Exclusive Interview with James Zabiela

Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with James Zabiela, shortly before his performance at KU DÉ TA Bangkok on 4th December.

When you were growing up you disliked dance music, because your father was very much into it. Yet, at the age of fifteen you started DJing with decks you got from your father for Christmas. What finally made you acquire a taste for dance music?

House music is catching, like a bug. To an untrained ear like mine back then the music didn’t really mean much at first but after a lot of exposure in record shop, the grooves inevitably got me and I’ve been tapping my foot ever since.

A mixtape of yours caught the attention of Sasha. You got signed on to his Excession record label and at a later point became his warm-up DJ. How was it to work with Sasha and what influence did he have on your productions?

To work with Sasha was really a dream come true. Growing up with his mix tapes in my ears and then to be supporting him was mind blowing for me, I was a fan boy who had won the lottery. I learnt to mix by trying to copy his insane mixing skills (on vinyl back then).

You have a unique and distinctive sound, a fusion of House and Breakbeat. How would you describe your music in just a few words?

Various shades of House and Techno with it’s roots in Acid & Rave from my childhood.

Out of all of the tracks you have made, which tracks would you recommend as an introduction to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?

I made this track called the ‘Healing’ which as about as far from rave music as you can get, but there’s a Sasha remix actually which stays faithful to original but puts it on the dance floor and I also made my own remix version for playing out which has like an 85 electro sound. My own productions are few and far between but check out my remixes of Hot Chip and Drum and Bass act Spectrasoul.

You are back in the studio after a 2-year break. What made you decide to take that break and solely focus on touring, what are you currently focusing and working on and what’s on your agenda for the near future?

It wasn’t a conscious decision, it just turned out that way. I have been working on music periodically but actually struggling to get something finished I’ve been happy with and obviously touring a lot has not helped this process. Next year I will get something out for sure!

You are also an advisor for Pioneer Electronics and helped them develop their top line CDJ-2000 and CDJ-900 media turntables. How did that come about?

Pretty much by accident. I was after some sponsorship for a CD compilation I was making so I they asked if I’d do a DJ set on one of their stands at an industry trade show in return. They were curious by the backwards way I was using their equipment and subsequently I got asked to be involved in some of the product planning.

You travel a lot. 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?

This is easy and if one of the below items are missing I get very upset and will find a replacement at all costs before beginning my journey. Noise cancelling headphones, an ipod with ‘storm sim’ app, a comfy hoody and an eye mask. With those things I transform myself into a walking, sitting, laying human-hybernation travel cocoon.

What was the best and the worst gig you ever played and what was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?

The best party in recent memory is Lovefest in Serbia a few months ago which had an unbelievable electric atmosphere in a beautiful countryside setting with over 10 thousand ravers go bananas. I don’t know about the worst gig but yesterday in Nagoya wasn’t too hot, it was a Sunday night and raining so the turnout and vibe were both a bit damp. It was also my fifth night in a row so when it’s like that it can be difficult to retain enthusiasm even though DJing is the thing I love doing more than anything in the world. One thing is for sure, the next gig will be better!

Your most recent performances here in Bangkok were at Bed Supperclub in 2011 (on the occasion of UB Radio’s 3rd anniversary) and in 2012. Did you keep the shows in good memory?

Both were great and yes I do. I hope it doesn’t rain…

ou are known for your fantastic live performances and outstanding turntable skills. On 4th December you will return to Bangkok for an exclusive performance at KU DÉ TA Bangkok. What can Bangkok expect of your upcoming performance?

It’s true I love to play with the machines, but I try not to let them do the work for me which of course you can do in this day and age . I sweat my way through my set.