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Key Information

Daniel Edward Stein (born 11 April 1977), known professionally as DJ Fresh, is an English DJ and record producer. He is one of the principal members of the drum and bass group Bad Company,[1][failed verification] alongside Darren White (dBridge), Jason Maldini and Michael Wojcicki (Vegas). He also owns and runs the drum and bass label Breakbeat Kaos with Adam F.[2]

DJ Fresh released his third studio album, Nextlevelism, in October 2012 on Ministry of Sound Recordings,[3] which includes the two number one hit singles "Louder" and "Hot Right Now" – the UK's first dubstep and drum and bass number ones respectively[4] – "The Power", "The Feeling", "Gravity" and "Gold Dust".

DJ Fresh scored his fourth top five single with "Earthquake", a collaboration with Mad Decent label boss Diplo, featuring Dominique Young Unique, "Dibby Dibby Sound", a collaboration with St. Louis producer Jay Fay also featuring the garage vocalist Ms. Dynamite, "Gravity", featuring Ella Eyre[5] and featuring on "Say You Do" by Sigala also featuring Imani.

DJ Fresh has 2.8 million record sales, two number one singles and a further eight top 10 singles to his name.[6] He also has over 157 million plays on his YouTube channel.[7]

Career

[edit]

Early success and Escape from Planet Monday (1998–2008)

[edit]
DJ Fresh performing at a rave in Springfield, Massachusetts in 2003

Along with the three other members of Bad Company, Fresh founded the record label BC Recordings, as well as the website Dogs on Acid.[8] Bad Company's track "The Nine",[citation needed] was released in 1998 when Fresh was just 21 years old. "The Nine" was later voted the greatest drum & bass track of all time by readers of Knowledge Magazine[9]

Resuming his solo career in 2002, Fresh founded Breakbeat Punk, which merged with Adam F's Kaos Recordings to become Breakbeat Kaos in 2003.[10] In 2004 Dogs on Acid was given its own imprint.

In 2006, Fresh released his first studio album, Escape from Planet Monday, featuring "The Immortal", "X Project", "Nervous" and "All that Jazz" on Breakbeat Kaos.

Kryptonite and commercial success (2009–2011)

[edit]

In 2009 Fresh released a 12" of "Heavyweight" (with Fantasia on the B side) on the Digital Soundboy label. "Heavyweight" had a different style from Fresh's usual output, and gained positive reviews and a general positive response through the underground scene and within various radio stations.[11] Fresh subsequently released "Hypercaine" (including a remix from Nero in September 2009)[12] and made BBC Radio 1's daytime playlist.

On 1 August 2010, he re-released his song "Gold Dust" featuring vocals from Ce'Cile, where it peaked 24 in the UK and 39 in Ireland, it marked his first Top 40 hit in both countries. On 16 August, he released his second studio album, "Kryptonite" where it peaked 4 on the UK Dance Chart.

He then released his follow-up single called "Lassitude" with Sigma featuring vocals from Koko. It managed to peak 98 on the UK Singles Chart and 11 on the UK Dance Chart.

Nextlevelism and continued commercial success (2011–2012)

[edit]

"Louder", the first single from his third album Nextlevelism, was released on 3 July 2011. The song was used as part of a Lucozade Lite advertising campaign in the UK and Ireland. The song features vocals from Welsh singer Sian Evans from the band Kosheen and peaked number 4 on the Irish Singles Chart and was the first ever dubstep number one on the UK Singles Chart.

On 12 February 2012, the second single "Hot Right Now", featuring British singer Rita Ora, became his second number one in the UK, and the first drum and bass song to chart at number one in the UK. The third single from the album, "The Power", which features rapper Dizzee Rascal, was officially released on 3 June 2012.

Following the release of his fourth single, "The Feeling", which features rapper RaVaughn, on 23 September 2012, DJ Fresh released his new album Nextlevelism on 1 October 2012. "Nextlevelism" includes the songs "Hot Right Now", "Louder", "The Power", "Gold Dust", "The Feeling" and features Rita Ora, Dizzee Rascal, Rizzle Kicks, Professor Green, Ms Dynamite, The Fray and Liam Bailey.

