Hey James,
Great to see you on turntable.fm the other night. It's always great to see a DJ we listen to on a daily occurence hang out with us on that website.
So James, how did you get into DJing?
I've been into electro house and other types of EDM for a long time, but I actually got into DJing simply as a means to play my music for people. After I began producing Dance music, DJing the quintessential method of live performance for this genre, so I consider myself more of a producer than a DJ, but being a DJ is the way I share my music in a live atmosphere with people.
Where did you grow up/from?
I lived in Dallas, TX all the way through high school. After high school, I moved with my family to Huntington Beach, CA which is just south of LA and that's where I really was exposed to dance music and the rave scene.
What is your favorite song you have produced?
I really love Back To New, and there's actually a number of songs from my new album (“In The Beginning” – out April 30 on Beatport) that still give me goosebumps after hundreds of listens. Playing live though, nothing seems to compare to Blackhawk though. Dance floors always just go mad when I play that song, and I of course love it!
What do you consider your best song?
I think Back To New would have to be my best song. I love how musical it is and still incorporates that musicality through the drop, which I think is pretty gnarly.
Do you prefer DJing or producing songs more?
It's actually quite hilarious…every time I get into the studio, I want to be on the road playing shows. Every time I get on the road, I just want to be cranking out tunes in the studio. It's kind of a nice blend. I really appreciate both, and it keeps both fresh.
What is the best part of life as a deejay?
I think the best part is just having “that moment” with the crowd. I usually find myself blown away at how much people just seem to lose control to my music when I'm performing. Playing a song out for the first time and watching the crowd bond and go nuts over a song they've never heard before is just insane to me.
Have you produced with any other popular DJs?
I've got a side project with Ecotek (Denver) right now and I've got a few new collabs that I don't know if I should really talk about yet (just cause they're still in the baby stages), but I think 2012 will be a good year in terms of collabs.
Which DJs give you the most inspiration?
My favorite DJ's are the guys who went out on a limb to do their own unique thing. Skrillex definitely comes to mind, his story is great and he's still an incredibly humble and down to earth guy despite his success. He's definitely a great role model for the scene.
What are your goals for this next year?
I've been on this new philosophy of setting quarterly goals. I can tend to be a procrastinator if I don't have something to directly look forward to, so I like to break my goals down and I find they help me push myself to achieving greater goals than I would have otherwise in a year. Some of my goals I want to accomplish by July include doubling my internet following, finishing one of the collab EP‘s on my plate, playing a number of out of state shows, festivals…etc. I'd say it's nothing too complex, just pushing myself to put out more New Music and interact with more music lovers who would potentially love my music!
What kind of advice would you give someone who is interested in producing music?
Keep it about the music. Explore, experiment, find yourself on a different level you've never experienced before.
And last question, What would you like to say to all your fans out there?
I gotta say thanks so much for the support, keep striving to find good music out there, and share the love!
James Egbert's New Album “In The Beginning”
Check out James Egbert- Back to New
