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RA Interviews James Zabiela
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| Paradox Lost |
I remember there being a 'what is he up to?' thread about Zabiela posted some time ago, but can't seem to find it, so I'll just post this here.
https://www.residentadvisor.net/features/3298
It's an especially long one, and a good chunk of it is rather technical in nature, which I'm sure the more tech-minded people will appreciate, but he sounds just as passionate about the craft as ever before, which I'm sure everyone can appreciate.
A small section worth highlighting:
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Has the core of your sound changed much over the last decade?
I think it's probably gone back to where I was when I started almost. I guess that's just the way music trends go as well. I definitely had a few regretful years of electro house, I think. You do get pulled a little bit into genres that are trendy. Actually I was listening to your interview with Lee Burridge and he was talking about the whole minimal thing, and Ibiza thing, and trying to fit in with that. So yeah, it's easy for that to happen, but you find your way back eventually.
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BTW, did we just completely miss the fact that Zabiela did a Balance comp this year? |
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| miamitranceman |
I have always appreciates Zabs particularly from the technical side of DJing. Hell, he was pioneers poster child to show of each gen of new gear, particularly the EFX 1000 back in the day.
Great producer as well with some great tracks like Human and Perseverance.
Edit: IS Still Pioneers poster child... awesome |
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| Sykonee |
| quote: | Originally posted by Paradox Lost
BTW, did we just completely miss the fact that Zabiela did a Balance comp this year? |
I heard about it, more for the fact that Balance is back in action after such a long hiatus. If this mix is anything like his Renaissance contributions though, I'd expect exactly 1 CD's worth of dope music spread out across 2. |
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| wotyzoid |
| I used to be such a huge Zabiela fan back in those days, doesn't even seem that long ago. Still have never seen him in person, sadly. |
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| SYSTEM-J |
| quote: | Originally posted by Sykonee
I heard about it, more for the fact that Balance is back in action after such a long hiatus. If this mix is anything like his Renaissance contributions though, I'd expect exactly 1 CD's worth of dope music spread out across 2. |
Balance never went out of action, they just had a few years where they released most of their CDs under the Balance Presents... moniker rather than the numbered Balance series.
Zabiela's 2010 Essential Mix still gets a run out every now and again. That was actually a very influential mix for me as it got me into ASC-style drum 'n bass around that time. I'll have a listen to his Balance CD this evening, but I doubt it will hit the same heights. There's something about Zabiela I find slightly "dry", in the aesthetic sense of what he plays. Even the warmer tracks he plays have a computerised electro-static feel to them. |
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| miamitranceman |
| quote: | Originally posted by SYSTEM-J
Balance never went out of action, they just had a few years where they released most of their CDs under the Balance Presents... moniker rather than the numbered Balance series.
Zabiela's 2010 Essential Mix still gets a run out every now and again. That was actually a very influential mix for me as it got me into ASC-style drum 'n bass around that time. I'll have a listen to his Balance CD this evening, but I doubt it will hit the same heights. There's something about Zabiela I find slightly "dry", in the aesthetic sense of what he plays. Even the warmer tracks he plays have a computerised electro-static feel to them. |
Yes all of his mixing has a sort of robotic overlay to the sound which I think is what you’re referring to.
I remember seeing him in 2012 down here in Miami. I was near the booth and it was epic. |
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| Sykonee |
| quote: | Originally posted by SYSTEM-J
Balance never went out of action, they just had a few years where they released most of their CDs under the Balance Presents... moniker rather than the numbered Balance series.
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Ah, never heard of that one. Wonder how many others did as well? Probably why they went back to the numbered series. |
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| SYSTEM-J |
| quote: | Originally posted by Sykonee
Ah, never heard of that one. Wonder how many others did as well? Probably why they went back to the numbered series. |
I'm not sure how you missed it, to be honest. They were reviewed and promoted on all the usual websites and outlets, and the DJs featured have probably been higher profile than the ones on the main series recently (Patrice Baumel vs James Zabiela? Hernan Cattaneo vs Stacey Pulled?) It wasn't until your comment that I even clocked that they were two separate series. |
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| Sykonee |
| quote: | Originally posted by SYSTEM-J
I'm not sure how you missed it, to be honest. They were reviewed and promoted on all the usual websites and outlets, and the DJs featured have probably been higher profile than the ones on the main series recently (Patrice Baumel vs James Zabiela? Hernan Cattaneo vs Stacey Pulled?) It wasn't until your comment that I even clocked that they were two separate series. |
I actually went on an Amazon splurge on a bunch of Balance mixes last year, and none of them came up in search queries. Except Cattaneo, now that I recall. It did seem strange he had two separate mixes for Balance.
Edit: mind, that may have just been Canadian Amazon's fault, as that store front doesn't always list *all* the things. |
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| Paradox Lost |
Unless something dramatic his changed with his style, I think an appreciation for the technical way in which Zabiela works and has been long since reputed largely factors into whether you enjoy him on a night out, as his sound more than most headliners seems unpalatable to the unsuspecting club goer. You don't need to be a prog devotee to walk through the doors and enjoy a night with Cattaneo or Guy J (it's hard to miss your audience with pretty/driving 4/4 house music), but Zab-Breaks? It's gonna take a bit of acquiring, and don't think five hours is enough time to do it.
| quote: | Originally posted by Sykonee
I actually went on an Amazon splurge on a bunch of Balance mixes last year, and none of them came up in search queries. Except Cattaneo, now that I recall. It did seem strange he had two separate mixes for Balance. |
Well that temporary shift from artist to label in the compilation titles was a bit different. Everyone on both series is credited as an artist, but Cattaneo and Saiz were branded according to their respective label on the Balance Presents series. |
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| craiggarner |
| quote: | | Originally posted by Paradox Lost You don't need to be a prog devotee to walk through the doors and enjoy a night with Cattaneo or Guy J (it's hard to miss your audience with pretty/driving 4/4 house music), but Zab-Breaks? It's gonna take a bit of acquiring, and don't think five hours is enough time to do it |
I’d argue the opposite. I would expect a casual fan to find a JZ set easier to enjoy than a Guy J or Cattaneo as he jumps about styles more freely and his behind-the-decks demeanour is far more conducive to a party.
The last time I saw JZ play, he opened with Katcha - Touched By God (Peace Division remix) and the crowd were putty. I’ve never seen either Guy J or Cattaneo throw down with that “who’s up for a party?” panache. |
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| SYSTEM-J |
| quote: | Originally posted by Paradox Lost
Unless something dramatic his changed with his style, I think an appreciation for the technical way in which Zabiela works and has been long since reputed largely factors into whether you enjoy him on a night out, as his sound more than most headliners seems unpalatable to the unsuspecting club goer. You don't need to be a prog devotee to walk through the doors and enjoy a night with Cattaneo or Guy J (it's hard to miss your audience with pretty/driving 4/4 house music), but Zab-Breaks? It's gonna take a bit of acquiring, and don't think five hours is enough time to do it. |
I hope this wasn't prompted by my comment. |
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