Thomas Velderman and Nigel Coppen make up Dutch hardstyle DJ and production duo Sub Zero Project, who’ve been having a killer 2019. The biggest news for SZP this year was the release in April of their debut artist album ‘Contagion’. Featuring 10 tracks showcasing their continued development of the hardstyle sound, the pair unveiled their new album in Amsterdam’s legendary Warehouse Elementenstraat venue. 

Sub Zero Project put out a string of successful collaborations from their album this year: ‘The Solution’ with Villian, ‘The Source’ with Frequenza, ‘Break The Game’ with KELTEK, ‘Amen’ with Headhunterz, along with the epic vocal-anthem title track ‘Contagion’ featuring Christina Novelli. 

The pair also played their first-ever world tour in 2019, “infecting the globe with the contagious Sub Zero Project virus”, taking their epic sound from Zouk in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to The Sound Of Q-Dance in China, and of course to their home turf with Decibel Outdoor, Mysteryland, Hardbass 2018, Essential, AIRFORCE, Fatality and Defqon.1.

Do you submit your DJ setlists to the relevant royalties collecting society?

“Always.” 

What more can we do to combat the mental health crisis in our scene?

“Increase social and professional awareness of mental health prevention in general, bring it to the forefront and help make it less of a taboo, making it easier to talk about.” 

Are you personally doing anything to improve the gender balance of line-ups?

“Not yet, but we would love to see more female DJs on line-ups.” 

What changes have you made this year to be more environmentally friendly?

“We started recycling a lot more, both at home and in the studio. We are a duo act, but we always try taking one car to a gig or the airport.” 

What was your favourite toy when you were a kid?

Nigel: “GameBoy Color.” Thomas: “Soccerball.” 

What’s your guilty pleasure?

“Backstreet Boys.”