Modern DJ’s have an impressive array of tools they can use to mix their music and express their style. During the past several years, most of the major pro audio companies have rolled out a variety of new technologies that are rapidly enhancing and transforming the art of DJing. James Zabiela has a reputation for embracing these new tools and has become skilled at incorporating them into his DJ sets, making him one of the most in- demand DJ’s on the world circuit. A typical Zabiela set straddles the boundary between house and breaks, featuring healthy doses of scratching, loops, and effects.

Zabiela received his first taste of success when he won Muzik Magazine’s Bedroom Bedlam DJ competition in 2001. A couple of years later, he was signed to Sasha’s DJ agency, Excession, and his career has skyrocketed since then. He currently holds residencies at Space-Ibiza and Pacha-New York and is constantly touring the globe in search of new places to export his unique sound. Zabiela has also released several original productions on Renaissance’s record label, proving that his skills extend beyond the DJ booth. Going forward, Zabiela looks to release more of his own productions and maintain his position at the forefront of electronic dance music.

We managed to catch up with James for a few minutes before a recent set at Mighty in SF.

Metrowize: What cities in North America do you think have a great dance music scene at the moment?

James Zabiela: I think it’s different in every city. America is so big that from city to city it can feel like a new country all together with many types of people into different things. It’s definitely a great place to play.

MW: You’ve played in SF a few times over the past several years. How do you adjust your style to fit in with what people are into here?

JZ: I think it’s important to stick to doing what you do, but like you say, you can’t be ignorant of the audience you’re playing to. I don’t usually know what I’m going to play until I walk into the club. I’ve played in SF a few times so I’m a little more comfortable here now. When it’s somewhere you haven’t played before it’s a totally different scenario. People in SF are pretty open-minded so I’ll probably play all sorts of music.

MW: Are you laptop based now or are you still using the CDJ’s primarily?

JZ: I use both actually. I use CD’s, Ableton, and Traktor Pro. I have so much stuff to set up and I don’t like disturbing the DJ who’s on before me so I usually just start with CD’s and then slowly plug everything else in. I also have a Korg Nano Controller and Kaoss Pad that I run through an effects unit. I basically have a bunch of toys that I use to make the set interesting for me as well as the people on the dance floor.

MW: What’s the funniest thing that’s happened at one of your recent gigs?

JZ: Last week I got an email from someone saying that they wanted me to help them propose to their girlfriend at the club. I didn’t really know how to go about doing that, what was I supposed to do, get on the mike? So I thought about it for a while and what I ended up doing was after I finished playing the set, I wrote on my laptop screen in huge letters “Sheri, will you marry Joe?” and held it up to the crowd. It was really mad, they started snogging on the dance floor and he got down on one knee and proposed. Everyone was cheering… it was cool!

For interviews, videos, and music, check out these sites:
James Zabiela Interview by About.com
NoolMusic: Video
The DJ List