James flew to St Petersburg after a set at one of London’s clubs. At one in the morning, J Majik finished his performance, got a short sleep and took an early-morning flight to St Petersburg. He was the first one out, with a small amount of luggage; he had only come for a day, so the heaviest thing was the records. When asked, “Where would you like to grab a bite?” he answered, “McDonald’s.” That’s where we met—in McDo on the second floor of the Sennaya shopping centre. He eats hamburgers, while we drink carrot juice…
One article about you vividly described how, in your free time away from music, you trade on the stock exchange. So what is more important to you after all: music or the stock exchange?
First and foremost, I’m a DJ and musician—that’s my main passion. I’m a broker second. Although the stock exchange is also my passion.
You’ve been going to clubs and playing since you were about 13. So it seems you didn’t really have a childhood either. How did your parents view your lifestyle?
My parents are creative people themselves. They never put me into any particular mould or forced me to do anything. My choice was solely my choice; there was no pressure from my mum or dad. As for childhood and school, I didn’t go out every day—I only went at weekends. By the way, that was also when I began earning my first money. It wasn’t much, but it was my own.
More than 10 years ago you played acid house, and then switched to drum and bass. What prompted that choice?
When I was just starting out, there was only one style of music—acid house. There were no other musical directions, and all the parties featuring this kind of music were underground. Then, sometime around ’92–’93, the music began splitting into other styles. On one side there was house, and on the other jungle—and so on. I also remember hardcore, which, in my opinion, died along with jungle. Drum and bass was one of the few styles that managed to survive and develop.
Who were your gurus back then, and who are they now?
There have been no changes here—they’re still the same people as in the early nineties: Grooverider, Richie Hawtin and Carl Cox. In the ’90s there was also a German DJ called Randall. I don’t know what became of him, but back then he was one of my favourites.
Where did you spend New Year’s?
Working. I played in one of the small towns near London.
Do you work often, and where do you perform most frequently?
Three or four times a week. At weekends I usually play at two places in a row, and sometimes I perform at four clubs in one night. Mostly, of course, in the UK; I also play a lot in the US, although after the events of September 11 it became quite difficult to get a visa.
Who listens to drum and bass in the UK?
All kinds of people. For example, young people aged 16–18 go to big raves. Clubs such as Fabric, on the other hand, attract adults aged 30–35.
Is there any time left for relaxation?
Yes. I’ll play at Tunnel now, and on the 5th I’m going to Switzerland to snowboard. I’ll celebrate my birthday there on January 7 as well.
You’ve worked with many stars: Everything but the Girl, Groove Armada and Goldie. Have you ever wanted to make remixes for anyone from the pop world?
I’m quite happy with the direction I’m working in, although, if I were to dream, I’d work with Björk or Shake Down.
The drum and bass community is quite small, and new names appear in it very rarely. In St Petersburg, for example, this music can only be heard at Tunnel. What is this connected with—is it difficult to break through, or are there no talented people?
Probably the latter. I receive a lot of demos, but there isn’t all that much quality music. Fifty per cent of the records I play are things I recorded myself. There is also the problem of breaking into the British music market, but if you’re talented, people will help you.
You performed in Moscow at the invitation of DJ Groove. What impressions did you come away with?
It’s a completely crazy city. I was there for only a few hours. At the airport, they assigned two bodyguards to me, and they accompanied me even to the toilet. True madness began at the club. Groove worked as an MC, and I put on the record Space Invaders. I think it played about seven times in a row. People were beside themselves with ecstasy, and towards the end the entire huge crowd sat down on the floor and raised their hands. I’ve never seen anything like it.
What is the most incredible rumour you’ve heard about yourself?
Probably the rumour DJ Groove started—that I was a former Vivienne Westwood model. What kind of model could I be? I’m 1.70 metres tall, and I’ve never, not even remotely, been involved in the modelling business.
How do you see the future of drum and bass?
I think this music will win more and more fans. Even today, compared with five or six years ago, drum and bass has clearly strengthened its position. This style is already being played on the radio and on the main dancefloors.
Interview: Stanislav Smirnov.