2012–2018

[edit]

Stein started working in 2012 on his fourth studio album. The album's lead single, "Earthquake", is a collaboration with Diplo and Dominique Young Unique. The song was released on 18 August 2013 and managed to reach number four on the UK Singles Chart. An edited version titled "Motherquake" was produced and released specifically for the film Kick-Ass 2. The album's second single, "Dibby Dibby Sound", samples the song "Dibby Dibby" by moombahton producer Jay Fay and features additional vocals from Ms. Dynamite. The song is credited as DJ Fresh vs. Jay Fay. The song received the title of Zane Lowe's "Hottest Record in the World".[13] The third single from the album, "Make U Bounce", is credited as DJ Fresh vs. TC featuring Little Nikki. The song is a reworking of TC's previously unreleased 2012 song "Make You Bounce" and was released on 29 June 2014. The fourth single, "Flashlight", features Ellie Goulding and was released on 28 September 2014. It is a reworking of the original version that appears on Goulding's album Halcyon Days.[14] The fifth single, "Gravity", features Ella Eyre and was released on 8 February 2015. The song appears on Eyre's album Feline.The sixth single, "Believer", with DJ Adam F, was released as a digital download on 7 June 2015. "How Love Begins", with bass DJ and producer High Contrast featuring vocals from English rapper, songwriter, singer, and record producer Dizzee Rascal and uncredited vocals from Clare Maguire. The song was released as a digital download on 5 February 2016 as the seventh single. "Bang Bang", with Diplo featuring vocals from R. City, Selah Sue and Craig David. The song was released as a digital download on 9 December 2016 as the eighth single from Fresh's forthcoming fourth studio album.

2018–present

[edit]

After surviving cancer in 2017, Fresh changed his focus to his other long running passion of software development. He now works as a machine learning-focused software engineer in Oxfordshire, England.[15]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: DJ Fresh discography
Studio albums

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Organisation Award Work Result
2013 BRIT Awards British Single of the Year[16] "Hot Right Now" (featuring Rita Ora) Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

DJ Fresh

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Daniel Edward Stein (born 11 April 1977), known professionally as DJ Fresh, is an English DJ, , and electronic musician renowned for pioneering and later achieving mainstream success in and pop-electronic genres. A founding member of the influential collective UK alongside dBridge, Vegas, and Maldini in the 1990s, he co-founded key labels such as Breakbeat Kaos and contributed to seminal tracks like "The Nine," voted the top track by Drum and Bass Arena. Fresh's solo career exploded in the 2010s with his third studio album Nextlevelism (2012), which spawned multiple UK top-ten hits, including the number-one singles "Louder" (featuring ) in 2011—the first track to top the UK Singles Chart—and "" (featuring ) in 2012, the first number one. Other notable releases include "Gold Dust" (2012 remix, UK #3), "" (featuring , 2015, UK #4), and collaborations with artists like and , earning him nominations for the Brit Award for British Single in 2013 and recognition as one of the UK's most influential electronic artists. In recent years, Fresh has pivoted toward technology, launching Voice-Swap in 2023, an AI-powered platform that enables ethical voice modeling for artists, with users including and Pendulum's ; it ensures artists retain significant revenue shares (up to 80% of license fees) and 50% of subscriptions to promote fair AI use in music production. In 2024, Voice-Swap released a free VST plugin allowing custom AI voice models in DAWs while compensating artists. This shift builds on his earlier explorations in while maintaining his legacy in electronic music .

Early life

Childhood and influences

Daniel Edward Stein, professionally known as DJ Fresh, was born on 11 April 1977 in , , . Details about his early childhood remain largely private, but Stein has reflected on developing a fascination with technology and music from a young age, which laid the groundwork for his future career. Growing up in the UK during the rise of electronic music scenes, he was drawn to the genre's innovative qualities, particularly its ability to be produced by a single individual using emerging tools. Stein's musical influences were notably eclectic, spanning multiple electronic and related styles that shaped his approach to production. He has described his tastes as "schizophrenic," encompassing , , and hip-hop, alongside later incorporations of indie, , and classical elements. This broad palette reflected the evolving scene of the 1990s, where emerged as a fusion of high-energy breaks and basslines, influencing his eventual focus on the genre. Electronic music's futuristic edge and technological accessibility were key draws, allowing him to experiment independently before formalizing his output.

