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Written by IS Team
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Friday, 02 May 2008 |
 UK DJ/producer James Zabiela has begun the revolution on his new double-disc release, ALiVE - due out July 19th, 2004 on Renaissance (August 10th on System Recordings in the US). Mixed live with three CDJ1000 MKIIs, a DJM600 mixer and an EFX500 effector unit, James is setting the standards that others will ultimately have to follow. The technologically-advanced approach to the mixing of this release is furthered by the CD's 7-page liner notes, which give a technical breakdown of every track, every loop, every effect, and every ''Eureka!'' that went into forming this new release. The notes are even replete with tips and advice, and give very specific detail for any bedroom DJ or producer looking to learn from a master.
The 23-year old prodigy, whose rise to the top can only be called meteoric, was himself only a bedroom DJ a mere three years ago. After winning a Bedroom DJ competition sponsored by a dance magazine, James quickly began making a name for himself. It wasn't long before he began playing all over the globe at some of the world's most prestigious clubs and events, and now holds a coveted residency at Ibiza's most popular nightclub, Space.
Embracing new technology, James has already set himself apart from the pack - He rarely uses vinyl, feeling there is more freedom with the CD format. He is also pioneering the use of the newly developed CD VJ decks, allowing him to mix audio and video at the same time via mixing with DVDs. File sharing on the internet is something he is a huge proponent of, putting a slew of his live mixes online for download and swapping MP3s of new tracks and bootlegs with producers around the world. Furthermore, James utilizes message board technology to talk to fans about just-played gigs, apologize if something went wrong, and give tips, letting people know what tracks he played, etc.
On ALiVE, James' influences range from the old TV series ''Doctor Who'' (he created a ''Dalek emulator'' in Reason to simulate the sounds of the evil robotic Daleks in the series) to the sounds of city life (The track ''Southampton Sounds'' was created by recording sounds in Southampton through a microphone strapped to his mountain bike). He explains the use of echoes to disguise when he's jumping into a loop, and occasionally freestyles or mixes the CD live without headphones just ''to be cocky,'' he says. He also gives advice, telling his fans in the liner notes for CD1:Track 7, ''Remember! The filtered down ''DandL'' loop can drift out of time slightly and it won't matter as you can't hear the timing imperfections due to the fact there's no percussion to be heard.''
The CD's progressive sound is enough to capture the ear of any listener, weaving through tracks, loops and samples flawlessly. His parting words: ''If you're going to try this at home, stay away from the Flange button - It's not big and it's not clever.''
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