The kind of DJ that makes other DJs stand in the corner and scratch their heads in disbelief, UK trailblazer James Zabiela is renowned across the music community for his technical wizardry, eclectic taste — and flowing blond locks.
Ahead of a gig at Abu Dhabi’s Iris Yas Island, we asked about each of these qualities in turn.
You’ve consistently garnered deep respect from your peers and the press since beginning your career 15 years ago. What is the secret of your longevity, and your credibility?
I guess it might be because I still love DJing as much as I ever did, and I have a real enthusiasm for it that is genuine — I think people can see that when I play. Actually I’ve just got home from DJing in Croatia, absolutely shattered from travelling and not sleeping, yet instead of gong to bed like I should have I’ve stayed up all night because I wanted to fool around with the new Pioneer sampler. Some might say that’s a bit sad, but it’s that kind of addiction to the art that has kept me going. I mean, I couldn’t just let it sit in the box, could I?
You’re a man known for embracing new technology in inspiring ways. What do you make of the great laptop nightclub ban? Can you ever have too much tech?
Yes I think so, it’s all about the balance and I still have a very old school way of playing even though my set-up is quite nerdy. I don’t like the tech to do the work for me, I want it to help me do things I couldn’t otherwise do. I played a gig in Sao Paulo the other day and they had some super old smashed up CDJs without the waveform display, that after a while you become accustomed to. Yet it was kind of liberating, just me and the music you know? Even the pitch was kind of wonky on one of the players, it almost felt analogue in a sense. Ha!
What are the three essential ingredients to a good DJ set, and what goes through your head when you’re behind the decks?
Tunes you love, skills and a good mindset. I say the latter because people can see when you’re not confident or not in a great mood, and it’s an important overlooked aspect to DJing. If a comedian isn’t confident no one laughs because it’s radiated out to his audience, and whilst I consider myself a fairly shy and awkward person, I thankfully have my enthusiasm to fall back on to hopefully shine through.
Forgive the trivial question, but you’re also known for a distinctive look. How much money would we have to raise for a charitable cause in order for you to cut your hair?
You’re forgiven, but I’m not cutting my hair. Yet.
The UAE and its crowds sometimes get a bad rap in the global clubbing community. You’ve spun in these parts stacks of times — what have been your experiences gigging in the Gulf?
It does? I’ve always had great gigs in these here parts. Dubai and Beirut especially, but I guess like anywhere, even within one city there can good parties and not so good ones depending on your point of view. What can make a bad gig for me is normally some bugbear like the technical set-up of the DJ monitors, the positioning of the DJ booth, or if I make a mistake. I remember there was a time where I was playing outside in Dubai and it was crazy hot — as it tends to get there sometimes — and so I was dripping and sweating on all the equipment. I was completely soaked through — gross — and this lead me to make a few quite literal slip ups. Oh well, we all make mix tapes.
James Zabiela spins at Iris Yas Island on Thursday August 25, doors 9pm (reservations 055 160 5636 or reservations@irisabudhabi.com). He is also at Iris Beach Club in Beirut on Friday August 26.
