It all started with a demo CD being passed on by a friend to the biggest drum and bass DJ in the world, Ram Records' boss Andy C in 2003, with a phone number badly scribbled on the cover. Now in 2007, Sub Focus has fully emerged as one of the most inspiring new talents in the DnB scene, wrecking dancefloors worldwide with his rough and energetic productions. We spoke to him ahead of his set at Moondance's huge NYE event in London...

How would you describe your style of DnB? What elements go into the mix?

I try to make DnB taking influences from outside the genre ranging from rock through to electro and techno. I'm trying to do something that’s a bit different from what’s come before, that still works on a dancefloor.

What do you say to detractors of straight-up dancefloor-orientated drum ‘n’ bass?

Well each to their own, but personally I find it more challenging to make which is why I do it. I think it’s much harder production-wise to make different sounding DnB that still works on a dancefloor. It’s relatively easy to make ambient weird stuff that no ones gonna dance to.

‘X-Ray’ was instrumental for you in breaking through into the big league...how much importance do you place on that record for your career? Are you sick of hearing it yet?

That record was massive for me - it really made my DJing career take off. I’m not sick of it yet, but I may do an updated version for 2008.

What’s the weirdest thing a punter has requested while you’ve been playing?

Probably the time I was asked to play ‘X-Ray’ 3 times in one set by a promoter in Moscow! Great gig though.

Yeah of course. It’s important for the scene to have a good rep to get new people interested and getting favourable media coverage is a big part of that.

Who have you got your eye on with regards to emerging talent?

My favourite new producers at the moment are Culture Shock and Brookes
Brothers. There’s been some wicked stuff from Sigma and Lynx also.

You’re playing for Moondance again on New Year’s Eve at SeOne after tearing the main room at Ministry up for their 13th Birthday. How was that gig for you?

Was really good vibes. Also Ministry have a great setup from a DJ’s perspective so it’s always fun to play there

Tell us your most amusing NYE story....be as graphic as possible!

Not that amusing really, but I almost got stuck in a remote part of New Zealand before my New Year set last year. Luckily a guy I’d never met before helped me out and drove me the 3 hours through the jungle to the show in the middle of the night.

What’s forthcoming for you release wise? Can we expect a Sub Focus album next year?

Yes. First of all I have my new single ‘Timewarp’ dropping early in the year followed by my debut album on Ram Records, scheduled for Spring.

And finally, who’s the funniest person in the DnB scene? Give us an example of their comedy skills…

It’s gotta be Q Project. I can’t think of anything specific but the guys
hilarious.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS OF MOONDANCE