Nick Holder, owner of Toronto's DNH Records and Treehouse Records, is a Canadian underground house music producer. Holder's recording work spans influential deep house and dub/reggae-infused productions through to disco loops and minimal Chicago style.
Nick Holder, born in 1969, is a renowned underground house music DJ and producer based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He's widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of deep and underground house, with a career spanning over four decades that bridges hip-hop roots, Detroit techno influences, and global house innovation. Holder's work has earned him cult status among DJs worldwide, particularly for his soulful, percussive tracks that blend Latin rhythms, jazz elements, and driving grooves. As the founder and owner of DNH Records—a boutique house label—he's not only shaped his own sound but also nurtured emerging talent in the Canadian and international scenes.
Early Life and Influences
Holder's journey into music began in the early 1980s as a teenage hip-hop DJ spinning at high school parties in Toronto. By the late '80s, he became captivated by the burgeoning techno movement just across the border in Detroit, drawing deep inspiration from pioneers like Derrick May and Carl Craig. Chicago's acid house and raw tracks from producers like Adonis also left a mark, pulling him toward electronic production. This fusion of North American electronic scenes—proximity to Detroit and Chicago being key—infused his style with a gritty, soulful edge that set him apart from European house contemporaries.In a 2015 interview, Holder reflected on his inspirations: "I have many... everything from jazz to reggae." He started producing in 1991, transitioning from DJ sets to studio work, and quickly established himself as a versatile creator who could appeal to techno purists, progressive house fans, and underground selectors alike.
Rise to Prominence and Key Releases
Holder's breakthrough came in the late 1990s with the release of "Da Sambafrique" on NRK Sound Division (1997), a Latin-infused house anthem that exploded across global dancefloors and cemented his reputation as a "cult producer." The track's infectious percussion and warm grooves made it a staple for DJs from New York to Johannesburg. This success paved the way for his critically acclaimed debut album, From Within (1998, also on NRK), which spawned underground classics like "Trying to Find Myself" and "I Once Believed in U." These songs explored introspective themes with lush pads, deep basslines, and emotive vocals, earning praise for their emotional depth in an often formulaic genre.Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Holder's voluminous output—including EPs like Underground Alternatives and contributions to compilations such as Latin House—solidified his status. He released eight of the 13 tracks on the 1997 Best of DNH retrospective, showcasing his label's early catalog. His music has been championed by heavyweights like Carl Craig and appeared on platforms from Resident Advisor to NTS Radio, where it's been played over 70 times.Notable releases include:
Albums: From Within (1998), Nick Holder Presents Toronto Underground, Vol. 3 (Remastered).
Singles/EPs: "Da Sambafrique" (1997), "Summer Daze" (1999, on DNH Records—commemorated in a 2019 X post by Holder), "No More Dating DJs" (recent stream on SoundCloud).
Recent/Reissues: My Sound (2013, DNH), Toronto Track Company (2000/2022 reissue), Take It Deeper (Remix) (2022).
Holder's discography on Discogs lists over 100 credits, spanning vinyl, CDs, and digital formats, with remixes for artists like Trackheadz and contributions to labels like Poker Flat Recordings.DNH Records: Building a LegacyIn the mid-1990s, Holder launched DNH Records (standing for "Do Not Hold"—a nod to his ethos of unfiltered expression) as a platform for house music. Based in Toronto, the label quickly became a hub for deep, soulful sounds, releasing Holder's own work alongside international talents like Christopher Rau and Chilli Black. It's celebrated for its "timeless, punchy house" vibe, with recent drops like Drip (2022) and Loco Soul Sessions 3 emphasizing Afro-tech and tactile electronics.
DNH also reflects Toronto's underground scene, influenced by the city's proximity to U.S. electronic hubs. Holder simultaneously runs Treehouse Records, a hip-hop imprint, highlighting his dual passions. The label's Bandcamp page remains active, offering streams and downloads that keep his catalog accessible to new generations.
Impact and Current Status
Holder's influence extends beyond tracks—he's a bridge between '90s underground roots and modern house revival, with reissues keeping his classics alive (e.g., a 2023 Resident Advisor feature on his Toronto reissue event). He's collaborated with global figures like Black Coffee and Oskido, and his work has soundtracked everything from Berlin clubs to South African festivals.
As of 2025, Holder continues producing and DJing, with a presence on SoundCloud (@dnh), Apple Music, and Facebook (8,872 likes). His X account (@NickHolder) shares milestones, like the 20th anniversary of "Summer Daze" in 2019.In Toronto's vibrant electronic ecosystem—home to events like House Nation Toronto since 2014—Holder embodies the city's role as a quiet powerhouse in North American dance music. For deeper dives, check his Discogs page or stream on SoundCloud.