Entry into music production

Stein began experimenting with music production in the mid-1990s while developing an early interest in electronic sounds, influenced by his passion for computers that dated back to age seven or eight when he programmed on his father's . During this period, he apprenticed at the Renegade Hardware label, collaborating with producers like Darren White (dBridge) and Jason Maldini on tracks such as "The Code" and "Fugitive," which marked his initial foray into production. While studying Business and at , Stein pursued music full-time, later describing himself as a college dropout as he channeled his technical skills into production. In the summer of 1998, he co-founded the influential collective Bad Company UK alongside White (dBridge), Maldini, and Michael Wojcicki (Vegas), with the explicit goal of reinvigorating the genre's increasingly minimalist sound through high-energy, complex beats. This formation represented Stein's formal entry into professional music production, as the group quickly established BC Recordings and released seminal tracks like "The Nine," blending raw breakbeats with futuristic electronic elements. Bad Company's emphasis on collaborative innovation allowed Stein, performing as DJ Fresh, to hone his production techniques, focusing on intricate rhythms and atmospheric textures that would define early . Their debut album Inside the Machine in 2001 further solidified his role, showcasing his ability to merge technical precision—rooted in his background—with the genre's underground ethos.

Musical career

Formation of Bad Company and early drum and bass work (1996–2008)

Daniel Stein, professionally known as DJ Fresh, entered the scene in 1996, releasing his debut tracks under the alias Fresh. His early production "Dope Demand / Hyjack" appeared on the Kickin' Underground Sound label, marking his initial foray into the genre's underground circuit. By 1997, he issued "Heartbeat / Forbidden Fruit" on the same label, showcasing a raw, energetic style that blended breakbeats with atmospheric elements. Adopting the alias , Stein collaborated with Subphonics (later identified as Maldini) on the 1998 Renegade Hardware release "The Code / ." This EP, particularly the titular track "The Code," received widespread DJ support for its dark, clinical 2-step rhythms and became a staple in sets, highlighting Stein's growing influence in the techstep subgenre. These pre-Bad Company efforts established Stein as a promising within the Renegade Hardware collective, focusing on neurofunk's mechanical precision and heavy basslines. In 1998, Stein co-founded the influential drum and bass supergroup alongside producers dBridge (Darren White), Maldini (Jason), and Vegas (Michael Wojcicki), drawing from the remnants of Renegade Hardware projects like Future Forces Inc. and . The group launched their own imprint, BC Recordings, with the debut single "The Nine / The Bridge," a track co-written by Stein and Maldini that epitomized techstep's aggressive, futuristic sound and rapidly gained acclaim for reshaping the genre's sonic landscape. followed with the 1999 "The Fear EP" and "The Pulse / ," solidifying their reputation through relentless, high-impact releases that emphasized distorted breaks and atmospheric tension. The collective's peak came with albums such as Digital Nation (2000) and Inside The Machine (2000), featuring Stein's contributions like "Nitrous," which pushed toward more commercial yet innovative territories with its pulsating rhythms and sci-fi aesthetics. Further LPs including Book Of The Bad (2001) and Shot Down On Safari (2002) expanded their catalog, with tracks like "Planet Dust" exemplifying the group's signature blend of menace and melody. By around 2005, wound down operations amid legal naming issues with the rock band of the same name, prompting Stein to depart for solo endeavors. Post-, Stein continued production under his own name, releasing singles like "Signal / " on in 2003 and culminating in the 2006 album Escape From Planet Monday on Breakbeat Kaos, which incorporated broader electronic influences while retaining roots.

Solo breakthrough with albums and singles (2009–2012)

In 2009, DJ Fresh marked a pivotal shift toward mainstream recognition with the release of his single "Hypercaine", featuring vocals from Stamina MC and Koko. Issued on his Breakbeat Kaos label in August, the track blended with elements, earning praise for its energetic production and collaborative energy. The following year, Fresh solidified his solo presence with the album Kryptonite, released on August 16, 2010, via Breakbeat Kaos. This second studio effort showcased a maturation in his sound, incorporating collaborations such as "Lassitude" with and , the titular "" track, and a reimagined "Gold Dust" featuring Ce'Cile. The album reached number 4 on the Dance Albums Chart, highlighting Fresh's growing commercial appeal beyond the underground scene. "Gold Dust", originally released in 2008 but reissued in 2010 with Ce'Cile's vocals, became a breakthrough hit, peaking at number 22 on the UK Singles Chart and demonstrating Fresh's ability to fuse dancefloor intensity with accessible melodies. In interviews, Fresh described this period as the true launch of his solo career, emphasizing how allowed him to experiment with broader influences while staying rooted in . Building on this momentum, 2011 saw the release of "Louder" on July 3, featuring of on vocals and issued through . The track debuted at number 1 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming the first track to top the chart. Its infectious electro-dubstep hybrid drove widespread radio play and club adoption. This acclaim carried into 2012 with Nextlevelism, Fresh's third studio album, released on October 1 via . Peaking at number 14 on the , it featured high-impact singles like "" with , which debuted at number 1 on the UK Singles Chart in February and marked the first track to achieve that feat in chart history. A of "Gold Dust" featuring also charted at number 3, further cementing Fresh's breakthrough by blending his expertise with pop collaborations.

