Samual James Interview

Samual James is the face of this generation’s electronic music in Melbourne. Producing a loud sound that’s driven by progressive house, he has become an unstoppable force both in the studio and on the dance floor. As a result, he was chosen to create ‘Ultra Dance 2015’ alongside fellow artist, Will Sparks. With the massive compilation now able to purchase, we chatted to the local favourite to discuss music, Melbourne and taking ‘Ultra Dance 2015’ on tour…

Hi Samual, how’s your summer been?
My summer has been great! But, unfortunately, Melbourne didn’t really get much of a ‘summer’

So, how did it come about that you were to be a part of the ‘Ultra Dance 2015’ compilation?
It actually came as a complete surprise to me. My management emailed me with the details out of the blue one morning and I couldn’t believe it! There was a short deadline so I dropped everything and got straight into it.

How did you decide which artists and tracks to use? Did you have to consult with Sparks about your approach?
Will and I were given a list of about 80+ tracks and from there we cut them down to about 18-20 each. My CD has some better-known radio tracks as well as a lot of stuff that I personally love and some records that are already in my DJ sets!

Have any of the artists inspired your own work?
There are so many of my close mates across the 2 CDs and we are all such a tight knit group; we all really help each other out and that translates in to my work.

You’re taking the compilation on a tour of Australia; where are you most looking forward to playing?
There are so many amazing shows across the tour it’s hard to pick just one! But any time I get to perform outside of Melbourne is really exciting for me. A personal favourite of mine though would have to be The Met in Brisbane!

You have seven dates in Melbourne, more than anywhere else; how would you describe the dance music scene in Melbourne?
Melbourne’s scene is really thriving at the moment. Not only is there an abundance of successful club nights but so many breakthrough artists are coming out of Melbourne at the moment as well. You could almost call it more of a culture than a scene here, which I think is great. It’s definitely different from anywhere else in Australia!

What else do you have planned for the year?
A lot of new music! I’m currently polishing off what will hopefully be the next single release, as well as working with a few fellow Melbourne producers. Zac Waters and I started one the other week, which I’m very excited about! The Ultra Dance tour will also keep me very busy! It kicks off this week and goes right through ‘til May.

If you could play any festival or club around the world, which would you choose?
Very easy… TOMORROWLAND!

Ultra Dance 2015 Tour Dates featuring Samual James

8th March – Cloud Nine, Melbourne
8th March – Empire, Melbourne
13th March – The Met, Brisbane
14th March – Billboard, Melbourne
20th March – Hidden Forrest, Melbourne
21st March: Levels, Melbourne
27th March – Groove Saint, Albury
28th March – Home House, Geelong
2nd April – Level 3 Crown, Melbourne
4th April – Cloud Nine, Melbourne
11th April – Platinum Nightclub, Gold Coast
18th April – Marquee, Sydney
2nd May – Red Square, Adelaide

Buy Ultra Dance 2015 now

Samual James & JDG ‘Mumbai’