JZ
A genuine crowd favourite and stalwart contender in the Discoteca,
James Zabiela has moved into Terraza territory over the past couple of summer seasons at We Love Space, which in his own words “feels like a promotion”. There are few artists we could claim to have such an integral force in terms of the sheer energy and excitement they bring to the table. For this reason, we’re bringing James and his technological gusto to Ministry of Sound for part two of our
New Year spectacular alongside
Joris Voorn and
Simian Mobile Disco in in the main room on one of the best sound systems in the world. Read more about the event
here.
In other Zabiela related news he is currently nominated for top Essential Mix of 2010, a “lush soundscape which cleverly weaves in, and takes inspiration from, Duncan Jones’ movie Moon.” You can vote here. We reckon it’s between James and Four Tet for the top spot, both brilliant mixes as it happens.
Over to you, J Z.
Is there one book that you have read that has been life-changing for you?
No, but I did read Russell Brand’s ‘Booky Wook’ surely the greatest piece of literature since Shakespeare.
Did your parents encourage you to work in music?
Yes, they bought records and my first turntables.
How did you begin to work professionally in music?
I’m not sure at which point I’d say professionally but my first paid gig was for £20 which I was more than happy with.
How do you apply your past experiences to what you do today?
I think I learn something every time I play. No two audiences are the same.
Where is your current studio and what is it like?
It’s in my attic in Southampton but a lot of the stuff I work on is done on the road on my laptop.
James
How much have you had to consider marketing issues since embarking on your career and how has that affected your creativity?
I never thought about that type of thing really and I don’t like that side of it, I just wanted to play records but since the explosion of social networks it means it’s become a competitive place if you want to stay ahead. I wouldn’t say it’s effected my creativity directly but for a while I was spending so much time on these sites keeping them updated and answering every query it took time from my days where it could be beats. I miss the days when I just had a website to update and that was it. I do enjoy a bit of twitter every now again though. That’s the easier one of the lot. Obviously there are other marketing jaunts I’ve embarked on such as giving away my mix album and working with Pioneer which has helped my creativity in a really positive way.
How would you describe your work?
Well the work bit is the travelling and all the ‘marketing’. I’d describe the DJing part not as work but as a pure joy.
Who were your teachers?
Sasha. Lee Burridge. John Digweed. Danny Howells. Now I look to more producer based artists for inspiration rather than DJs as thats an area I’m moving more into so Ramadanman, Modeselektor, Addison Groove, Midland, Apparat, Shed.
Your home is burgled but fortunately the culprits are caught and your possessions returned to you. What would you deem a suitable punishment for the burglars?
I’d make them tidy my flat.
You have to make one species of animal extinct. Excluding insects, which species would that be?
Humans. Let the machines take over.
If you could spend one week in any period of history, which period would you choose?
I’d like to go back to the 80s and experience the explosion of electro, breakdancing and massive mobile phones in suitcases.
Thanks James. Find him on facebook, twitter and myspace.
