With releases on Hypercolour imprint Losing Suki, WOLF Music and Join Our Gang, James Welsh is one of the rising stars of the UK deep house scene. But what track did he wish he wrote? And what’s he addicted to? Find out as we put him to the test with our questionnaire.
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
Probably still working at Emmerdale [a UK soap opera] or unemployed as I wasn’t great at that. Heroin was pretty big on the street I grew up on.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“When in doubt, spin it out”
What inspires you?
My friends. I basically make music for my mates. If some of them like it, then it’s sound.
What’s the next big thing?
Fungle.
Best club experience?
Played at an old train station in Florence. Good crowd, amazing promoters/crew and the meal they took me and the Mrs for was incredible.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
I was once the sound recordist for an independent film about a transvestite super-hero. It wasn’t critically acclaimed. Or released, thankfully.
How do you know when a track is finished?
When I can dance to it by myself in the studio.
When did you realise you could give up your day job?
When I didn’t have time to do both any more. It wasn’t a hard choice.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
Being independently wealthy is a good start, unlike myself.
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
Probably a remix Ocelot did of this emo band Elliot. It was a joke that got out of hand. It was the first remix we ever did and it was sort of our take on ‘Believe’ by Cher meets some terrible trance record. It was still pretty awesome but I might have some kind of haemorrhage if I heard it again. It’s not online as far as I’m aware (praise be to Satan).
Recommend us a film.
Recommend us a book.
Dostoevsky –The Idiot
What or who is underrated?
The Sweet Centre Restaurant, Bradford
What or who is overrated?
Mumtaz, Bradford
What are you addicted to?
What do you lust over?
Any well made studio hardware and electric guitars. A Studer 8-track tape machine, Elektron Machinedrum, Dave Smith Prophet 8, everything Jagz Kooner owns…
What is your greatest regret?
Never pulling a tailwhip to pedals.
What one thing would most improve your life?
An actual Fairchild compressor
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
I played a birthday party once where some girl’s dad was selling shit pills. We accidentally smashed a trailer into his Nissan Skyline and got kicked out, then his family who we’d offended smashed my mate’s window. That was pretty shit.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
Living in the middle of nowhere I tend to be a bit of a hermit when it comes to working on tunes, but I love collaborating when I get the chance.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
Autechre – ‘Gnatz Graf’
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without?
Digidesign Vacuum
Art or money?
Art, always… Then some money please.
What’s your single biggest frustration within the music industry?
The vast majority.
Favourite label?
Wall Of Sound. Still, after all this time.
Art or money? Art, always… Then some money please.
What’s the worst thing about making music?
Getting paid six months after you did something.
What’s your motto?
Live or die trying (to live).
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Do something interesting. I don’t care what it says in Sound On Future DJ Music magazine, put seven delays on your master. Fuck it. Just DO SOMETHING INTERESTING!!!
Air Valley EP is out now on Losing Suki.