We caught up with dance and electronic music producer James Hype to discuss music, his summer highlight, fashion and what’s in store for 2017.
Who influences you musically?
I’m influenced by all types of music, I really like listening to hip hop because I like the attitude in the music, I like a lot of older dance music from when they first started sampling records and things like that.
Name 3 artists you had on your playlist growing up
Elton John, Jamiroquai & 50 Cent.
What was the pinnacle moment when you realized you could make a career in music?
I feel as if I have been making a career in music before I even started producing music because I was DJing – but my first paid club gig was when I was 18.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
Performing ‘More Than Friends’ with Kelli Leigh at a sold out Ushuaïa in Ibiza and seeing all the people singing it back and jumping around.
If you could collaborate with one other artist, past or present, who would it be?
It has to be Drake! I don’t know what a collaboration between us would sounds like but he’s the king.
Your track ‘More Than Friends’ made its way to number 8 on the UK charts, how did you feel when you found out you made it into the top 10?
It was amazing! It really exceeded everyone’s expectations. My mom was texting me the whole time keeping me updated on what number it was up to on the charts. I’m really happy about it, and thank you to everyone who streamed it.
What is the most memorable venue you have ever played?
I played at Creamfields Festival and that was the biggest crowd I’ve ever played to. I was very, very nervous but it was amazing. I think it was over 10,000 in the tent, it really was a sea of people.
What, who and where was the most memorable performance you have ever seen?
Watch the Throne – Jay Z & Kanye West at the Manchester Arena.
What song do you have on repeat at the moment?
Hardy Caprio – Unsigned
What has been your summer highlight of 2017?
The summer highlight is always Ibiza, so yeah it would be playing the Ushuaïa closing party, playing ‘More Than Friends’ with Kelli Leigh and seeing all of those people reacting to the song.
What does a day in the life of James Hype look like and how do you spend your downtime?
Don’t have downtime! Day in the life: wake up late, about mid day or 1, get ready, go to the studio, come home for tea about 9 or 10, go back to the studio, go to the gym, about 4 or 5AM go to bed, wake up and do it all again.
Favourite film or TV series?
I like Layer Cake a lot, great movie.
Drink of choice on a night out?
I’m on vodka soda at the moment, it’s a good one.
Can you explain your fashion sense? How would you describe your style?
I’d say a little bit of everything, I always listen to a lot of hip hop and urban music so I am definitely influenced by a lot of those people on my instagram feed. A little bit of Kanye West too, Kanye influences everybody’s fashion so I guess there’s a lot of that in there as well.
Describe yourself in 3 words
Determined, stubborn, Perfectionist.
What’s next for 2017?
I have another single coming out that I can’t say too much about, but there will be some big names on there so stay tuned. A lot more of my remixes are on the way as well so keep an eye on the Spotify.
What advice do you have for aspiring DJ’s?
Just keep going. You’re going to get frustrated and feel like you can’t break through but if you find your lane, what truly represents you and what people say you are better at than other things… then focus all of your time and attention on that lane. Relentlessly, for years and years and years and then people will start to take notice. When people start to take notice keep going and then eventually people will start to respect you.
Thanks for taking the time to talk to us James. You can check out his summer anthem More Than Friends below:
