Exclusive Interview with James What
James What laid routes in London in 1999 to study music and sound engineering, he has since gone on to make and release his solo, moniker and collaborative music on some of the industry's most recognized labels such as Pokerflat, Crosstown Rebels, Murmur and Dessous. In 2006 James joined forces with fellow producer Dan Berkson; a partnership that has since propelled the two to new musical levels. Debuting at Sonar in 2006 Dan Berkson and James What continue to perform their captivating Live sets around the world; casting light on their solid yet emotive and improvised soundscapes. James's recent 'About Love' EP on Crosstown Rebels met rave reviews and regularly penetrates the ever beating depths of the scenes night life. His unique sound sits within a mix of raw classic house and the shrewd darkness of gruff minimal and techno; complimenting their counterparts and flitting effortlessly between the three.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with James What, shortly before his performance at Glow Nightclub on 26th July.
You grew up in South France, but moved to London in 1999 to study music and sound engineering. Where and how did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place?
I guess while I was still living in France, I heard some cool things on the radio on the bus on the way to school, mixed with a lot commercial music. But sometimes they played cool stuff like Daft Punk > Da Funk. I remember also my older brother who was visiting buying a copy of Aphex Twin’s "Comme to Daddy" which had just come out, I soon went out and got a copy myself, this probably was the first electronic music album I listened to on repeat for a while. Before that I had been listening more to bands.
How would you describe your music in a few words?
I’m known mainly for making electronic music, somewhere in between Deep House and Tech House. But I’m a music lover and have played in bands and worked on all sorts or genres.
You are based in London and signed on the London-based record label Crosstown Rebels. You are also signed on the Berlin-based record label Poker Flat. How did the connection with Germany come about?
The Poker Flat connection came about in 2005, I was at the Red Bull Music Academy in Seattle, and Jeff Samuel - who was one of the producers lecturing there - forwarded some music i had worked on with Dan Berkson to the label.
A track of yours worth mentioning definitely is ”It Feels Wrong”, which was your first solo effort for the Poker Flat label. Out of all tracks you have made, which other tracks would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
I think The Dig EP with Dan Berkson on Poker Flat in 2006 is another one worth mentioning. Also perhaps my collaboration with Damian Lazarus on Rise Before Zod last year.
Besides your solo career, you are also part of a production and live performance duo - together Dan Berkson, who you met in London. What can you tell us about that project?
Yes I’ve been working with Dan Berkson since 2005, we’ve produced quite a few records together throughout the years. We share a similar background playing in bands and were both keen to start performing electronic music live, so started working on some tunes together, and luckily we signed the first ones to poker flat.
What are you currently working on? What’s on your agenda for the near future?
I’m currently working on an album with Dan Berkson, thats the main project at the moment and we’re hoping to wrap it up in the coming months.
We have spent the past 3 month setting up a new studio and rethinking our workflow, from mid august we should have everything up and running again so really excited about this.
What are the essential things you need to have with you at all times and what are the things you miss when you are on tour?
At all times, must have laptop, toothbrush and passport! On tour depending on the place sometimes I miss easy access to healthy food and sport, when I get home those are the things that i look forward to the most, keeps me healthy.
You had the pleasure to perform at the prestigious “The Burning Man” festival. Was it your best gig so far? What was the worst gig ever? And what was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
Playing saturday night at burning man was amazing, I was with great friends in a surreal place, nothing has matched that so far. Worst gigs are not worth mentioning, they usually involve bad promoters and bad planning.
On 26th July you will perform live here in Bangkok at Glow Nightclub. Have you visited Thailand before? Will your performance be your Bangkok debut?
Yes I was in Thailand last year, I spent some time in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Koh Lanta. I friend owns a bar on the beach in Koh Lanta called Pangea, so played there, i loved it. Haven’t played in Bangkok before though.
Are you adventurous if it comes to food? Do you try the local dishes of the countries you travel to, or do you usually eat what you know from home? Will you give spicy Thai food a chance?
I love trying local dishes and Thai food is definitely among my favorites. Although i’m perhaps less adventurous when it comes to trying insects, and deep fried things, but spicy doesn’t scare me.
What can Bangkok expect of your performance at Glow Nightclub?
Fun, love and house music.