Triple-platinum songwriter and producer Hayden James returns with his first single of 2021 ‘Foolproof,’ a collaboration alongside revered contemporary dance duo Gorgon City and fellow Australian singer-songwriter Nat Dunn. Released on Positiva / Future Classic, the deep moody house track is a welcomed return for James, and reestablishes his position as a global house selector on the international stage for 2021. DMCWORLD dives in…
Hi Hayden congrats on the new single. Where are you right now?
Thanks so much! I’m at home in Sydney, Australia.
How did this collaboration come about?
I’ve been a big fan of the Gorgon City guys for a long time and we got to connect early 2020 during a tour in Australia. We had one session and wrote a couple of songs that include this new single, ‘Foolproof’. Nat and I have been working together for years and I really love her style and vibe in the studio. It was an easy fit for all of us.
What were the challenges in producing a track when you’re all on different continents?
Time.. haha. It just takes a lot longer to make things happen when we’re all over the world. Matt is in London, Kye in Chicago, Nat in Brisbane and I’m in Sydney.
What’s your favourite Gorgon City track and do you remember where you heard it?
‘Ready For Your Love’ is my absolute favourite. I heard this record when I just started getting into DJing and writing music.
You’ve worked with Nat Dunn before. What makes you both work so well together?
I think firstly we’re just great friends. We’ve spent so much time together playing shows and travelling the world. I’m always so excited to work with Nat. She’s also INCREDIBLY talented!
What’s your dream collaboration?
Pharrell Williams
You did an amazing Live DJ Stream near Sydney harbour. Have you got plans to do any more in interesting locations?
Sure do. Even though things are slowly starting to open up a little in Australia I still love the idea of recording sets in unique locations. I’ve always loved the cercle sets. Would love to partner with them one day.
How have you adapted to the global lockdown?
I’ve just put all my time into family and writing music. It’s actually been nice to be in one spot for so long. Touring is amazing but it comes with challenges.
We see things have started to open up in Australia. Are you planning to return to perform/ DJ soon?
I’ve played a few shows the last month or so which have been incredible. Feels so good to be performing again but really can’t wait to travel all around the world and perform. I’ve really missed it.
Australia keeps spawning exciting electronic dance artists. Are there any up and coming that we should keep our eyes on?
Honestly it’s been hard to keep track of all the new music coming out. I think there’s going to be a massive wave of releases / albums in the next year from artists that have been hibernating in the studio. One of the most exciting artists for me at the moment coming up is Willaris. K.
Hayden James + Gorgon City + Nat Dunn ‘Foolproof’ (released March 19 on Positiva /Future Classic).
