"My earlier stuff like 'Detail' and before, was definitely inspired by IDM artists like Telefon Tel Aviv, Aphex Twin, and Lusine. I loved the weird side of Aphex Twin to the more "accessible" sound of TTA, fusing a bit of R&B," James says. In her early releases and live shows, you indeed find prominent reflections of these, where there delicate chords, such as piano, sound rightfully in place among the arrhythmical breaks. "Chino from Deftones is one of my favourite vocalists of all time. I just love his softness amongst all the beautiful chaos. Even though I rarely sing on tracks (or some tracks you can't tell), his voice is my biggest influence," she says.
At the age of 16, her interest in electronic music has begun from glitch artists such as Baths and Dntel. Today, James' sound is harsher, more formed, and mature. "I listen to my music ALOT, like obsessively. Not because I love my music, it's because I'm always just analyzing it. Why? I don't know. I do a shit thing of comparing with other people's which I shouldn't do. But listening to the music around me has changed what I'm making now."
"My earlier stuff like 'Detail' and before, was definitely inspired by IDM artists like Telefon Tel Aviv, Aphex Twin, and Lusine. I loved the weird side of Aphex Twin to the more "accessible" sound of TTA, fusing a bit of R&B," James says. In her early releases and live shows, you indeed find prominent reflections of these, where there delicate chords, such as piano, sound rightfully in place among the arrhythmical breaks. "Chino from Deftones is one of my favourite vocalists of all time. I just love his softness amongst all the beautiful chaos. Even though I rarely sing on tracks (or some tracks you can't tell), his voice is my biggest influence," she says.
At the age of 16, her interest in electronic music has begun from glitch artists such as Baths and Dntel. Today, James' sound is harsher, more formed, and mature. "I listen to my music ALOT, like obsessively. Not because I love my music, it's because I'm always just analyzing it. Why? I don't know. I do a shit thing of comparing with other people's which I shouldn't do. But listening to the music around me has changed what I'm making now."
"I don't want my music to sound the same as it did two years ago because that was two years ago. I have gone out of my comfort zone during my production, and I'm glad because it has broadened my mind and I'm doing stuff I never thought I would do."
"I don't want my music to sound the same as it did two years ago because that was two years ago. I have gone out of my comfort zone during my production, and I'm glad because it has broadened my mind and I'm doing stuff I never thought I would do."
"I also listen to music, I might not generally like, and without me realizing during the time, it has influenced my production."
The desire to continuously evolve is underpinned by James' experimental approach that has always been a part of her output. In 2016, she met a fellow experimental musician Will Primett with whom they collaborated on two EPs using his LIME instrument – a technology harnessing the musical qualities of water. "I have a tattoo of the first one on my arm. Last year he moved to Portugal, so I don't know what the future of Hydra (the name of project) is." The two, who bonded over a shared love for math rock and electronica, met in North London - the area with a particular significance to James. It's where she was born and raised, so representing it to the best of her abilities is an essential part of her identity as an artist. "A lot of stuff is coming from South London, and it's sounding great. But I'm from Enfield, yeah James Blake is from there, but we couldn't be any further apart in terms of culture, background, etc. Different sides of areas in London need to be heard."
"I also listen to music, I might not generally like, and without me realizing during the time, it has influenced my production."
The desire to continuously evolve is underpinned by James' experimental approach that has always been a part of her output. In 2016, she met a fellow experimental musician Will Primett with whom they collaborated on two EPs using his LIME instrument – a technology harnessing the musical qualities of water. "I have a tattoo of the first one on my arm. Last year he moved to Portugal, so I don't know what the future of Hydra (the name of project) is." The two, who bonded over a shared love for math rock and electronica, met in North London - the area with a particular significance to James. It's where she was born and raised, so representing it to the best of her abilities is an essential part of her identity as an artist. "A lot of stuff is coming from South London, and it's sounding great. But I'm from Enfield, yeah James Blake is from there, but we couldn't be any further apart in terms of culture, background, etc. Different sides of areas in London need to be heard."
As James grew confident over time in who she is as an artist, making sure that her inspirations are evident has stopped being a priority. "Honestly, when I was younger (like 2/3 years ago), I concentrated (maybe even too hard) on making sure those influences were heard. I even had math rock in my description, but now I don't care if it sounds like A-Z. I just try and make my music process as natural as possible.” She explains that it means avoiding a "go-to" routine.
As James grew confident over time in who she is as an artist, making sure that her inspirations are evident has stopped being a priority. "Honestly, when I was younger (like 2/3 years ago), I concentrated (maybe even too hard) on making sure those influences were heard. I even had math rock in my description, but now I don't care if it sounds like A-Z. I just try and make my music process as natural as possible.” She explains that it means avoiding a "go-to" routine.
"I try to make my process vary, but sometimes I'm just lazy. Sometimes I'll try to make something similar to a song I've just heard, but it never turns out that way. I'm not mad at that though. Lately, I would start with sampling an old song of mine, or using a crap recording of my voice and turning that into something different. I've been working on the ol' recycling stuff."
