Dub FX
Bio
Few artists embody the term “one-man show” better than Benjamin Stanford, aka Dub FX.
For those not familiar with his work, Dub FX is a street performer, recording artist and producer famous for creating intricate and impressive tracks entirely on his own. Using various vocal methods and recording them into devices used for looping and effecting sound, Dub FX can manipulate his voice in incredible ways, creating a layered soundscape in front of the audience.
In 2006, as social media was on the rise, Dub FX packed his bags, jumped on a plane and left Melbourne to fulfil his dream of travelling Europe. For Dub FX, his musical talent and street performing was only ever intended as a means of income to fund the adventure. The universe, however, had other plans.
"I intended to see as much of the world as I could and get inspired to write an authentic body of music. I could then use that music to shop for a record deal, but I didn't imagine my career could take off while on the trip”
Dub FX figured out early on that his unique process seemed to impress people passing by on the street. While most artists struggle to attain slick production finishes in a studio, Dub FX was building and layering exceptional musical tracks live and instantaneously. When people stopped to listen, Dub FX delivered meaningful, conscious messages in his singing and rhymes. He captivated his audience emotionally, and impressed them with his technical ability. These emotive street performances enticed crowds to instantly buy his CD.
Two years later, Filmmaker Ben Dowden, aka 'BD' discovered Dub FX busking in the streets of Bristol. BD offered to film Dub FX’s performance and later uploaded the now 30+ million view videos 'Love Someone' and 'Flow' to YouTube. Immediately after, promoters started contacting Dub FX from all over the world, elevating him from street artist to a club and festival act.
"I went from living in a van and driving to every show while street performing along the way to getting flown business class to some of the biggest festivals in the world”
Over the last thirteen years, Dub FX has released six records, sold over 150,000 albums, headlined major festivals, racked up over 200 million collective YouTube views, and built an imposing social media presence all without ever being played on commercial radio or TV.