Doctor P and Flux Pavilion: Exploring Friendship and Innovation in Dubstep Music

Innovative Dubstep Icons Doctor P and Flux Pavilion Unite for Their First Collaborative Album

In the realm of influential pioneers within the dubstep genre, Doctor P and Flux Pavilion are standout figures. The duo rose to prominence in 2010 with their iconic tracks “Sweet Shop” and “I Can’t Stop,” establishing themselves as international sensations with their unique energy and distinctive wobble sound. As childhood friends from the UK, they could not have anticipated their impact as dubstep transitioned into the mainstream music scene.

For over a decade, these two British powerhouses have been at the forefront of innovative music, continually evolving their sound through various collaborations and their record label, Circus Records. While their creative bond has flourished, the release of their first full-length collaborative album had yet to occur—until now.

The eagerly awaited self-titled album represents a significant achievement in their 20-plus year friendship. This debut studio album comprises 15 tracks that evoke nostalgia while celebrating the joys of everyday life. The collaborative effort encapsulates their shared history while showcasing their growth as artists.

In an exclusive conversation, we connected with Doctor P and Flux Pavilion to discuss their new album, the evolving dubstep landscape, and their upcoming performance at Ultra Music Festival.

Continue reading for the full interview with Doctor P and Flux Pavilion, and don’t forget to stream their new self-titled album on your preferred streaming service.

As pioneers of the modern dubstep sound, how has the landscape of the scene evolved since the beginning of your respective careers?

Flux Pavilion: The pace of change is remarkable! While many focus on the differences, what has always remained is a deeply creative spirit within the scene. There’s a vast amount of music to explore now compared to when we started. Though some tracks feel repetitive, the most innovative dance music is undeniably emerging from the dubstep genre.

Doctor P: The scene has expanded tremendously over the years. Even though dubstep experienced a dip in mainstream popularity, it has continued to grow in size and diversity. Today, numerous subgenres exist, such as color bass, riddim, and the newer 140 style. Back in 2010, many claimed that dubstep was dead, but it has only thrived since then.

Since its inception in 2009, Circus Records has been a leader in independent bass music. How has the label influenced your development as artists?

FP: In the early days, it offered us significant creative freedom that was essential for our work. With our own sonic space, we could experiment more and push boundaries without concern.

DP: Running the label has kept me deeply connected to the scene. I’m aware of many emerging talents because of Circus Records, making me feel more like part of the community rather than just a solo artist.

Having been business partners for over 15 years, what prompted the creation of your first full-length collaborative album?

FP: I was quite determined to make it happen. After working on “247” for my Fluxiverse EP, I realized how effortlessly we collaborated on that track. I envisioned the album and told Shaun that it would be our focus for the next 18 months [laughs].

DP: I was at a creative crossroads, so the prospect of a larger project like an album was appealing when Josh suggested it. Producing alone can be isolating and unexciting, so collaborating on this ambitious project was exactly what I needed.

Doctor P previously mentioned that this record was created with a “do what feels right” mentality. In a time when many producers follow fleeting trends, how did you remain authentic while crafting a body of work reflective of your musical journeys?

FP: My approach has always been rooted in feeling. If it resonates, it’s good. This doesn’t mean ignoring trends, as some of them can feel great too. Trusting your instincts gives you ultimate creative control. My sound is more of a feeling than a specific genre.

DP: As a genre becomes established, its diversity can start to diminish, leading to a more homogenized sound. We wanted to break free from that and create something fresh and enjoyable while still honoring the genre’s traditions. We focused on making music without getting bogged down by logistics.

As you approached your debut album, you released several singles like “Turbo Time” and “Wasabi.” What criteria guided your decision on which tracks to release as singles ahead of the official album launch?

FP: We spent a day at Ten87 Studios in Tottenham listening to 27 ideas back-to-back, allowing the tracks to choose themselves. We aimed for the campaign to mirror that studio session by sharing music we were genuinely excited about.

DP: We chose to release seven singles spaced a week apart, not in the traditional sense, but to build anticipation for the album. We aimed for a diverse selection of songs that represented various styles within the album, and the unique artwork for each single was part of that vision.

Each single features vibrant, quirky artwork hand-drawn by Doctor P. What inspired you to create the artwork yourself?

FP: Explaining our vision to others was challenging because it was so vague—essentially, it “had to feel like us.” The process involved conveying our musical identity, making homemade art the perfect fit for our aesthetic.

DP: Those quirky drawings reflect our friendship. During our teenage years, we used to practice in my garden shed and decorated the walls with strange sketches. Channeling that style felt like the ideal way to visually express the album.

“Fluffy Cowboy” captures the essence of early 2010s dubstep while offering a fresh twist. How did your earlier works influence the production of this project?

FP: I once heard that creativity and analysis are distinct processes that shouldn’t overlap, so I avoid overthinking while creating. We didn’t intentionally draw from early dubstep; it simply emerged organically as we take cues from the music we love.

FP: Initially, we had around 50-60 sketches to work with. I instinctively gravitated toward the most exciting ideas, sifting through a creative overflow. I didn’t overanalyze; I just selected the concepts that felt fun and engaging.

To celebrate this significant album, you’ll perform a back-to-back set at this year’s Ultra Music Festival in Miami. What can fans expect from your performance? Will there be more shows together in the future?

DP: We have an exciting set planned. It’s been several years since I attended Ultra, so I’m looking forward to it.

FP: I’m currently in Miami finalizing my setlist. Our goal is to deliver an authentic Doctor P and Flux Pavilion experience for everyone attending. We definitely have more shows lined up for the future.