Where in the world do we find you today?
Southampton where I live (innit).
How’s the summer been for you this year?
Madness. I did more gigs this year than ever before, I had no comp or anything to promote and I was DJing for sake of DJing and I had a lot of fun doing it without the pressure of flogging a product. It was liberating.
It’s been over 4 years since you last played The Arches, are you looking forward to heading back to one of the world’s best nightclubs?
Of course! Last time I played there I don't think I got it quite right, I can't really remember that well as it was so long ago but I'm determined to smash this one.
Do you remember your first gig with Colours?
Yep. It was actually in Edinburgh with Phil Thompson (also from Southampton). My Gran still has the flyer on her kitchen wall. My first time at the Arches was with Uncle Sasha and I remember the turntables (blimey it was ages ago) were jumping all over the shop.
It’s STREETrave’s 22nd Birthday Party on October 8th. What do you think has been the reason STREETrave has stood the test of time?
I have no idea what Streetrave is. Oops. I just googled it and found some ye old flyers K-Klass and people like that on it. How come those 90s flyers look so good? What happened to graphic design in rave music? In answer to your question (having researched it) I don't know but now I am a bit more informed on this legacy I am pleased to be a part of it.
You are at the forefront of technology when it comes to DJing, where do you think things are heading next in the scene?
Working with Pioneer I obviously have a small glimpse into the future that I'm not at liberty to talk about but lets just say its a constantly evolving market now whereas Technics Turntables dominated the market for many years, there are now many options available to the DJs in terms of performing and it will continue unfolding in this way and what defines a DJ will become increasingly hard to categorise.
Do you think it’s a bad thing that some DJs starting out don’t even attempt vinyl/CDs anymore and skip to the latest computer technology?
I do a bit but it depends on what other factors the performer brings to the set creatively. Technology has bred a a bunch of people who otherwise wouldn't be able to DJ and that is both a good and a bad thing depending on the person and your viewpoint. Is technology bad? No of course not, it allows us to advance the possibilities of the art but in my opinion the laziness of some people using it is not good. A DJ once said to me he loves Traktor because now he doesn't have to beatmatch and can get hammered whilst he playing. Failbot!
Are there any plans to release another album or compilation soon?
No. I'm completely over them for now. Soundcloud is where its at for the minute.
What are your top 3 STREETrave tracks for October?
Modeselektor 'Evil Twin' (Monkeytown Records)
Martyn 'We are You In the Future' (Brainfeeder)
Scuba 'Adrenalin' (Hotflush)
And finally, what should the people at The Arches expect from you on October 8TH?
Those three tracks above, hair, jumping about, sweating, geeky iPad shit and some amazing music (at least I think so), more sweating.
You can see James Zabiela play The Arches in Glasgow on Saturday 8th October. For more information on how to buy tickets CLICK HERE!
You can also listen to James Zabiela mixes on Soundcloud - CLICK HERE!