Chart success and collaborations (2013–2018)

Following the momentum from his earlier hits, DJ Fresh sustained his commercial prominence through a series of high-charting singles drawn from and inspired by his 2012 album Nextlevelism. In January 2013, "The Power" featuring British rapper debuted, peaking at number 6 on the UK Singles Chart and spending eight weeks in the Top 40. The track's energetic rhythm combined with Rascal's rapid-fire verses exemplified Fresh's ability to fuse electronic production with grime influences, earning praise as a standout for its physical, crowd-rousing energy. Later that year, in June 2013, "Earthquake" in collaboration with American producer and singer Dominique Young Unique reached number 4 on the UK chart, holding the position for 11 weeks and showcasing a heavier dubstep-infused drop that highlighted Fresh's international partnerships. Building on this trajectory, Fresh ventured into fresh collaborations outside his album cycle. In February 2014, "Dibby Dibby Sound," produced with American DJ Jay Fay and featuring veteran artist , climbed to number 3 on the UK Singles Chart, enduring for 12 weeks and marking one of his strongest performances of the period. The single's playful, bass-heavy sound paid homage to roots while incorporating Fresh's signature flair, with 's charismatic vocals adding a nostalgic yet contemporary edge. The mid-2010s saw Fresh maintain Top 10 consistency through vocal-driven anthems. In February 2015, "Gravity" featuring rising British singer peaked at number 4 on the UK chart, charting for 17 weeks and blending soaring pop melodies with pulsating electronic beats to appeal to mainstream radio audiences. This collaboration underscored Eyre's burgeoning career while demonstrating Fresh's skill in crafting accessible dance tracks. Similarly, in March 2016, "Say You Do" with British DJ and featuring vocalist Imani Williams achieved number 5 on the UK Singles Chart, lasting 18 weeks and fusing house elements with Fresh's expertise for a vibrant, festival-ready vibe. From 2017 to 2018, Fresh's output shifted toward lower-profile releases and remixes, with no major UK Top 10 entries, signaling a gradual pivot from peak chart dominance as he explored other creative avenues. Throughout the period, his collaborations with artists like , , , , and not only drove sales exceeding millions but also solidified his role in bridging underground electronic scenes with pop crossover appeal.

Transition to technology and other ventures

Record labels and online communities

DJ Fresh co-founded the BC Recordings alongside fellow members Vegas and dBridge in the late , establishing it as a key outlet for innovative releases during the genre's underground growth phase. The label focused on high-energy, tech-infused tracks that helped define the sound of 's collective output, including seminal EPs and albums that influenced subsequent producers in the electronic music scene. In 2003, Fresh partnered with producer Adam F to launch Breakbeat Kaos, an independent label that quickly became a cornerstone for and talent. Breakbeat Kaos signed prominent acts such as and , providing a platform for their early breakthroughs and contributing to the label's reputation for spotting genre-defining artists. The imprint released a diverse catalog of singles and albums, blending with broader electronic elements, and operated until around 2012, leaving a lasting impact on the UK's ecosystem. The label was briefly revived in 2018 for its 15th anniversary and fully relaunched in August 2025 by DJ Fresh, continuing to release music. Fresh also co-founded Dogs on Acid in 2001, initially as a that evolved into one of the most influential online forums for enthusiasts. The Dogs on Acid website served as a vital hub for discussions, track premieres, and community-driven critiques, fostering a tight-knit network of producers, DJs, and fans during the early when online platforms were reshaping music subcultures. Its notorious, unfiltered environment—often marked by heated debates—helped shape the scene's discourse, while the label arm issued early releases like Fresh's own and EPs, bridging digital interaction with physical vinyl output. Its community legacy continues to influence online music engagement, with the forum remaining active into 2025.

