You want this party started right? Here’s your man! The Underground Police are after you
Interview : Dan Prince
Kaz welcome back to DMCWORLD, where in the world are you today?
“I’m in sunny old London Dan working away in the studio.”
Massive news for you right now with the release of ‘Underground Police’ – the smash on new label Zerothree that you created with the mighty Junior Sanchez. Talk us through the sound and history of the track…
“I really like the track a lot and I’m really happy people are in to it! We just wanted to make a track that we really loved and was different to what was out there at the moment. We started messing around calling ourselves the “Underground Police”, “Stop making love hearts with your hands” etc etc. That’s kind of how the record came about!”
In our opinion the man like Sanchez is one of dance music’s unsung heroes, a truly lovely guy who’s music is just getting better and better. Any more plans to record with the legend?
“Yeah for sure!! Junior is my boy! We have known each other for a long time, I love working with him. He is very open minded to all genres of good music. I really love that about him. Plus I agree with you he is a legend but don’t tell him that I told you that, I will never hear the end of it…”
A great story behind Zerothree, an innovative new label dedicated to unearthing the undiscovered talent that exists in the online community of Dance Music producers as well as working with established talent, with an EP released every quarter featuring unsigned producers. A great idea, how did you hook up with these guys?
“To be honest there were a lot of labels that really wanted to sign “Underground Police”, but for us it just felt right to go with Zerothree! We were into what the label was about and the people behind it.”
Not many people know about your ‘other life’, a coffee shop owner. No let’s rephrase that, a fucking GREAT coffee shop owner. Shoreditch Grind has been supplying London’s Old Street with cracking coffee and amazing coffee cocktails for a while now…and now Soho Grind is upon us situated on Beak Street. How did you get into all this?
“Hahaha!! Yeah thanks it’s kind of a nice accident…basically my friend Dave was left this amazing two story building on Old Street roundabout from his passing father and I was looking for a new space to set up a studio in London. We then came up with the concept of opening an espresso bar on the ground floor to coincide with the recording studio upstairs. 3 years later, we are one of the busiest espresso bars in London and we just opened another one in Soho, London. The brand is going to continue expanding I’m what you call the “Creative Director” which is great cause I love coffee!”
What is the current top 10 you are spinning…
“Difficult to pick just 10 and all depending on the time of night I’m playing, but these are all at the front of the box at the moment…
Kaz James & Junior Sanchez – Underground Police
Watermat – Bullit
Mark Knight – The Return of Wolfy
Tom Staar – Rocket
Rufus – Desert Night (Kaz James Remix)
S-Man – Dangerous Thoughts
Eric Prydz – Liberate
Gus Gus – Crosfade (Maceo Plex Remix)
Oliver Heldens – Gecko
Shiba San – Okay
Rumour mill time, a collab with David Guetta about to drop? More info please!
“Yeah we have been working on some music together…you’re just going to have to wait and see…”
You toured a lot with Guetta last year, what are some of your ‘take home’ memories from those dates…I know it was a long time ago, but come on…!
“I actually played all over the world with him last year we did Europe, Middle East, Australia and Asia it was all amazing. David is great fun and we always have a good time when we hang out. We did a show at the Great Wall of China, which was definitely a magical experience. I remember David and myself looking at each with this overwhelming look, we were both blown away by the show at The Great Wall of China it was really an amazing experience!”
More big news coming from Down Under is you signing an extended deal with Onelove Australia. What are the plans here…
“I have worked with the Onelove guys for over 10 years so we are like family. We have some exciting new releases scheduled for this year, which I can’t wait for people to hear.”
What do you think makes Kaz James a great producer?
“I don’t see myself in that vein, but I’ve been very lucky to have worked with some amazing artists which hopefully means I’m good at what I do and what I love.”
The summer in Europe is just about here. Let’s kick off with the white isle, where can we catch you in Ibiza this year?
“I have some great shows this summer at Pacha, Ushuaia and of course I will be playing for my good friends at Mambo!”
If you had a night off in Ibiza, which club and DJ would you head to?
“Wow good question. I’m very open minded to all music so I try and check out as many shows as possible. I like checking out Pete Tong’s party, he always plays really up-front music and has great guests each week – and Defected’s parties are always great too. If I’m in the mood for some live music I’ll head to Ibiza Rocks.”
Ibiza – throw some reasons at us why this is still such an AMAZING place every year
“I always say that Ibiza is like playing the World Cup for DJs. I’ll be hones,t I stole that line from Pete Tong at lunch the other day! However, you can’t explain what it’s like playing there until you really experience it yourself. No matter how big or small the party is there’s a certain energy that you can’t find anywhere else in the world.”
Mykonos – an island that attracts the best DJs in the world every summer, but like to keep it under their hat. A summer residency we hear?
“That’s correct, I’ve been playing there for years and have always had an amazing time. When Paradise Club asked me if I would be up for having my own night I was super excited. I have some amazing guests planned. I will be doing several shows over the summer so if you’re around come say hello!”
Some massive festivals coming up for you, where you really looking forward to?
“I’m really looking forward to playing at the “Isle of Dreams Festival”. It’s going to be in Istanbul, Israel and Zurich. I’m especially excited about the Israel show; I’ve never been there and have always wanted to check it out.”
Best ever festival moment?
“I have had a few over the years but I think my most recent would be playing Main Stage at Stereosonic in my hometown Melbourne! It was amazing and the response from the crowd was great. I was really nervous which is funny cause I never get nervous.”
And finally, for the thousands of aspiring producers reading this interview, what 1 piece of advice can you offer to those wanting to follow in your footsteps?
“Spend as much time in the studio as possible. The more time you spend in the studio the more you learn and the better you become. Always be open minded about working with different people because you will always learn something that you didn’t know before. Most of all enjoy yourself.”
Kaz James & Junior Sanchez – ‘Underground Police’ feat Vick Knightly is released on Beatport on 19th May…
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