Shy FX, is a British DJ and producer from London. He specialises in drum and bass and jungle music.
Shy FX's debut record was "Jungle Love", released in 1992 on the Permission to Dance label.
Soon after, he signed to Sound of the Underground Records (often abbreviated as S.O.U.R.) and in 1994 released the breakthrough ragga jungle track "Original Nuttah" (featuring vocals from MC UK Apachi) which helped to cement his position as a mainstay producer of the jungle/drum & bass scene.
Shy FX started his own Ebony Recordings label soon after, releasing more classic Jungle tunes like "The Message" and "Wolf".
His 1997 "Bambaata" was hailed as tune of the year.
Throughout his career, he has collaborated with T Power, both as Ebony Dubsters and Shy FX and T Power; their 2001 breakthrough track "Shake Ur Body" with vocalist Di (real name Dianne Joseph) was a number 7 hit in the UK Singles Chart.
Released on EMI subsidiary Positiva, it gained widespread support from both club and commercial radio DJs and helped to further popularise drum & bass as a mainstream music genre.
Shy FX had made the decision to consolidate his releases onto his own label and founded Digital Soundboy Recordings.
In collaboration with T Power, they subsequently released the album Diary of a Digital Sound Boy on 17 October 2005, featuring the songs "Feelings", "On the Run" and "Plastic Soul".
Shy FX and T Power also released "Don't Wanna Know" featuring Di and MC Skibadee. The song was notably used on the UK television programme Soccer AM as part of the 'Skills Skool' feature.
Shy FX produced "Da Feelin" for Dizzee Rascal's 2007 album, Maths + English. He also produced "Can't Tek No More" on Dizzee Rascal's 2009 album, Tongue N' Cheek.
His remix of Naughty Boy, Wiley and Emeli Sandé's song "Never Be Your Woman" was released as the single rather than the original mix. Shy's remix charted at number eight on the UK Singles Chart.
He remixed "She Said", a number 3 UK chart single by Plan B. His remix was released on both the "She Said" single and on the deluxe edition of Plan B's The Defamation of Strickland Banks.
More recently, he produced "Raver" featuring Kano, Donae'o and Roses Gabor
plus the UK artist Yasmin's first single, "On My Own". He announced that his album, Larger Than Life, was originally scheduled for a 2011 release but has since been renamed Cornerstone but did not have a fixed release date.
Shy FX also produced Yasmin's third single "Light Up (The World)", which features Ms. Dynamite. It peaked at No. 50 in the UK Singles Chart.
DJ Fresh's single "Gold Dust" was re-released, with the Shy FX Re-Edit as a single, on 2 December 2012.
The extended play includes multiple new remixes.
In 2013, he released a single called "Soon Come" featuring Liam Bailey, famous for his collaboration with Chase & Status on their track "Blind Faith". The song reached number 55 in the UK Singles Chart.
He also released the single "Cloud 9" in 2013, a collaboration with Ms. Dynamite.
For 2014's Red Bull Culture Clash, Shy FX joined forces with Chase & Status, David Rodigan and MC Rage to form the soundsystem 'Rebel Sound'. They went on to win the clash, defeating fellow crews Stone Love, Boy Better Know and A$AP Mob.
"Roll The Dice," featuring Stamina MC and Lily Allen, is a modern classic. This track brings together elements of drum and bass with a pop sensibility, highlighting Shy FX's enduring relevance in the music scene. The collaboration with Lily Allen adds a unique vocal element, making "Roll The Dice" a standout track in his discography.
In 2020, Shy FX released "Rudeboy Lovesong," featuring Sweetie Irie.
This track is a nostalgic nod to the classic sounds of reggae and jungle, while still incorporating contemporary production techniques. It’s a perfect example of how Shy FX honors his roots while pushing the genre forward.
"Good Morning," featuring Kojey Radical and Nile Rodgers, is a track that encapsulates Shy FX's ability to fuse different genres seamlessly.
The song combines funk, soul, and drum and bass, creating a feel-good anthem that showcases his continued innovation and relevance.
In 2022, Shy FX released the "Darker Days EP," a collection of tracks that explore darker and more introspective themes.
The EP features collaborations with a variety of artists, including Ghetts, Breakage, and Tyler Daley. Tracks like "Warning" and "Call Me" demonstrate Shy FX's ability to create deep, emotive music while maintaining his signature energetic style.
The "Darker Days EP" received praise for its depth and complexity, further cementing Shy FX's status as a master of his craft.
As a nod to his Caribbean heritage and the vibrant Notting Hill Carnival culture, Shy FX released "Carnival Culture" in 2023.
This project is a celebration of the diverse sounds and rhythms of Caribbean music, infused with modern drum and bass elements. Collaborations with artists such as Ms. Dynamite, Chronixx, and Stefflon Don brought a rich and eclectic sound to the project.
"Carnival Culture" was hailed as a vibrant and joyous tribute to cultural heritage and musical innovation.
Shy FX made a mix "Honey I Shrunk The Rave Mix" for Annie Mac, BBC Radio 1 hosted by another Legend Stamina MC.
Moving forward to the present day Shy FX has a new EP "Rudeboy Design Soundtape" which is out now.
Tracks include SHY FX & Mr. Williamz - Keep On Skankin (feat. Double O)
SHY FX & Mr. Williamz - Shebeen (feat. Breakage)
SHY FX & Mr. Williamz - Firetime
Shy FX's career is a testament to his ability to evolve and innovate within the electronic music scene.
His influence on the jungle and drum and bass genres is undeniable, and his music continues to resonate with new generations of fans.
As we look back on his impressive catalog, it's clear that Shy FX remains a vital and dynamic force in the world of electronic music.
You can catch SHY FX at Beat-Herder 2024
