Nick Williams, Phonica Records & Meda Fury Founder, Dies at 50

London DJ and Phonica Records Figure Dies at 50

Nick Williams died on December 21, 2025, aged 50, after battling cancer. Phonica Records announced his death via Instagram three days later, mourning the loss of a staff member who had anchored the shop's community for 16 years as assistant manager.

Meda Fury and Label Work

Williams founded Meda Fury in 2014 as a sub-label of R&S Records, building its roster through Phonica connections and Soundcloud discoveries. The label released work from Takuya Matsumoto, Hazylujah, DJ Seinfeld, and others, prioritizing experimental electronic music during an era when independent labels faced mounting commercial pressure.

In late 2020, he curated The Many, a charity compilation featuring Basement Jaxx and Levon Vincent, with proceeds supporting social justice causes. Williams also performed as a DJ under the Free-Care alias at London venues including Corsica Studios and Plastic People.

What Happened and Who Nick Williams Was

Nick Williams, a 16-year veteran of London's Phonica Records and founder of the Meda Fury label, died December 21, 2025, aged 50, following a battle with cancer. Phonica announced his death via Instagram three days later.

His Role in London's Music Scene

Williams served as assistant manager at Phonica, one of London's most respected independent record shops, where he became a central figure in the store's community of DJs, producers, and collectors. In 2014, he founded Meda Fury as a sub-label of R&S Records, releasing work from Takuya Matsumoto, Hazylujah, DJ Seinfeld, and others while operating with full creative autonomy. He also performed as a DJ under the Free-Care alias at venues including Corsica Studios and Plastic People.

Key Details About His Career at Phonica and Meda Fury

Williams spent 16 years at Phonica Records, serving as assistant manager and becoming a cornerstone of the Soho shop's community. Colleagues described him as the welcoming presence who connected customers with obscure records and emerging artists.

Building Meda Fury's Roster

In 2014, Williams founded Meda Fury as a sub-label of R&S Records, securing creative autonomy as label manager. He discovered artists organically through Phonica connections and Soundcloud, releasing work from Takuya Matsumoto, Hazylujah, DJ Seinfeld, and others. The label prioritized experimental electronic music over commercial trends. In 2020, Williams curated The Many, a charity compilation featuring Basement Jaxx and Levon Vincent that supported social justice causes.

Why His Work Mattered to London's Electronic Music Scene

Williams anchored London's independent electronic music ecosystem through dual roles that shaped how music circulated and found audiences. At Phonica Records, where he worked for 16 years, he functioned as both assistant manager and tastemaker—connecting customers with emerging sounds while maintaining the shop's reputation as a vital hub for DJs and collectors navigating the city's underground.

Meda Fury's Curatorial Vision

As founder and label manager of Meda Fury, Williams operated with creative autonomy under R&S Records' umbrella, championing experimental artists including Takuya Matsumoto, Hazylujah, and DJ Seinfeld. He discovered talent organically—through Phonica encounters and Soundcloud searches—prioritizing artistic integrity over commercial calculus. His 2020 compilation The Many, featuring Basement Jaxx and Levon Vincent, channeled proceeds toward social justice causes, demonstrating music's potential beyond the dancefloor.