nicky b

To start off, who is Nicky B and what’s the story, so far?

I’ve always been heavily involved with music, with multiple DJs and producers in my family. In
short, I fell into this industry while supporting my partner, who is also a DJ. It looked interesting
so I thought, 'give it a try!' What it actually did was fill a gap in me that had been there ever
since I stopped dancing after being hit with a degenerative autoimmune illness.

I also realised that when I was playing on the decks my ADHD was silenced. Cue the
hyper-focus and the mission to become at least half-decent at it…..and as they say... the rest is
history! Everything moved quite fast, and I never gave myself a proper DJ name. Nicky B or
NB is what my DJ friends called me, and it just stuck.

Over the past few years, I naturally gravitated toward learning music production. This part didn’t
come as easily as DJing did but it’s been a nice challenge and an opportunity to set new goals
and grow as an artist.

How would you describe your style using three tracks?

Blimey, just three? OK, first up, it would definitely be “Screamer” off the RAM Trilogy EP. Given
the chance, I’d play that track in every set! But as its sound is quite dated now, I’m not sure it
would be appreciated to the level it truly deserves. Gosh, I love it!!!

What else... “Off the Top Rope” by Tim Reaper. This always gets me and the crowd jumping
when dropped properly. It’s one of those tracks that brings so much energy. That energy that
gives me the motivation to keep at it.

Oh, and “Pain” by 'The Guyver & Threshold'. This track is “me” all over. What a tuuunnnne!!
It’s dark, it’s raw and it’s powerful. I want to make songs like this…gritty, emotional and straight
to the point. Music like this is where my passion lies. It’s the kind of sound that feels like it’s
telling a story. That’s the vibe I chase when I’m behind the decks.

You’ve been working with AKO Beatz as an EQ50 Mentee for 2024, how has the process been?

The process of getting the mentorship was slightly grueling and I might add, I wasn’t successful
with my first application for the previous cohort. But I applied again the next time around
because, well, I’m that annoying individual who doesn’t like to be told no. So, yeah, this time I
was successful!

So far, it’s been great. I’ve had some 1-on-1 sessions with some great producers from the AKO
Beatz label and even got to spend some time in the studio with Mantra from EQ50/Rupture.
Pretty cool ay.

Now that we’re into the second half of the mentorship, the plan is to really put my foot on the
pedal and make the most of all the advice and opportunities I’m being given. It’s about pushing
myself harder, soaking up everything I can and turning it into something tangible for my growth
as an artist.

Can we expect some releases this coming year?

I really hope so. I’m very particular and want to make sure I release something meaningful,
something that feels true to me and the culture rather than just smashing out a load of tracks for
the sake of it.

"Representation matters! I can’t say this loud enough! These collectives give platforms to
underrepresented voices"

You’re also a resident for Jungle Warfare. Can you tell us a bit about the collective and how you
got involved?

Yes, so Jungle Warfare came about when myself and DJ Dark Pheonix reached out to a mutual
friend we met through the Black Junglist Alliance. We were both frustrated with feeling invisible
in the industry, for reasons that we believed were unfair and quite frankly felt discriminatory.
The rebrand of the Original Jungle Warfare was about creating a collective of DJs and MCs who
could showcase their unique journeys into Jungle. It’s about celebrating diverse experiences
and voices and giving people who’ve been overlooked a platform to shine. For me, it’s more
than a residency, it’s being part of a movement that stands for something important.

What are some other underground Jungle events that you’d recommend?

Ironically, I don’t get out as much as I used to since becoming a DJ, but for me anything like
Distant Planet, Rupture, Influences and of course AKO Beatz are where I’d tell people to go if
they want to hear the good stuff!

You also played for Black Junglist Alliance and DJ Flight’s Herstory, how important are events
and collectives such as these for creating and maintaining diversity in the scene?

So, so important! And you know what? These events and collectives need a hell of a lot more
support. How honest do you want me to be? There’s something very odd about being a
performer and looking out at a crowd where you only see one type of person looking back at
you. Representation matters! I can’t say this loud enough! These collectives give platforms to
underrepresented voices and create spaces that are more inclusive and reflective of the
diversity within Jungle music. Change needs to happen and collectives and events like these
are crucial to driving that change.

What were some of your favourite sets to play this past year?

I don’t get to play as many sets as I’d like to, whether that’s due to the reasons I just mentioned
or because I don’t fit the “genre brief.” But last year, a standout gig for me was for Full
Spectrum in Bristol. They’re such a wholesome collective!

Playing there and looking out at a truly diverse crowd, all dancing to a track I made myself felt
like getting a warm hug. It was wonderful. Plus, the Full Spectrum crew are an incredibly lovely
group of people.

What’s a track that you love to include in your sets?

Gosh, there are so many, and they change from month to month! But usually I always include
something by Tim Reaper or Magic Touch. Actually, I can tell you my favourite track of last
year…”Lose My Mind” by Shay. Beautiful! I waited what felt like forever for that track to be
released after hearing Stretch play it on Kool FM.

What do you have coming up for 2025?

Hopefully, lots more bookings and opportunities to travel!

Right now though, it’s all about production. Learning more, leveling up and hopefully getting a
track released. I’m also working on a little side project with a producer buddy of mine. Keep an
eye out for 99 Records!

nicky b

nicky b

nicky b

Follow Nicky B Below