Born in September 1977, James was raised with music. Encouraged by his father, who played Jazz drums, he took-up several instruments beginning with the piano, the flute and then the saxophone, his first love affair, developing his ear via weekly trips to local Jazz clubs. He formed a band at school but it wasn't long before he discovered House, Hardcore and Jungle, making weekly trips to raves and clubs in Cambridge, London and East Anglia. In the spirit of the times this second love affair meant James laid his instruments to rest, while he pursued more hedonistic rather than creative nights and days.Moving to London in 2000 he continued his work and life in music that he had begun while at University in Nottingham, initially again working behind the counter at Selectadisc, then Timewarp Distribution and subsequently at Phonica Records and Arision Recordings. In 2002 he and some friends launched 'scerstsundaze'. This legendary Sunday afternoon party with its colourful, cosmopolitan crowds and cutting-egde music policy soon became the talk of the town when in 2005 both Mixmag and Time Out awarded it 'Best UK Club Night'. The secret was also out in Europe, with hugely successful secretsundaze parties now taking place in Ibiza (Blue Marlin, & Gala Night) Barcelona (during Sonar) and Austria (Snowbombing). With a reputation for using risqué / off-the-cuff venues, the club has welcomed some of the world's most renowned djs & producers with the likes of Ricardo Villalobos, Carl Craig, Trevor Jackson and Steve Bug all appearing over the years.James more recently launched “Go!Zilla†and as co-promoter, programmer and resident dj it was the perfect avenue for him to showcase and pursue far more diverse sounds and tastes, incorporating more Disco and live bands into the party realm inviting the likes of the Glimmers, Rub n’ Tug and Optimo as well as people such as Ame, Damian Lazarus & Dixon to join him.
James has a distinct djing style, playing broadly what you would describe as deep House & Techno, often borrowing from his freestyle background, preferring to move things around rather than follow one linear groove. You will also notice James' strong musical background in his sets and productions usually favouring strong melodies and warm, organic sounds. His style hasn’t gone unnoticed and he has played some of the best clubs and parties around the world, highlights including Cocoon (London), Circo Loco (London), We Love Sundays (Space, Ibiza), Module (Tokyo), Dama de Fera (Rio de Janiero), Propaganda (Moscow), Week-end (Berlin), Manumission (Ibiza) Nitsa & City Hall (Barcelona), Showcase (Paris), Morphine (Hamburg), London Calling (Copenhagen), and in UK Fabric, Bugged Out!, Electric Chair, Back to Basics, Asylum, Boutique, Superfreq, Faith, and Global Gathering, V Festival, Bestival, Hi-Fi, Latitude, Tales of The Jackalope, Bloom and Isle of Wight festivals.
In 2004 James would return his attention to writing and recording music, this time working with friend Dan Berkson. 2005 saw their debut release, a remix for Fine Records of Italian X-Rays. Whilst referencing the past and with a foot firmly in the future, a deep, melodic and emotive hypnotic cord connect their tracks and subsequent remixes for the likes of Spektrum have been licensed to compilations by Loco Dice, DJ T, Alex Neri and Mar-T. September 2007 was 10 years since James began djing in earnest and the month aptly saw the release of his first compilation / mix CD – “secretsundaze Volume 1â€, set for worldwide release through Amato Distribution on his own brand new label, “secretsundaze Musicâ€, which he will co-manage and A & R. September also saw the release of his debut original track, “Chariots†backed with a Motorcitysoul remix snapped up by Will Saul's Simple Records. The follow up has already been signed to Simple and is due in February '08. With the release of the compilation, the launch of his label and the continuing success of his productions, these are very exciting times for James as he enters the next phase of his musical journey.For all booking enquiries please contact [email protected] / 07815 718726