AI startup and software engineering career (2018–present)

Following his recovery from cancer in 2017, Dan Stein, known professionally as DJ Fresh, pivoted toward his longstanding interest in software development and artificial intelligence, marking a significant career shift from music production. In 2017, following his cancer recovery, he joined and completed a three-month intensive coding bootcamp in the UK, which equipped him with practical skills in programming and machine learning. This training led to his entry into the tech industry as a machine learning engineer at Learning Pool, an edtech company focused on learning and development platforms, where he applied AI to enhance educational tools. By 2019, Stein had advanced in his roles, serving as a principal software and AI developer at GLG Group, a global insights network, where he contributed to AI-driven data processing and analysis systems. He also began sharing his transition experiences publicly, speaking at React Europe 2019 on the parallels between coding and music production, emphasizing how both fields demand and iterative problem-solving. During this period, Stein developed open-source contributions, including FastQL, a Rust-based library for building high-performance APIs tailored to models, which has garnered 108 stars on (as of November 2025) for its efficiency in handling complex data queries. In 2022, Stein took on the role of engineering manager at General Bioinformatics, a company specializing in bioinformatics data solutions for life sciences organizations, where he oversees teams building scalable AI infrastructure to process genomic and biological datasets. His work there has focused on enabling effective data utilization in research, drawing on his expertise to bridge technical and domain-specific challenges. Concurrently, Stein briefly served as a solutions architect at Stability AI in 2022, contributing to the deployment of generative AI models like before departing after three months. In 2023, Stein co-founded Voice-Swap.ai, an AI startup aimed at ethical voice modeling for the music industry, serving as CEO and leveraging his dual expertise in music and technology. The platform partners with artists to create authorized AI voice models, allowing producers to generate demos or licensed vocals while ensuring fair compensation and intellectual property protection—addressing concerns over unauthorized deepfakes. Launched in mid-2023 with co-founders Dan Stein and Nico Pellerin, Voice-Swap operates on a subscription model with tiers starting at £6.99 per month (as of 2025), offering varying amounts of voice generation credits, and has integrated features like a free VST plugin released in 2024 to compensate featured artists. By 2024, the company positioned itself as an "agency" for AI voices, enabling monetization through licensing deals and emphasizing responsible AI use to safeguard artists' rights amid industry debates on generative tools. Stein continues to balance this entrepreneurial venture with his engineering management role, advocating for legislative protections in AI's creative applications.

Personal life

Health challenges and recovery

In the late 2000s, DJ Fresh, whose real name is Daniel Stein, encountered a significant health crisis when he passed out while driving on the in around the turn of 2009–2010. This incident stemmed from an undiagnosed tumour in his , which medical professionals initially dismissed as psychosomatic. Diagnosed by Dr. Diane Brown, the non-cancerous tumour necessitated major and several weeks of hospitalisation, marking a pivotal early challenge in his health journey. Stein had previously battled thyroid cancer, though the exact timing of his first remains unspecified in public accounts. His second encounter with the disease occurred in April 2016, when a scan for revealed advanced-stage . He underwent to remove his gland shortly thereafter and followed with radioactive iodine treatment, which he described as a "magic bullet." By May 2016, Stein announced he was in remission, with a "very positive" from his medical team, allowing him to resume professional commitments despite initial concerns about industry perceptions affecting his bookings. As part of his broader recovery efforts, Stein embraced in , abstaining from alcohol and reporting increased energy levels as a result. The cancer prompted profound reflection, including coming to terms with the possibility of , and influenced a shift toward a more balanced lifestyle, including reduced workaholism and selective touring. By 2019, he had fully recovered from the , crediting these changes with sustaining his career transition into technology while maintaining his musical pursuits.

Family and relocation

In 2017, following his diagnosis with , Daniel Stein (DJ Fresh) married his fiancée in May, marking a significant personal milestone amid his recovery and shift away from intensive touring. Seeking a more balanced lifestyle to prioritize and relationships, Stein relocated from urban environments to a quiet village near , where he could focus on music production and personal well-being without the demands of constant travel. By 2023, Stein remained married and had become a father to two daughters.

