Sub Focus and Wilkinson select ten hot tracks including their new single ‘Just Hold On’

WILKINSON and SUB FOCUS, two globally renowned drum and bass artists in their own right with over 6 million combined record sales, have recently been taking their sound in a new direction.

Recent single, ‘ Just Hold On’ is the second of a long form collaborative album project between the two artists called ‘Portals’ taking their styles in a more expansive and experimental direction, inspired by the likes of Jon Hopkins, Bonobo and Bicep.

Looking to incorporate real instruments and more depth into their corner of the electronic music world, the pair last year retreated to Real World Studios for a full month – the legendary space owned by Peter Gabriel. In this iconic studio, Sub Focus and Wilkinson built the foundations of this new collaborative project which will undoubtedly become a genre defining moment.

The first fruits of their partnership spawned ‘Illuminate’ in 2019 which featured on BBC Radio 1’s playlist for five weeks. Having performed live together in the last year at the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend, EDC Las Vegas, Warehouse Project and Glastonbury, the duo have become synonymous with festival anthems and headline performances.

We asked both Wilkinson and Sub Focus to talk us through five inspirational tracks each from their respective collections. Here’s what they chose and why.

SUB FOCUS

Metrik – Automata

Latest one to be taken from his new album ‘Ex Machina’. Tom’s immaculately produced music is always a big part of our sets!

Submorphics featuring Pola and Bryson – Albion Road

Great stuff from Pola & Bryson who we are both big fans of – love what feels like a new style of liquid D&B that them and their offshoot outfit Data 3 are pushing. We collaborated with them on a remix for our latest single ‘Just Hold On’.

Netsky – I See The Future In Your Eyes

Great to see Netsky returning to Hospital records with some fresh D&B! You can always hear tell his melodies from a mile off from their distinctive feel.

Bicep – Atlas

These guys are the masters of this type of ambient breakbeat feel. I’ve personally found tracks like this and ‘Glue’ incredibly inspiring.

Machine Drum – Berry Patch (Imanu Remix)

I’ve loved Machinedrum’s unusual take on D&B since his ‘Vapor City’ album years ago. Really cool remix of his latest here by young Dutch talent and Noisia protege Imanu.

WILKINSON

Sub Focus & Wilkinson – Just Hold On

Sorry but I have to include this! Ha. We wanted to try a different tempo and take in some different influences, and we’re really proud of this record. Recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios which was hugely inspiring.

Shy FX – Roll The Dice (The Sauce Remix)

When anyone remixes an anthem or classic it’s always a tuff job. But The Sauce have smashed it on this one.

Flume – The Difference

Love this record from a producer that I always check for. So interesting to hear his take and fresh approach to drum and bass. Great vocal as well.

GLXY featuring Ruby Wood – Abstraction

Just a class record from GLXY who are ones to watch. Summer roller with a great soulful vocal.

Clipz – Down 4

I know it’s been out a while but I just don’t feel like this record has received the props it should have. I love everything about this record and it’s great to see Clipz back on the scene.