One of the most prolific and versatile creators of electronic music for over three decades, Gavin Cheung aka Nookie, has been etched into the history of drum and bass music since its inception. Exploring the deep atmospheric sounds of DnB, Nookie’s signature jazzy interpretations through soulful piano, strings, and etherial landscapes, have earned him the reputation of being one of the most innovative producers of the genre.

Growing up in Hertfordshire, Nookie found himself amidst a diverse palette of early electronic styles; landing right in the middle of it all while working in South London’s Red Records. Influences that resonated closely with his tastes were hip hop, soul, electro and breakbeats. Reaching back to 1992, “Give A Little Love” was one of the first underground rave anthems; originally on Simon Bassline Smith’s Absolute label, and then was re-released on Reinforced in 1993. Inspired by emerging technologies, he dove into the craft which earned him the opportunity to play a key role engineering enduring tracks like “Terrorist” with Ray Keith (under the alias of Renegade at the time); just as Keith was launching Dread Recordings. From his seminal hardcore/jungle crossover “The Sound Of Music” (a track that continues to invigorate every new generation with covers from the likes of Jamie Jones and Dizzee Rascal), to his many well-known remixes and collaborations with Ray Keith—Nookie has consistently been an innovator.

Whether it’s as Nookie on Reinforced, Cloud Nine on Moving Shadow, New Balance (with Blame), or his latest Detroit-style techno project as Binary State, Gavin Cheung’s fingerprints are chiseled into some of the most important foundations of electronic music.

Working with house pioneer Larry Heard (aka Mr Fingers) in ’97, he wrote an album exploring new territories which was released through Sony Records in Japan. Finding his roots within the scene, a third album emerged under his moniker Cloud Nine (also on Sony Japan). Touring through Asia, Europe, America, and South America, he gained early international exposure alongside MC Five Alive, Ray Keith and singer Beverley, (who featured on this album project with the two main tracks “Distant Affair” and “Living in a Ghetto”), which was later remixed by Peshay.

Receiving significant acclaim for his tight productions, Nookie’s sought after style landed him remixes with Goldie, Cutty Ranks, Flourgon & Ninjaman, Doc Scott, Omni Trio, Adam F, Ganja Crew, MC Conrad's “Energetic Poetry” and The Pedge’s “What’s Up Partner?” released on Dread Recordings to name but a few. With a catalogue of work that would take days to list, Nookie has worked with the most influential labels that shaped this music including Reinforced, Moving Shadow, Goodlooking, Labello Blanco, Dread Recordings, and Metalheadz; receiving support from Fabio, Grooverider, LTJ Bukem, Blame, Pete Tong, Ray Keith, and so many more key figures in the industry.

Ebbing and flowing between performance limelight and deep in the recesses of his studio creating bespoke racing simulators, Nookie’s capabilities seem to know no bounds. Honing his craft through countless productions and collaborations; along with launching his label Phuzion Records and Phuzion Digital (in 2006), Nookie is never lacking inspiration or the ability to push the culture. Always finding his way back to the music, the pandemic years gave enough pause and space to get back to writing. Multiple releases have appeared on Kniteforce including the “Daddy Armshouse” box set; “The Rest is History Pt.1” boxset; the “Cloud Nine” boxset, and numerous remixes. Getting back to his roots with Metalheadz brought the release of the debut single “Kaeya,” followed by new Remixes for Goldie’s ‘Inner City Life’ (in 2020 & 2023), with both DnB and Techno remixes (as Binary State); as well as his most recent highly-acclaimed debut album “Improvisions” (late 2023), highlighting Ruth Royal’s amazing vocals.

Featured at some of the biggest festivals of the genres, including Outlook, Lindisfarne, Bangface, Sun and Bass, Unity in the Sun, Exit Festival, and Boomtown to name a few, Nookie continues to disseminates his music at the highest possible level, always ahead of the curve. Famed for his versatility and ability to master sounds that strike the balance of soothing melodics and a heavier edge, Nookie’s timeless anthems can be heard throughout DJ sets worldwide, and are referential to the many shifts in the industry’s sounds. Whether playing at some of the most well known festivals or intimate venues, Nookie’s consistency and lifelong passion for the music keep him at the forefront of electronic and drum and bass sounds today.

Watch for his return to North America for the first time in a decade, Fall of 2024.

North America: BassRoutes LLC / Chemynne Perlingieri contact us
UK/Europe/Asia: Nikki Archer at NLA Artists: nikki@nla-artists.com