Rooted in the evolving intersection of UK Garage and House, ODF is part of a new generation of artists reshaping the UK underground with instinct, intention, and a clear sense of identity. Still early in his journey, the London-born producer and DJ has already carved out a distinct lane – balancing peak-time energy with a growing appreciation for space, groove, and subtlety.
Following standout moments like his widely supported VIP of “Pull Up”, ODF has continued to build momentum through carefully chosen releases, including his contribution to Reliance, the imprint led by Burnski. But rather than waiting on external validation, he has taken matters into his own hands with the launch of his label On Da Floor – a platform that reflects both his evolving sound and his desire for independence.
From limited vinyl-only drops to deep, hypnotic selections and a shifting DJ philosophy, ODF represents an artist in motion – one who is learning when to push, when to hold back, and how to let groove do the talking.
We caught up with him between café shifts and record packing sessions to talk about growth, mindset, dubplate culture, and the journey so far.
Torture the Artist: Hey Oliver – tell us something about your day. Where are you answering us from right now? Studio, record shop, or somewhere unexpected in London?
ODF: Hi, I’ve just finished my day working at a café on my local high street, and I’m answering you from the floor of my bedroom/home studio while packaging up and shipping copies of my brand-new, limited-edition vinyl-only series. This run is catalogued as ODFWL02.
It felt like I’d created a real moment – not just for myself, but for everyone listening. That gave me a glimpse of what could be possible for me as an artist.
Torture the Artist: You’ve been quietly building a reputation in the UK scene for a while now. At what moment did you realise this project was becoming something bigger than just making tracks?
ODF: I’ve been producing music for over seven years now, since I was 14, and I started DJing even before that. However, I only started playing clubs three years ago, when I turned 18, and I released my first tracks in the UK Garage and House space around that same time.
I think the real turning point for me was when my VIP of “Pull Up” by Special Request and Tim Reaper started doing the rounds at the beginning of 2024. I’d already had some success with tracks like “Golden Dub” and “CKY RIP (ODF Edit)“, which helped push me forward, but “Pull Up” took things to another level.
The widespread support from DJs across so many different genres really blew me away, as did all the messages I received. It felt like I’d created a real moment – not just for myself, but for everyone listening. That gave me a glimpse of what could be possible for me as an artist.
Torture the Artist: Your track “Yeah (Uh!)” on Reliance felt like a turning point. Why was that release the right moment to introduce this new direction in your sound?
ODF: I think it was the right moment because my taste in music changed a lot during my years at university in Leeds between 2022 and 2025. As I was coming towards the end of that chapter, I wanted to mark it with a project that reflected that evolution.
There’s so much more space for different energies and moods – even peak-time tracks don’t all have to hit the same way.
Torture the Artist: When artists talk about a “shift” in sound, it can mean many things. For you, what actually changed – the groove, the intention, the mindset in the studio?
ODF: For me, it was definitely a shift in mindset. I used to obsess over how big a drop would sound and would even ditch tracks if they felt too minimal. Eventually, I got stuck in a cycle of making these big “A-side” tracks, and it made me realise that not everything needs to be that. There’s so much more space for different energies and moods – even peak-time tracks don’t all have to hit the same way. That realisation opened things up for me creatively.
Torture the Artist: Was this evolution something you planned, or did it happen gradually while producing?
ODF: It wasn’t planned as such, but it was something I was constantly thinking about. I looked at my DJ sets and wasn’t happy with how much I relied on big peak-time tracks, especially speed garage. So I started making music that felt more adaptable and carried different energies. It’s personal taste at the end of the day, but I wanted more flexibility in what I was playing.
Torture the Artist: Looking back now – do you hear two different versions of ODF in your catalogue?
ODF: 100%, and I’d hope anyone else listening could hear that difference too!
Torture the Artist: Burnski’s Reliance label has become a key platform for modern UK house and garage crossover sounds. What made that label feel like the right home for “Yeah (Uh!)”?
ODF: I went to university in Leeds, and Burnski is from Leeds as well. We actually met in Manchester a few years earlier, and he mentioned he wanted to sign some music from me. After a lot of back and forth, we finally found the right tracks. We weren’t sure which of his labels to use, and then he told me he wanted to start a new one focused on raw, stripped-back house and garage. That really aligned with what I was doing, so Reliance was born, and I was given the honour of kicking it off.
I realised that if I had strong DJ support and a clear idea of how to present the music, I could do it myself.
Torture the Artist: You recently launched your own imprint, On Da Floor. At what point did you realise you needed a space entirely under your own control?
ODF: Honestly, it came from frustration with how long releases can take on labels. I had tracks getting support from DJs, but things would go quiet. I realised that if I had strong DJ support and a clear idea of how to present the music, I could do it myself. Plus, I really wanted to press vinyl, and doing it independently gave me full control. It also allows me to be more experimental without waiting for approval. If something resonates with you, it will resonate with others too – and that’s enough.
Torture the Artist: The dubplate series is a beautiful idea – vinyl only, limited pressings, gone in minutes. What inspired you to release music in such a raw and immediate way?
ODF: It just feels like a more genuine way to connect with people. Instead of constantly releasing EPs and hoping something sticks, this creates real interaction – whether online or in person.
Torture the Artist: Watching records sell out in minutes must feel surreal. Do you check the sales page obsessively or try to stay cool about it?
ODF: I’m definitely an obsessive checker – and I’ll leave it at that!
Torture the Artist: What’s special about dubplates to you – the exclusivity, the culture, or the sound of vinyl itself?
ODF: The exclusivity and the community. Seeing people genuinely support what you’re doing feels amazing, and I hope they feel part of something when they buy the records.
Torture the Artist: Do you imagine DJs playing these records when you produce them?
ODF: Not really – I make music for myself. Most of these tracks are edits of things I already love, and I just want to play them in my own sets. If others connect with them too, that’s a bonus.
Torture the Artist: London has always been a city where house, garage, and everything in between collide. How has the city shaped your instincts?
ODF: I’ve lived in London my whole life, apart from my time in Leeds. But honestly, most of my clubbing experience came from Leeds because of COVID during my late teens. So I feel I owe a lot to Leeds, but London still inspires me every time I go out.
Torture the Artist: As a DJ, you move between house and UKG. Do you see them as separate or connected?
ODF: I always describe it as UK Garage-influenced house or house-influenced UK Garage. They’re definitely connected – just different dialects, as you said.
Torture the Artist: When you’re in the booth, what moment do you live for?
ODF: Getting the groove locked in. Once everyone is on the same wavelength, you can take things anywhere.
Torture the Artist: You’re also contributing to our art:cast series. What’s your approach?
ODF: I want to showcase where my head is at right now – vinyl-only, deep digs. It’s basically a glimpse into my current mindset.
Torture the Artist: What atmosphere are you aiming for?
ODF: Something deep and hypnotic – that’s where I’m at musically right now.
Torture the Artist: Let’s talk digging. Are you methodical or intuitive?
ODF: Definitely intuitive. I always tell myself I’ll research properly… but I never do. Somehow I still find what I need.
Torture the Artist: Name three records you wish you’d made.
ODF:
Rob Pearson & Paul Donton – Who’s the Boss?
Dexter – Tronic
Kris Wadsworth – Lime and Pink
Torture the Artist: Outside music – what inspires you?
ODF: Just life. I have a routine, but what I notice day to day changes constantly. That inspires me. And, of course, my friends and family.
Torture the Artist: Finally – what feeling should people take away from your music?
ODF: That feeling of: “Holy shit, I wish I’d found this guy sooner.”
Words by Holger Breuer
Torture the Artist 