For Nick Foster, drum and bass has always carried the force of a life-changing discovery. Recording as 17Four, the Downey, California artist now brings years of production experience, personal influences, and creative independence into his new EP, The Smith Releases.
Arriving Friday, October 9, 2026, the project introduces listeners to an energetic sound shaped by electronic music history and Foster’s determination to create on his own terms.
A Sound That Began With One Transformative Track
The story of 17Four began when Foster was 12 years old and heard “La Tarantula” by Pendulum on an iPod Nano. That first encounter with drum and bass stayed with him. Its speed, movement, and powerful combination of kick drums and basslines gave him a direction that would influence everything he created afterward.
Even the name 17Four reflects that connection. It references the 170 BPM pulse commonly associated with drum and bass, placing the genre’s rhythmic identity at the center of the project.
Foster’s musical world reaches far beyond a single style. Pendulum remains a defining influence, alongside The Prodigy, Tiësto, Above & Beyond, Camo & Krooked, Avicii, and artists connected to modern jungle, dancehall, rock, and contemporary electronic production. These inspirations give 17Four a broad creative foundation.
Some tracks carry a reggae-influenced rhythm, while others explore industrial textures or introduce a harder rock edge. The music continues to move through different moods while remaining grounded in the kick-and-bass combination that first captured Foster’s attention.
This approach allows his catalog to feel adventurous and recognizable. Each song carries its own personality, yet the driving spirit of drum and bass remains easy to hear.
Years Behind the Boards Shape ‘The Smith Releases’
Before stepping forward as 17Four, Foster spent much of his career supporting other performers. He has produced and engineered more than 100 songs for over 50 artists, developing his technical instincts through countless recording sessions and creative decisions.
His work has also received placements in small-market commercials and independent films. Those projects taught him how music can establish atmosphere, strengthen visual storytelling, and communicate emotion within a limited amount of time.
During those years, Foster’s own catalog remained largely unreleased. Restrictive contracts and low-profile industry associations provided steady professional work, though they also delayed his plans as an independent artist. With those commitments now complete, he’s ready to release music with greater freedom and consistency.
The Smith Releases represents the result of that long period of development. The EP pays tribute to the musicians who helped shape Foster’s understanding of electronic music. Tiësto’s In Search of Sunrise series, the emotional scale of Above & Beyond, the intensity of The Prodigy, and the genre-spanning work of Pendulum all contribute to its creative roots.
Avicii holds an especially meaningful place among those influences. Foster remembers him as a remarkable artist whose music reached people across genres and generations. A personal connection through one of Foster’s childhood friends makes that inspiration feel even closer.
Creative Transparency and a New Independent Chapter
Foster is open about using artificial intelligence within parts of his production process, particularly for editing and backup vocals. He views it as another studio resource, similar to EQ, stem processing, and other technologies that have helped producers refine recorded music.
The arrangements, artistic direction, and final creative decisions remain his. That transparency reflects the straightforward relationship he wants to build with listeners. He believes audiences deserve clarity about how music is made, especially as modern production tools continue to evolve.
With more than 4,200 monthly listeners on Spotify, 17Four already has a growing audience for his work. The release of The Smith Releases gives those listeners a fuller picture of the artist behind the music. Foster also plans to share new material every week, creating an active catalog that can develop without traditional gatekeepers.
His invitation is simple. Anyone who has felt changed by a song, artist, or musical movement may recognize something familiar in the passion behind this EP.
About the Artist
Nick Foster is an electronic music producer, engineer, and recording artist from Downey in East Los Angeles, California. Performing as 17Four, he creates drum and bass music influenced by reggae, industrial, rock, jungle, dancehall, and melodic electronic styles.
After producing and engineering more than 100 songs for over 50 artists, Foster is entering a new independent phase focused on his own releases. His work combines years of studio experience with the energy of a lifelong electronic music fan.
A Long-Awaited Arrival
The Smith Releases arrives on Friday, October 9, 2026, as a tribute to the artists who inspired Foster and the sound that first changed his life. For 17Four, it marks a personal beginning built through patience, experience, and an enduring love for drum and bass.