We caught up with DJ and music producer, Corey James, ahead of his performance at this month’s Ministry of Sound & Printworks event in London, to talk about music, fashion, how he spends his time away from the decks and what’s in store for the rest of 2017.
Who influences you musically?
I have many influences. Steve Angello, Eric Prydz, Axwell, Ingrosso, Solomun, Kolsch, Joris Voorn, Erick Morillo, Dirty South just to name a few.
Name three artists you had on your playlist growing up?
Swedish House Mafia, Erick Morillo, I also used to love 50 Cent’s music when working out haha
When was the pinnacle moment you realized you could make a career in music?
Hmm I don’t really know, I think it was when I started getting international shows or when I had my guest mix on Steve Angello’s BBC Radio 1 residency. It’s a tough industry to crack.
Where was your first ever set and how did it go?
If I remember correctly, my first ever set was at a club in Liverpool called Aura (closed now) and it was b2b with one of my best friends Jay Mac. But my first Corey James show was in a club in Falun, Sweden called Club Etage, and it was great, I’ve got some friends who live there that I have known for years now and I’ll always remember that night.
What’s been your biggest career highlight so far?
It’s hard to pick a highlight as the past year has been great. It would be between Radio 1 guest mix for Steve Angello, Radio 1 play of my single “With You” from Pete Tong or playing a packed-out tent at my home festival Creamfields.
If you could collaborate with one other artist, past or present, who would it be?
Steve Angello.
Where and when was the most memorable performance you’ve ever played?
I would say my Japan shows, Creamfields and Mint Festival this year where my favorite shows! The fans in Japan are amazing!
What/Who/Where is the most memorable performance you’ve ever seen?
I’ve been to a lot of gigs/shows in my life, I watched an American rock band called Living Color once and they were amazing. Here is a fun fact, I’m named after the lead singer “Corey Glover”.
What big events have you done so far this year?
It’s been a crazy summer. There are probably too many to name but some of my favorite ones were Summerburst, Creamfields, Mint, Ministry Of Sound and I’m really looking forward to Printworks with Steve Angello & Kryder next month.
Summer highlight?
My summer highlight was all of it! I visited so many different countries, it was crazy. Had chance to go to Ibiza for a mini vacation with the lads which was really sick. I love going to all the festivals in the summer, that’s probably my favorite part.
What track have you got on repeat right now?
CamelPhat’s ‘Cola’ it’s everywhere on the radio etc. or my new single ‘Back In Time’, if I can chose my own song!
What’s your guilty pleasure track that nobody knows about?
I don’t really know, I’m a pretty open person so what you see is what you get.
How do you spend your down time?
Gym, Studio, in bed watching a movie or walking my dog.
What’s the best part about being a DJ?
The reaction you get when playing a new song, goosebumps when you hear the crowd reaction every time.
If I wasn’t a DJ, I’d be…
I have no idea, but definitely self-employed because I hate being told what to do!
Favorite film or TV series?
Power
Drink of choice on a night out?
Beer or Vodka, I’m from the UK though so we drink anything.
Can you explain your fashion sense?
Simple, I think T shirt, Jeans but I sometimes like layers when it comes to hoodies, jackets, coats. I also have a thing for designer brands & shoes.
Do you have any fashion/style inspirations?
Hmm not really, I just go off what I like. If I see something I like I buy it, when I was in Japan I bought a cool jacket just because nobody back home will have it!
Describe yourself in three words
Hard Worker, outgoing & Determined
What advice do you have for aspiring DJs?
Keep working hard, I think it’s very important to make your own music as a DJ / producer these days too!
What’s next for 2017?
I have another release coming before the end of 2017 which I’m really hyped about, it’s been an ID floating around the internet for a while now. Some more shows coming up too, some nice UK dates which I’m really happy about!
Corey James will be taking over our Instagram stories on the 24th of November at Printworks with Steve Angello & Kryder. Make sure you check it out!
