Wilkinson_(musician)))

- *[Evolve](/source/Evolve_(Sub_Focus_album))* (2023)

- *Contact* (2025)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** [Sub Focus](http://www.discogs.com/artist/Sub+Focus), *Discogs.com*

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["SUB FOCUS on Twitter"](https://twitter.com/subfocus/status/359382460489928706). Retrieved 11 March 2015 – via Twitter.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Scilippa, Phil. ["Sub Focus and Wilkinson Reveal New Forthcoming Album, "Portals""](https://edm.com/music-releases/sub-focus-wilkinson-announce-portals-album). *EDM.com*. Retrieved 28 September 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** [Sub Focus Exclusive Interview](https://web.archive.org/web/20180613040708/http://iconicunderground.com/sub-focus-exclusive-interview/), 3 February 2018, *Web.archive.org*

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["polyhex.com UK Singles Chart runs"](http://www.polyhex.com/music/chartruns/chartruns.php). *Polyhex.com*. Retrieved 11 March 2015.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-auto_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-auto_6-1) ["everyHit.com search results"](http://www.everyhit.com/notauth.html). *Everyhit.com*. Retrieved 29 July 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Ish-Media Music Promotions"](https://web.archive.org/web/20171007170734/http://www.ish-media.com/news.php?newsid=124). *Ish-media.com*. 2 December 2009. Archived from [the original](http://www.ish-media.com/news.php?newsid=124) on 7 October 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Focus, Sub. ["Excited to announce that my collaborative album 'Portals' with @WilkinsonUK is coming out 9th October! Can't wait for you guys to hear this"](https://twitter.com/subfocus/status/1305853866458648576). Retrieved 28 September 2020 – via Twitter.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Garrison, Logan. ["Sub Focus and Wilkinson Announce New Album 'Portals'"](https://edmidentity.com/2020/09/15/sub-focus-wilkinson-portals-announce/). *EDM Identity*. Retrieved 28 September 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Focus, Sub. [""Here's the artwork and tracklist for Portals! Hope you guys love this as much as I do...""](https://twitter.com/subfocus/status/1306551965229428737). Retrieved 28 September 2020 – via Twitter.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Focus, Sub (8 March 2023). ["Excited to announce my third solo album EVOLVE"](https://www.facebook.com/subfocus/posts/pfbid02suqwZ27qrZrq7yEN2hTQ8XpHMG9ppb13dgMenq5oZKuoo49RKywT154A42EeNbEXl). *Facebook*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Kicks, Whiskey (6 December 2023). ["DRUM&BASSARENA AWARDS 2023 – THE WINNERS"](https://ukf.com/news/drumbassarena-awards-2023-the-winners/37284). *Ukf.com*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Sub Focus Links With bbyclose For Electrifying Anthem 'On & On'"](https://www.cultr.com/news/sub-focus-links-with-bbyclose-for-electrifying-anthem-on-on/). *CULTR*. 13 March 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["‎On & On – Single by Sub Focus & bbyclose"](https://music.apple.com/tr/album/on-on-single/1798464589). *Apple Music*. 13 March 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["NEW ALBUM 'CONTACT' – 21ST NOVEMBER"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFZ4qKteOzs). *YouTube*. 28 September 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Sub Focus Drops News of Forthcoming Album, 'Contact'"](https://www.beatportal.com/articles/1078871-sub-focus-news-forthcoming-album-contact). *Beatportal*. 30 September 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Sub Focus presents fourth studio album 'Contact'"](https://electronicgroove.com/sub-focus-presents-fourth-studio-album-contact-via-positiva/). *Electronic Groove*. 2 December 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Sub Focus Releases New Album 'Contact'"](https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/sub-focus-contact-album/). *uDiscover Music*. 23 November 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Contact by Sub Focus"](https://www.resident-music.com/product/sub-focus-contact). *Resident Music*. 31 October 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2026.

## External links

- [Official website](http://www.subfocus.com)

v t e Sub Focus Discography Studio albums Sub Focus Torus Portals Evolve Singles "Timewarp / Join the Dots" "Rock It / Follow the Light" "Could This Be Real" "Splash" "Flashing Lights" "Falling Down" "Out the Blue" "Tidal Wave" "Endorphins" "Turn It Around" "Turn Back Time" "Close"

Authority control databases International ISNI VIAF GND WorldCat National United States France BnF data Artists MusicBrainz People Deutsche Biographie

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Sub Focus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sub_Focus) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sub_Focus?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.