Discography

DJ Fresh, born Daniel Edward Stein, has released three studio albums throughout his career as a producer, each showcasing his evolution from underground roots to mainstream appeal. These works blend high-energy rhythms, guest vocalists, and genre fusions, reflecting his transition from collaborations to solo ventures.
TitleRelease DateLabelFormat
Escape from Planet Monday22 May 2006Breakbeat KaosCD, Digital
Kryptonite16 August 2010Breakbeat KaosCD, Digital
Nextlevelism1 October 2012Ministry of SoundCD, Digital
Escape from Planet Monday marked DJ Fresh's solo debut, establishing his signature sound with eclectic influences from , , , ambient, and pop. Released on his own Breakbeat Kaos label, the 15-track features creative club compositions enhanced by singalong hooks and guest appearances, including , , and of on the closing track "Throw." It received positive reception for its sophisticated yet accessible approach to modern club music, praised for blending vocal elements with driving beats to create an engaging, long-form listen despite an occasionally headstrong start. Key tracks like "Nervous" highlight its energetic, genre-blending style. Kryptonite, Fresh's second album, builds on his drum and bass foundation while incorporating dubstep and electronic soul elements, delivering a high-energy collection of 10 tracks designed for dancefloors. Issued again on Breakbeat Kaos, it emphasizes bouncy rhythms and female vocals on standout cuts like "Lassitude" and "Gold Dust," the latter becoming a notable single with its infectious energy. The album sticks to a jump-up drum and bass core but shows invention in tracks such as "Acid Rain," featuring simmering rhythms and breakdowns, and "Hypercaine" with Stamina MC and Koko. Reviews commended its thoughtful pacing and lack of filler, though some noted it as less innovative than his earlier Bad Company work, focusing instead on club-ready vitality. It peaked at number 4 on the UK Dance Chart. Nextlevelism, his third and most commercially successful album, shifts toward super-pop territory with , , and rave influences, featuring high-profile collaborations with artists like , , , , and . Released on , the 12-track standard edition (expanded to 20 in the deluxe version with remixes) includes re-vocalized versions of prior hits like "Gold Dust" and spawned two UK number-one singles: "" and "Louder." Tracks such as "The Power" and "Turn It Up" exemplify its radio-friendly, club-oriented ethos, while "Fire Over Water" (with ) adds a rock-dance hybrid edge. Critics highlighted its 2012 zeitgeist capture and dynamic guest features, though it prioritizes moves over subtlety, serving as a refreshing mainstream antidote in electronic music.

Singles and EPs

DJ Fresh's singles and EPs span his evolution from underground productions in the late 1990s to mainstream crossover hits in the , often blending with pop and electronic elements. Early releases, such as the 1996 single "Dope Demand / Hyjack" on Kickin' Underground Sound, established his presence in the UK scene. By the early 2000s, EPs like the "Music Maker EP" (, ) showcased his technical prowess with tracks emphasizing intricate basslines and rhythmic . His solo breakthrough period from 2009 to 2012 produced several chart-topping singles that marked 's commercial viability. "Gold Dust," released in August 2010, peaked at number 22 on the UK Singles Chart and spent 41 weeks in the top 100, becoming a festival staple with its euphoric synths and high-energy drops. "Louder" featuring , released in July 2011 on , debuted at number 1 on the UK Singles Chart, selling over 140,000 copies in its first week and marking the first track to top the chart. The accompanying "Louder EP" (2012) included remixes and additional tracks, further amplifying its radio and club impact. "" with , released in February 2012, also hit number 1, achieving 36 weeks on the chart and marking the first number one, while helping launch Ora's pop career and crossing over to mainstream audiences. "The Power" featuring , released in June 2012, reached number 6, blending grime influences with Fresh's signature bass-heavy production. During his chart success phase from 2013 to 2018, collaborations drove further hits, often incorporating trap and elements. "Earthquake" with and Dominique Young Unique, released in August 2013 on , peaked at number 4 and exemplified global electronic fusion. "" featuring , released in February 2015, climbed to number 4 with its emotive vocals over rolling rhythms, underscoring Fresh's ability to pair high-profile artists with genre roots. Other notable singles include "Dibby Dibby Sound" with Jay Fay and (2015, peaked at number 3) and "U Sure Do" (a contribution to Sigala's 2016 track, peaking at number 5). These releases, supported by , highlighted Fresh's shift toward accessible, vocal-driven tracks that maintained 's energetic core while achieving broad commercial appeal. Following his pivot to technology ventures in , DJ Fresh continued sporadic releases on his label, focusing on without major chart success. Notable singles include "Higher" (with Used featuring Nikki Ambers, 2022), "Rivers" (featuring , 2023), and "The Martians" (featuring EricCongerAI, 2024).
Selected SinglesFeatured Artist(s)Release YearUK Peak PositionLabel
Gold DustNone201022Breakbeat Kaos / Data Records
Louder20111
Hot Right Now20121
The Power20126
Earthquake, Dominique Young Unique20134
Gravity20154
HigherUsed, Nikki Ambers2022-Breakbeat Kaos
Rivers2023-Breakbeat Kaos
The MartiansEricCongerAI2024-Breakbeat Kaos
Selected EPsRelease YearLabelNotes
Music Maker EP2003Instrumental focus on drum and bass rhythms.
Louder EP2012Includes remixes of the hit single; promo format.