"I try to make my process vary, but sometimes I'm just lazy. Sometimes I'll try to make something similar to a song I've just heard, but it never turns out that way. I'm not mad at that though. Lately, I would start with sampling an old song of mine, or using a crap recording of my voice and turning that into something different. I've been working on the ol' recycling stuff."
Pop genre is one of such things that she repurposed, a theme that started as a joke but subsequently made James a part of the wave of experimental artists who incorporate famous songs into their tracks. The tune ‘+44 - Thinking - Of - You’ sampling Mariah Carey’s ‘We Belong Together’ became widely circulated and got a bunch of remixes, including the one from a Dutch producer Drvg Cvltvre. After that, his label New York Haunted released James’ acclaimed EP ‘Button Mashing,’ of which she says, “For the first time, I was actually nervous about what people would make of it. I guess because people (a few) were excited about the release. I’ve never really had that before.”
James is incredibly humble about her achievements to date. In 2018, she was one of the recipients of Oram Awards, an initiative celebrating innovative female artists, which has previously spotlighted such acts as Klein, AJA and Ewa Justka. The Icelandic legend Bjork has also took notice of her talent, appearing at one of the shows with the rising star on the bill and shaking hers and object blue’s hands. Could it be that Bjork was scouting for new collaborators, having previously asked Jlin, Kelly Lee Owens and Lanark Artefax to remix her single ‘Arisen My Senses?’ It seems plausible to me.
Pop genre is one of such things that she repurposed, a theme that started as a joke but subsequently made James a part of the wave of experimental artists who incorporate famous songs into their tracks. The tune ‘+44 - Thinking - Of - You’ sampling Mariah Carey’s ‘We Belong Together’ became widely circulated and got a bunch of remixes, including the one from a Dutch producer Drvg Cvltvre. After that, his label New York Haunted released James’ acclaimed EP ‘Button Mashing,’ of which she says, “For the first time, I was actually nervous about what people would make of it. I guess because people (a few) were excited about the release. I’ve never really had that before.”
James is incredibly humble about her achievements to date. In 2018, she was one of the recipients of Oram Awards, an initiative celebrating innovative female artists, which has previously spotlighted such acts as Klein, AJA and Ewa Justka. The Icelandic legend Bjork has also took notice of her talent, appearing at one of the shows with the rising star on the bill and shaking hers and object blue’s hands. Could it be that Bjork was scouting for new collaborators, having previously asked Jlin, Kelly Lee Owens and Lanark Artefax to remix her single ‘Arisen My Senses?’ It seems plausible to me.
At around the same time, James has finished her degree in Commercial Music, something she recalls fondly. “I’m really glad I went to uni to be honest, not for the degree. But for meeting great musicians and doing this whole ‘live’ thang.”
And James’ music needs to be experienced live. Her training in piano at a young age has rebirthed as having a launchpad as one of the main instruments. Apart from a pleasant light show that the colourful buttons create as she plays, it is a joy watching the artist being present in the moment. “I get to not necessarily think about structure and little things like that. Thinking sort of goes out the window when I play,” James explains.
At around the same time, James has finished her degree in Commercial Music, something she recalls fondly. “I’m really glad I went to uni to be honest, not for the degree. But for meeting great musicians and doing this whole ‘live’ thang.”
And James’ music needs to be experienced live. Her training in piano at a young age has rebirthed as having a launchpad as one of the main instruments. Apart from a pleasant light show that the colourful buttons create as she plays, it is a joy watching the artist being present in the moment. “I get to not necessarily think about structure and little things like that. Thinking sort of goes out the window when I play,” James explains.
“Performing live gives me the opportunity to experiment with the clips and instruments I already have and manipulate that. Sometimes I kick myself because the live version I’ve played is better than the studio version. At the same time, I like the difference.”
“Performing live gives me the opportunity to experiment with the clips and instruments I already have and manipulate that. Sometimes I kick myself because the live version I’ve played is better than the studio version. At the same time, I like the difference.”
It’s been quite a journey for James over the last couple of years, from playing small venues to performing at Berlin Atonal. Last September, at a donation-based event where James was on the line-up, I met a musician who remixed one of her tracks, and we spent a substantial amount of time discussing what a promising artist she is. That’s the interaction I have with everyone familiar with James’ output. Her experimental flair convinces me that she’s here to stay as an artist who will keep on innovating, reaching further to develop her abilities. As of today, Iceboy Violet has put it right: “It’s really @LoJamMusic season, huh?
It’s been quite a journey for James over the last couple of years, from playing small venues to performing at Berlin Atonal. Last September, at a donation-based event where James was on the line-up, I met a musician who remixed one of her tracks, and we spent a substantial amount of time discussing what a promising artist she is. That’s the interaction I have with everyone familiar with James’ output. Her experimental flair convinces me that she’s here to stay as an artist who will keep on innovating, reaching further to develop her abilities. As of today, Iceboy Violet has put it right: “It’s really @LoJamMusic season, huh?