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
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”
– DUB FX
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.