Legacy

Awards and nominations

DJ Fresh has earned recognition through nominations at major music awards, reflecting his contributions to and its mainstream crossover. His track "Hot Right Now" featuring was nominated for British Single of the Year at the 2013 , where it competed against entries from artists including and Florence + the Machine, ultimately losing to Sandé's "Next to Me." In the electronic dance music sphere, "Gold Dust" received a nomination for Best Dubstep/DnB/ Track at the 2011 International Dance Music Awards, held during Music Week, alongside tracks by artists such as ; the category was awarded to Deadmau5's "Raise Your Weapon."
YearAwardCategoryNominee/WorkResult
2011International Dance Music AwardsBest Dubstep/DnB/ Track"Gold Dust"Nominated
2013British Single of the Year"" (featuring )Nominated

Influence on electronic music

DJ Fresh, born Daniel Stein, has profoundly shaped the drum and bass (DnB) subgenre of electronic music through his foundational work in pioneering groups and labels, as well as his pioneering mainstream crossovers. As a core member of the influential supergroup UK—alongside dBridge, Vegas, and Maldini—formed in , Fresh contributed to high-energy tracks that redefined DnB's sound during a period of genre maturation and mainstream curiosity. Bad Company's releases, such as the seminal album Inside the Machine (2000), emphasized intricate breakbeats and atmospheric depth, earning the group acclaim as one of the greatest DnB acts of all time for elevating the genre's production standards and underground appeal. His co-founding of the Kaos label in 2003 with Adam F further amplified his impact, establishing it as one of the most pivotal imprints in history. The label served as a launchpad for emerging talents including , , and , fostering a creative ecosystem that blended DnB with broader electronic influences like and , and helping to sustain the genre's vitality into the . Breakbeat Kaos's role in curating "brute force" jump-up styles and rigorous sounds influenced subsequent labels like , where Fresh released tracks such as "Without You," contributing to DnB's evolution toward commercial viability without diluting its core energy. Fresh's solo career marked a turning point for DnB's mainstream integration, most notably with "Hot Right Now" (2012) featuring , which became the first DnB track to reach number one on the UK Singles Chart and introduced the genre's rapid breakbeats into pop consciousness. This achievement, alongside hits like "Louder," demonstrated how DnB could crossover successfully, inspiring subsequent artists such as and Matrix & Futurebound to experiment with songwriting structures that embedded DnB elements in chart-topping formats. By bridging underground roots with pop accessibility, Fresh helped revitalize interest in DnB during the 2010s, paving the way for its resurgence via platforms like in the 2020s, and solidifying his status as one of the UK's most recognized electronic music innovators.

