British DJ and producer James Organ has put the time and effort into his passion for house music, and he’s gradually starting to reap the rewards.
Previous releases have seen him on VIVa Music and W&O Street Tracks, and he has just debuted with Danny Howard’s Nothing Else Matters imprint for the labels brand new Generation Z series.
We had the chance to chat with James about the new release, what other labels he might be working with soon and how he’s managing to stay positive during the current pandemic. Get the full discussion below.
You just made your label debut on Danny Howard’s Nothing Else Matters for the first edition of his Generation Z series, where he highlights up-and-coming artists, that must give you confidence?
It’s been around a 10 year process for me, from getting into DJing, learning music production and eventually starting to release my own music. I’m very grateful this year to have received substantial support from not only Danny, but also from Jaguar and a lot of the BBC Introducing crew including Huw Stephens and more. Not to mention a lot of the artists I’ve followed over the years; Steve Lawler, Yousef, Hot Since 82, Sasha, Erick Morillo, Waze & Odyssey all supporting my music. It’s very humbling.
It’s a 3-track various artists EP that also includes works from Blueprint and Because of Art, what’s your thoughts on those guys?
Jack aka Blueprint is a friend from Liverpool, so I know him pretty well already. I love his sound and I think he’s going to go on and do big things. I met Because of Art through this particular release, and I’ve found that they are super sound guys making proper original music. The three of us are already talking about working on some music, so let’s see if anything comes of that!
Among your past releases, you’ve appeared on VIVa Music, W&O Street Tracks and Saved, can you give us any info on other labels you’ll be working with soon?
I have more music stockpiled at this current time than I’ve ever had before. My next release is due out on Hot Since 82’s Knee Deep In Sound label on April 24th, it’s a three-track EP which includes an amazing vocalist from Glasgow called Georgia Cécile who I have been trying to work with for quite a while.
I also have more music coming with Steve Lawler, this time on his iVAV label (the follow on from my Substance EP) in July time, and I’ve recently remixed Yousef for Circus Recordings which is due to drop at some point in the next few months. I have absolutely tons more tracks ready and waiting for the end of the year and I can’t wait to share them.
The entire live and performance side of the music industry has been put on pause in recent weeks, how have you been keeping busy while staying indoors?
I know a lot of DJ’s will talk about the cliche ‘In the studio’ time, which is very true for a lot of us, but I’m guessing the reader wants to hear about what we are doing either side of that. So, I recently bought Call Of Duty for PS4, and I have to say I’m reliving my teen years on this for sure. I’ve also never looked forward to going for a jog more in my life! This extra running and exercise is hopefully having a positive effect on my fitness. On top of this, I’m using the spare time to delve deeper into my studio hardware, trying to learn about other techniques or ways to use my synths. It’s a pretty tough period, but you can make it a positive one if you use the time properly.
What are you looking forward to the most when things become somewhat-normal again?
Pure and simply, the gigs. I can’t wait to start DJjing again, I never realised how much I love it until it was put on hold.
Can you recommend one album that has been keeping you sane through all this?
It’s not electronic, but I recently discovered an artist called Stimulator Jones which I have been playing a lot on Spotify. Check him out for sure, chilled summertime vibes.
What is your biggest passion outside of music?
This is a really tough one as music plays a big part in my life, but I would say escaping the sound of the studio to watch Liverpool Football Club is a big passion. They have been amazing to watch this year and it’s such a shame how the end of this season has panned out. Fingers crossed there will still be time to play out the remainder of games this year!
And lastly, tell us one track we should listen to after reading this interview?
I mentioned it earlier, but keep an eye out for my track ‘Addict’ featuring Georgia Cécile – forthcoming on Knee Deep In Sound!
James Organ – Faded is out now on Nothing Else Matters.