An Australian of both Italian and Greek descent, Kaz James is one of electronic music's most indispensable talents.
Propelled into the public eye by his 'Sweet Dreams' bootleg, which was championed by Pete Tong and Frankie Knuckles among others, Kaz has gone on to produce a slew of acclaimed house cuts, working with revered labels including Saved, Objektivity and Glasgow Underground, and collaborating with the likes of Guy Gerber and DJ Tennis along the way.
Capable of blurring the lines between the more underground and crossover sounds, Kaz has enjoyed a career in which he has also produced tracks for the likes of Kelis and Macy Gray. But his love of house has always been at the heart of his productions.
Ahead of his appearance at Festival X next month, Kaz shares a few insights into his European summer of DJ residencies, his Burning Man adventure and his absolute love for red wine and top-shelf shirts.
You’re part of the Festival X line-up; it’s a stacked bill. Who will you be side of stage for?
I haven’t thought that far to be honest. It's three dates, so I’m sure I’ll get to check everyone out at some stage. Obviously, I’ll go support my close crew like Nic Fanciulli, Kolsch, MK, Generik, Calvin etc. But I always like to check out new talent, so hopefully will get to see some great sets.
Are you looking forward to getting back to Australia?
Yes, it's been a while. I haven’t really toured Australia for two years, so I’m excited to get back and play at home.
“I basically spend my money on red wine and shirts.” - Kaz James
What’s the one thing you miss most about Oz?
Definitely my family, friends and of course the food.
Your latest track is ‘Through Your Love’ – how has the reception been to it?
Without blowing my own whistle, it was definitely one of the biggest records this [northern hemisphere] summer. I’m very proud of the record and really happy it got so much attention. Watch out for a really special remix coming from one of my best mates.
Any other productions in the pipeline that are likely to be released soon?
Yes, I have a lot of new music coming out. Maybe too much at the moment; don’t even know what to do with it all.
House music as we near the end of 2019; what trends have you noticed infiltrating dance floors?
I feel that vocals are really making their way back to the dance floor in a big way, which in a lot of ways is important to creating a vibe in a room.
When you’re in the DJ booth, what does a clubber need to do to get your attention?
Positive vibe.
You recently wrapped up your run of summer 2019 (northern hemisphere) shows; how was the summer of Kaz?
For me, it was my best summer yet. The shows were really great and I had an amazing time just touring and playing good music.
You played Burning Man this year; how was the experience?
To be honest, I didn't have much time to embrace it this year. I said yes to so many sets, that I didn’t get to experience the 'real' Burning Man as much as I have in the past.
I played Blondish’s party the first night, a b2b with Lee Foss for seven hours followed by a set on Maxa art car with Guy Gerber. A b2b with DJ Tennis in Puffy's camp for ten hours followed by a set on Carl Cox’s Camp Playground, again b2b with DJ Tennis. It was insanely good fun though.
You can plead the fifth, but what was Flume thinking?
No idea. . . Maybe that’s his thing! I guess don’t knock it till you try it, as they say.
Away from the DJ booth; how do you like to relax?
I’m big on food and wine. I love trying new restaurants and checking out new hospitality concepts. Did I mention wine? Lol!
I read in a past interview that you would like to collect red wine; any movement on that front and are you a Shiraz, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon drinker?
To be honest, I’m more into suppliers rather than styles of wine. But I drink 95 per cent red wine and mainly French and Italian. However, recently I have discovered an amazing red from the Greek island of Tinos; it’s out of control.
In another interview you mentioned you basically live in hotels rather than having a fixed address/ country of residence; what are the three essential items you need for stress-free travel?
Don't bring too much crap with you; keep it simple. I prefer to travel light. It’s all about the carry on. Battery pack and an iPad to watch movies, and I’m happy.
What advice do you have for the average punter who wants to host their own, epic house party (without attracting the attention of the law)?
I think just do it till it gets shut down. It's OK to get shut down; that’s rock & roll right? But the main thing to be honest; don't invite anyone that'll bring the vibe down, nothing worse than a vibe hoover.
From your Insta feed, you have a great collection of shirts – what attracts you to the ‘right’ shirt?
It's kind of like an addiction I have. I basically spend my money on red wine and shirts. You might have noticed but I'm a big Saint Laurent fan, they're just class.
Something on your bucket list you hope to cross off inside the next 12 months?
Buy a place in Mykonos. I spend so much time there with my Scorpios residency every week, it would be nice to have my own place there.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I can't wait to be back in Oz; thanks to Frank and all the crew for having me at Festival X, and my manager is a G, fyi.
Festival X 2019 Dates
Fri 29 Nov - Brisbane ShowgroundsSat 30 Nov - Sydney Showground
Sun 1 Dec - Melbourne Showgrounds
