Kaz James That Party Interview

Kaz James That Party Interview

Spend New Year's Day with Basement Jaxx, Frankie Knuckles, Kaz James, Arthur Baker and Friends at THAT Party!

If you were lucky enough to be at THAT Party on New Year's Day this year, we do not need to say any more.
For those who missed out, take our advice and make it a priority to get your tickets now because with an absolute KILLER line-up at one of Melbourne's most glamourous venues and only 1,100 tickets being sold, you'd be mad to miss it again.

In the beautiful surrounds of The Point at Albert Park, Basement Jaxx will deliver their famous DJ set at their only Melbourne appearance, along with Chicago great Frankie Knuckles, our home boy Kaz James and the godfather of early 80s electro, Arthur Baker, helping you to kick off the New Year in only the best company.

Also returning to THAT Party after a stellar set last New Year's Day is the multi-talented Alex Dimitriades, who knows just how to get the party started!

Tickets are $165 and are selling fast!
www.facebook.com/thatparty

Interview with Kaz James

Kaz James is a new-wave enfant terrible a dance floor rebel who helped define a generation with the certified international anthem 'I Like The Way You Move'. As one half of the of BodyRockers duo, Kaz James released an addictive slice of dance/rock fusion that three years later continues to be recognised as a soundtrack for the sneering and stylish youth of today. It would've therefore been easy for Part 2 of the BodyRockers story to automatically continue with a follow-up record that would easily follow the lead of the previous success? but for 25-year old Australian musician Kaz James, the easy way isn't the best way forward, and so he delivers his debut solo album 'If They Knew'.

Question: Are you excited about heading to Melbourne for That Party?

Kaz James: Yes! I am coming to Melbourne to DJ for 'That Party' on New Year's Day. I've heard it's the coolest event, in the country. I am playing with Basement Jaxx, Frankie Knuckles, Kaz James and Arthur Baker it's going to be pretty amazing.

I'm not sure what I'm up to New Years Eve, yet. I have four offers on the table, for New Years Eve, around the country in Asia. I am trying to stay in the one city, it'd like to be in Melbourne I was in Melbourne for New Years Eve last year for Sensation. This year I am trying to stay in Melbourne and Australia, so I don't have to fly around, so much.


Question: Can you describe your music style?

Kaz James: My musical style is electronic I play anything electronic from house music to techno. At 'That Party' I will be playing more house music because of the vibe. I played at Fashion Week in Paris, last week and I played straight up disco (laughing) it depends on what type of event I'm doing. Looking at the line up for 'That Party' with Basement Jaxx and Frankie Knuckles who play house, I'll fit in with what they do, so we can all play similar music.


Question: What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Kaz James: To be honest, I listen to loads of rock music and the BodyRockers music. At the moment The Dead Weather is what I'm listening to and there is a lot of good electronic music coming out at the moment, I've been listening to that too.


Question: Who/What originally inspired you to get into the music industry?

Kaz James: I played music from a young age, as a kid- I learnt the keyboard, sang and I played the trumpet for years the music I learnt was quite boring. My Aunty was a big-disco-head and I listened to early dance music, with her and to me that was cooler than playing When the Saints Go Marching in on the trumpet. When I was 14 I got decks and I started playing at underage discos and friend's house parties.

I've been doing this for a long time now and it's something that came naturally, I have quite a musical ear and I am now writing and producing with loads of different artists from The Neptunes, Kelis, Macy Gray and many more!


Question: How does it feel to hear tracks that you have produced all over the airways?

Kaz James: It's cool- really cool! I heard a new track, that I did for Macy Gray, when I was out the other week which is all over the radio and I was at gym today and they were playing BodyRockers I Like The Way You Move. I have just finished my new album and it should be released at the beginning of 2011 and it'll be good to hear that everywhere, too.


Question: Has there every been a moment where you contemplated giving it up?

Kaz James: No, not really! I've never been in that moment but there have been moments where I have been fed up and frustrated, definitely, but this is my job, I don't know anything but music it's not like I can really go and do anything else.


Question: Do you have a preference, in terms of performing live or recording?

Kaz James: Each are different. I record everyday, to be honest. This year alone I have made, nearly, 40 songs. I am quite a hard working producer a lot of DJ's make two songs a year or just a remixes of someone else's writing. I am writing all day or writing for other people and I find it weird if I don't go into the studio. Then again, I love performing- if I am DJing or singing it's two different things but I want to do a lot more DJing this year compared to last year where I was concentrating on the studio and I had my head down. I have a lot of shows coming up.


Question: What's a typical day like, for you?

Kaz James: (Laughing) A typical day for me is I get up, I try and do some type of exercise, if I'm not hungover! Then, I hit the studio and start recording and work till late in the night and then on the weekend I am usually doing gigs.


Question: What has been your favorite part of becoming a music artist?

Kaz James: Yes, getting to work with amazing people, I have met some amazing people, who I have worked with and have become amazing friends. It's been cool and I have been working hard, I am having a lot of fun, doing what I'm doing.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Kaz James: I'm sure there are lots of people! I think when you collaborate with someone it's often something organic. Generally it is someone that I meet out, or that have been on tour and if I find something, I send it to them and then we jump in the studio, then and there. I like working with people when it sort of just happens, organically, rather than put together.