DJ Jesse James interview by Adam Cotier
The scene in Shoreditch has obviously got more popular, some people now shy away & don’t see it as cutting edge as it once was, however i personally see it as thriving! Jesse James.
As we launch our Made in Shoreditch DJ Competition we thought we would get an insight into what it really takes to become a well recognized Shoreditch DJ. We spoke to Connected front man DJ Jesse James, a well respected and regular Shoreditch Dj with over 15 years experience as a professional, playing alongside some of the hottest DJs at the moment including Waifs & Strays, Huxley, Subb-An and soon Mr David Squillace (DC10) … this was one DJ I simply had to interview.
Here is what he had to say when we met up.
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Q: Could you tell us a little about yourself, how long have you been DJin, what made you get into it?
A: I have been DJing & promoting events for over 15 yrs professionally, I run the fab night Connected based here in London
and have recently been hard at work in the studio, working on collaborations with my good friend Johnny Bloomfield.
Q: After enjoying nationwide success with Connected, could you tell us what its all about and what we can expect from you guys?
A: Connected was created initially to get regular work for a group of musically like minded DJ’s. After moving from bar to bar around London, we were given the opportunity to take ‘back rooms’ of some of the major venues and things quickly progressed from there. We became more popular, picked up more followers and our big break came in 2007 hosting the main Box room @ Ministry of Sound! After packing out that room they gave us the whole club once a month on a Friday, and from there we staged 4 legendary parties.
Connected isn’t a ‘faceless’ event like a lot of the ‘big’ names are, most people know myself & the resident DJ’s through coming to the nights regularly or through friends, its kinda strange, because although we will have 1000+ people at a party everyone kind of knows everyone…. hence the name ‘Connected’.
Q: Every good DJ reaches a point when they move into production, you being one of them, how did you find the transition and where has it taken you?
A: We’ve been putting some serious hours in the studio recently, learning all the time and putting together some decent stuff, Jesse James & Johnny Bloomfield – Chuck’s Groove is just about to land next week and my solo debut release – Freakin’ is out now!
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Q: First gig in Shoreditch?
A: That would be Connected Thursday’s @ Jam Bar, Shoreditch High street, in 2009.
Q: How do you see the Shoreditch house music scene at the moment and where do you see it going?
A: The scene in Shoreditch has obviously got more popular, some people now shy away & don’t see it as cutting edge as it once was, however I personally see it as thriving! The place is just buzzing most nights and Thursday – Sunday and most bars are rammed to the rafters! You’ll always find the coolest DJ’s in Shoreditch, whether it be house music or dubstep, Shoreditch is THE place to party in London.
Q: Who do you see as iconic within the Shoreditch house music scene?
A: A name that springs to mind is DJ Shane Watcha. Shane has been playing in & around Shoreditch for years and is a local legend, he’s friday nights at Cargo are fantastic too!
Q: What has been your best & worst experience as a DJ so far?
A: I’ve had so many of both to be honest…When your a DJ on the fringes, nothing’s simple, it certainly is rough with the smooth!
I guess the best would be Bondi Beach Xmas Day, SW4, Brixton Academy, Koko, MOS…All massive events!
The worst.. well they are ones I’ve already forgotten about!
Q: Any notable upcoming gigs?
A: I am playing this years SW4 festival also a wicked little festival in Kent called Lounge on the farm!
Connected ‘wise’ we have Davide Squillace flying in to headline Cable for us on 28th April.
Forthcoming Connected events;
Sat 28th April @ Cable London – Davide Squillace
Sat 19th May @ Cargo London – Mark Fanciulli
Sat 26th May @ Zinc Southend – Sam Russo, No Artificial Colours
Sat 9th June @ Cable London – Darius Syrossian & Wildkats
Sat 14th July @ Source Bar Maidstone – Matt Tolfrey
Sat 28th July @ Cable London – Audiojack & Deepgroove
Q: As we launch our search for the next big thing in Shoreditch with our DJ competition, what would you look for if you were a judge, any pointers for potential entrants?
A: Obviously beat matching & tune selection and a bit of flair… I do like a DJ that stands out from the rest and does a few tricks! Scratching always gets the juices going!
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Be sure to check out Jesse’s Soundcloud for his latest releases, I particularly like “Ways & Mean” it has an awesome groove to it!
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Social Media/Contact links
www.connectedevents.co.uk
http://soundcloud.com/djjessejames
https://www.facebook.com/jessejamespage
https://twitter.com/JesseJamesdj