Get To Know – SubPhreak (UK)

Kids these days. They love computers. Some for gaming and others for creating social media content, but what about for making drum and bass, especially when they’re only 13?

SubPhreak is just that person! Having already been featured on BBC 1XTRA, had releases on the legendary SSU Recordings, and living down the street from Ram Records head, and jungle don, Andy C, this is one lucky teenager! He has been hotly tipped for big things by BBC Radio 1 (UK) and even made it onto the Big Weekend announcement mix back in March. Airtime on ANY BBC platform is no small thing. Make no mistake. This talented young producer is going to be huge.

So, SubPhreak! Welcome to INSIDE DNB! I’m sure your parents didn’t give you a name like this, so who the heck are you, and where are you from?

My name is Ethan Williams and I’m from Wolverhampton.

At 13, I’m really intrigued about how you were introduced to DNB and more specifically, jungle? I’m guessing your parents are old skool ravers?

I was first properly introduced to dance/electronic music when I met my dad for the first time in 8 years when I was 10.  We listened to a lot of hard dance and donk music. My dad then showed me UK hardcore – which I fell in love with. It was jungle though, that really hit the sweet spot for me.

I found FL Studio when I was 12. I downloaded it, and instantly got hooked on it.  I wasn’t very good when I started, but there was something inside of me telling me to carry on, and to dig deeper into all aspects of music production

I knew there ha to be a parental link in there somewhere! Your track Rude Boy Sound has some absolutely killer elements, from ‘92 style saw waves, ’93 style dark side pads, ’94 style drum patterns and an overall ‘95 style lick. It’s an immense piece of work for somebody so young. Where did you source all of these sounds from?

Most of the sounds came from an old sample CD. There was a LOT of sampling – from dissonant pads from the Double 99 track, RIP Groove, to the drum break from an old sample CD, which is the same break used in Valley of the Shadows. Using trial-and-error techniques, and of course, YouTube, I learned what did and didn’t work in my music. Then one day my world changed when I discovered Toronto’s DJ Stranjah and his Discord server, Deviant Audio.

You must have been through a lot of music in your quest to find out the history of the scene and the way the sound has evolved?

Some of my biggest influences are some of jungle’s biggest heroes – including Shy FX, Rebel MC (Congo Natty/Blackstar), High Contrast, Origin Unknown, Leviticus, Ben Snow, Alex Reece, and John B.

Some super important people in there. Now name a couple of your favourite tracks from the early days then. You’ve clearly heard a few!

I have many favourite tracks that influence me – we could be here all day! Some of my top are Photek – Ni Ten Ichi Ryu, Ray Keith – Deeper Love, Kemet Crew – The Seed, Alex Reece – Pulp Fiction, Dead Dread – Dread Bass, Omni Trio – Renegade Snares (Foul Play Remix), and DJ Hype – Peace, Love and Unity. My all-time favourite though is (no surprise here) Origin Unknown – Valley Of The Shadows.

Okay, so you’re currently linked to SSU recordings out of Westpoint, California. How did a young lad from Wolverhampton hook up with a crew from Cali?

The legendary Northern California label and artist collective, SSU Recordings came as a massive boost to my career via a breakbeat/hard dance producer named DJ HH, who got my music through to the label. Simon Apex and the crew loved it so much that things just went mad from there!

Tell us a bit about your kit then. What studio equipment are you using? I’m guessing your pocket money doesn’t run to much!

Well, on my dream audio list are the Akai S-1100 sampler, a Virus B synth and an old Mackie mixer to emulate that 90’s-style desk gain distortion (“gabber go brrr!”). I’m currently using HR824 Mk2 monitors, and software audio plugins to emulate the old skool sound in my music.

The reception the track has got, especially with Radio 1 has been wild. Did that take you by surprise?

It was quickly picked up by BBC Radio 1 to be featured, and the rest is history. When I got the email saying that one of my songs would be played on Radio 1, I was in shock. I submitted my song, with very little hope that it would be played because there are A LOT of people trying to get their music played.

It was a crazy feeling to know that I was chosen. It felt surreal hearing the song being played to so many people. This mighty accomplishment inspires me to keep pushing forward, and it has shown me that the amount of effort you put into something is what you get out of it. So go all in!

Finally then, what have you got coming up for us over the next few months?

I’m not sure how much I can say at the minute! We have some amazing projects in the works featuring a jungle EP featuring a few up and coming artists whom you may not have heard of, so keep your eyes peeled.

Future projects also include a career in all things audio, including audio engineering – but for now, the main aim is to take this hobby and make it LARGE.

SubPhreak has BIG dreams to work with such artists as Bou, Heist, S.P.Y., Shy FX, Hedex, and High Contrast. The ultimate dream though…..

“is just to make music that I can enjoy that also makes other people happy.”

FIND OUT MORE HERE:

SubPhreak (@subphreak) • Instagram photos and videos

Stream SubPhreak music | Listen to songs, albums, playlists for free on SoundCloud

Stream SSU Recordings music | Listen to songs, albums, playlists for free on SoundCloud