DubFat - A review of Nottingham's young and thriving dubstep scene in practise

In a city fuelled by basslines, one collective is redefining community through Dub, Jungle, and shared rhythms — carrying forward the tradition of sound systems, where music isn’t performed to people, but with them. The Mic's Roberta Douglas-Todd reports:

As a resurgence of these eclectic genres transforms the music scene across the UK, somewhere between the coastal calm of Cornwall and the city pulse of Nottingham, a new sound is taking shape. While keeping the groove alive and uniting its audience with creativity, heavy basslines, and a community-first ethos, DubFat aren’t just playing Dub and Jungle — they’re rebuilding the culture around it and giving creators a platform for expression, continually leaving the crowd wanting more.

Beginning in February this year with an event for the founder’s 21st birthday, the community aspect that is fundamental to DubFat was represented perfectly — bringing friends and family together with local Nottingham music lovers, instantly creating a space for pure enjoyment and expression. Coming from Cornwall, where the sounds of Dub have truly found a home, DubFat wanted to transfer this soulful introspection to Nottingham, where heavier beats take centre stage.

DubFat nights aren’t just about the basslines, but about people finding a place where they belong. Always hosting nights of genre progression rather than sticking to the same sounds, DubFat enables the music to be shared and enjoyed by many demographics — combining inclusivity, awareness, and creativity on the common ground of music.

“I really like the space that it is — giving people a place to just have fun and be silly. It’s not taken too seriously, meaning people can have a laugh and don’t feel the need to be ‘too cool’, having everyone dancing and being themselves, which is something I personally enjoy when going to events,”— Tilo Whistler, Founder of DubFat

This captures DubFat’s mission perfectly: creating a space that celebrates individuality and authentic expression. With their staple blue and orange logo, each poster sparks excitement for what’s to come. The night itself — previously powered by Nest Sound System — starts loose, yet always keeps the bass flowing through Dub-heavy melodies. The sound hums through the floor, helping the crowd find its rhythm and turning conversations into soft skanks.

Then, things begin to tighten. The groovy bass builds. Dub plates roll into breakbeats — and before you know it, you’re absorbed by Jungle chaos that makes your chest vibrate and your body crave the sound system. It’s impossible to stop dancing. There’s patience in DubFat’s pacing and respect for their curation, leaving nothing feeling forced. This is where their ethos shines: connecting the crowd through strangers locking eyes and raising arms in shared appreciation for each drop. The décor — studded with funky banners and lighting, often accompanied by light and poi dancers — carries the essence of what DubFat represents, ensuring every aspect of the night can be appreciated by everyone.

DubFat’s next event, landing at Billy Bootleggers on Wednesday 22nd October 2025, promises to be their biggest yet. As they introduce vinyl alongside a new sound system, ProgRastersNators, the night will bring together some of the city’s best emerging talent. Expect deep Dub, heavy Jungle, and the usual community warmth. As the DubFat family grows, so too does the space for new, like-minded people — where everyone is welcome.

At a time when these genres risk being overshadowed by mainstream sounds, Nottingham’s underground music scene is rediscovering its roots and collectives like DubFat stand out — reminding us that Dub and Jungle are more than just music. They are about space, freedom through protest, and connection.

DubFat have effortlessly created a community through music, mirroring the genre’s own lineage from the sound systems of Kingston to the warehouse spirit of 1990s UK. At a time when these genres risk being overshadowed by mainstream sounds, and Nottingham’s underground music scene is rediscovering its roots, collectives like DubFat stand out — reminding us that Dub and Jungle are more than just music. They are about space, freedom through protest, and connection.

From careful musical selections to immersive décor, DubFat are shaping the next chapter of Nottingham’s music scene — and they are definitely one to watch.

by Roberta Douglas-Todd

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Edited by Max Durno

All photos courtesy of Roberta Douglas-Todd