In Conversation with James What: From French Funk Bands to Asia's Electronic Frontier
Growing up in the south of France, James What discovered his passion for music through playing in funk, rock, and jazz bands. In 1999, he moved to London to study music and sound engineering, and since then has been involved in diverse musical projects—from house and techno to producing for TV, games, and commercials.
Pursuing his passion for electronic music, James released his first record in 2005 and participated in the Red Bull Music Academy in Seattle that same year. In 2006, he teamed up with Dan Berkson to perform and produce together, releasing numerous records and remixes both as a duo and solo on respected labels including Poker Flat, Crosstown Rebels, Get Physical, and their own imprint, Modelmaker.
In 2015, James relocated to Chiang Mai, Thailand—seeking to explore Asia, take a break from London, and help develop the regional scene. He's since launched Araï Agency to bring more international artists to Asia. His label Modelmaker has also been influenced by the move, with the next release coming from MadderModes (residents at The Observatory in Saigon), whom he met while playing there last year.
Most memorable gig to date?
I'm not sure I can single out just one—there are a few that stand out:
The first few times playing at Panorama Bar in 2007 and 2008
The closing of Secret Sundaze in London back in 2007
Saturday night on Robot Heart at Burning Man in 2012
Fusion Festival in 2009—a great one I'd love to return to
Those have been some of the highlights for me.
Upcoming gigs and productions?
James is actively looking for more Asia-based artists to collaborate with. This summer includes:
Dhaka, Bangladesh – A new territory and very exciting
August in Saigon – Launching the new Modelmaker release (MDL6) with MadderModes at The Observatory
September – Boogie Box in Abu Dhabi, followed by a Brazil tour with Triade Records to coincide with his new release there
October – Planning an Australia tour
On the production front, there's a new Berkson & What release coming on US-based Touch of Class Records (featuring a Jovonn remix), plus another on Triade Records.
Greatest inspirations or influences?
I've always been influenced by many genres all across the musical spectrum, from funk to jazz to ethnic music but also by travel, history, documentaries and movies where I’ve collected many samples over the years.
If I had to narrow I down to my earliest electronic influences it would be people like Carl Craig, Âme, Derrick Carter, Marc Farina and Aphex Twin and the London based DJs which I got to hear so often like Craig Richards and Secretsundaze’s Giles Smith and James Priestley.
How has your time living/working/breathing in Asia affected/evolved you as a person and with your music?
The move the Asia has been a real breath of fresh air after 15 years in London. I enjoy being a little detached and find my own inspiration and ideas in a different environment than a DJ/producer dense metropolis.
Asia is still off the beaten track for electronic music and being based here opens a range of new opportunities, as its difficult for most places to invite internationals with more limited budgets than in Europe or the US.
The lower cost of living compared to London also really takes the pressure off, no more rat race. Can’t say I’ve ever had it better than since I moved here.
Favorite websites or social media handles you follow?
Just following promoters and artists is already plenty.
My favourite website is probably www.topdocumentaryfilms.com- I got a lot of inspiration from there.
I spend a lot of time on http://www.juno.co.uk
http://www.phonicarecords.com to check out new records.
Here is his last mix released on Pulse Radio