References

  1. https://www.capitalfm.com/features/pop-star-real-names/dj-fresh/
  2. https://drumandbassuk.com/artist/dj-fresh
  3. https://www.bucksmusicgroup.com/artists/139-dj-fresh
  4. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/834/dj-fresh/
  5. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-20976634
  6. https://www.insomniac.com/music/artists/dj-fresh/
  7. https://musictech.com/features/interviews/dj-fresh-voice-swap-ai/
  8. https://musictech.com/news/gear/voice-swap-plugin-custom-ai-models/
  9. https://mercury.com/blog/dj-fresh
  10. https://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/dj-fresh
  11. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/dj-fresh-35902.php
  12. https://djmag.com/content/interview-dj-fresh
  13. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dn-meets-dan-stein-dj-fresh-rachael-ellison
  14. https://www.democrazy.be/artiesten/bad-company-uk-aka-dbridge-uk/
  15. https://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2014/06/18/profile-one-one-dj-fresh/
  16. https://www.discogs.com/release/5138-Absolute-Zero-Subphonics-The-Code-Fugitive
  17. https://linenoise.substack.com/p/the-best-records-ever-to-wreck-a
  18. https://www.discogs.com/master/357468-BC-Planet-Dust-Speedball
  19. https://www.discogs.com/artist/2017-Bad-Company
  20. https://www.discogs.com/master/1278-DJ-Fresh-Escape-From-Planet-Monday
  21. https://www.discogs.com/master/184165-DJ-Fresh-Featuring-Stamina-MC-Koko-Hypercaine
  22. https://bleep.com/release/187031-dj-fresh-hypercaine
  23. https://www.discogs.com/release/2384286-DJ-Fresh-Kryptonite
  24. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/dj-fresh-gold-dust/
  25. https://www.flavourmag.co.uk/interview-dj-fresh/
  26. https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/official-chart-flashback-2011-dj-fresh-and-sian-evans-make-history-with-louder__33579/
  27. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/dj-fresh/louder
  28. https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/News/2012/Oct/DJ-Fresh-album-Nextlevelism.aspx
  29. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/dj-fresh-ft-rita-ora-hot-right-now/
  30. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/dj-fresh-ft-dizzee-rascal-the-power/
  31. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/oct/11/dj-fresh-nextlevelism-review
  32. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/dj-fresh-ft-ella-eyre-gravity/
  33. https://datatransmission.co/features/in-conversation-with-breakbeat-kaos/
  34. https://edm.com/music-releases/dj-fresh-relaunches-iconic-drum-and-bass-imprint-breakbeat-kaos/
  35. https://ukf.com/discover/artists/dj-fresh/
  36. https://ukf.com/discover/artists/dj-fresh
  37. https://www.dogsonacid.com/
  38. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJdBm9CkANw
  39. https://github.com/happy-machine/FastQL
  40. https://kubernetespodcast.com/episode/191-fresh-pivot/
  41. https://musically.com/2023/07/06/dj-fresh-enlists-artists-for-new-voice-swapping-ai-service/
  42. https://www.billboard.com/business/tech/ai-music-company-voice-swap-monetize-artists-ai-voices-1235636284/
  43. https://djmag.com/news/free-voice-swap-vst-plugin-will-pay-artists-use-of-ai-vocal-modelling
  44. https://voice-swap.ai/pricing
  45. https://voice-swap.ai/team
  46. https://djmag.com/content/dj-fresh-talks-health-scares-sobriety-and-producing-records-worlds-biggest-artists
  47. https://www.vice.com/en/article/dj-fresh-thyroid-cancer-facebook-post/
  48. https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-36333214
  49. https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/dj-fresh-interview-i-had-to-make-peace-with-the-idea-of-dying-a3445776.html
  50. https://www.facebook.com/djfresh/posts/751514152997815
  51. https://www.discogs.com/artist/23096-Fresh
  52. https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/escape-from-planet-monday-dj-fresh/oo4gk5ft1sj9a
  53. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/user/vivi/album/75445-escape-from-planet-monday/
  54. https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/n8j9/
  55. https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/dj-fresh-kryptonite
  56. https://www.discogs.com/master/1494538-DJ-Fresh-Kryptonite
  57. https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/2h8r/
  58. https://www.qobuz.com/gb-en/album/nextlevelism-deluxe-version-dj-fresh/5051275059663
  59. https://www.discogs.com/master/476613-DJ-Fresh-Nextlevelism
  60. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/dj-fresh-ft-sian-evans-louder/
  61. https://www.discogs.com/release/15276377-DJ-Fresh-Louder-EP
  62. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/dj-freshdiplodominique-young-earthquake/
  63. https://open.spotify.com/track/7gfFqigmPAHrHt6c84b5cm
  64. https://music.apple.com/us/album/rivers-feat-liam-bailey-single/1700000000
  65. https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-martians-feat-ericcongerai-single/1746081883
  66. https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/brit-awards-2013-the-nominations-in-full__2713/
  67. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-20976634
  68. https://www.miaminewtimes.com/uncategorized/international-dance-music-awards-2011-winners-6480411/
  69. https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2012/32/r1_breakbeat_kaos
  70. https://www.hospitalitydnb.com/2017/02/locked-in-the-dock-the-bad-company-resurgence
  71. https://www.passionweiss.com/2020/03/26/2020-vision-bad-company-inside-the-machine/
  72. https://mixmag.net/feature/influential-drum-n-bass-labels
  73. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/apr/22/its-just-good-energy-how-tiktok-and-covid-made-drumnbass-hot-again
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