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Influences: Joshua James

 
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A dedicated figure in London's underground queer scene, Joshua James has built his reputation over the years through long-standing residencies for Rinse FM, XOYO and Sink The Pink's joint clubnight Gloria's, and cult night Savage. 

On top of these regular appearances he's also an accomplished producer, remixing the likes of Beth Ditto, London Grammar and Rozi Plain, and featuring on Needwant's Future Disco compilations. Next up he's debuting on Phantasy, the London-based imprint run by Erol Alkan, which features a rework on the flip from the Bunker NY affiliate Justin Cudmore. 

Ahead of the release, which comes out on 22nd February, Joshua picks out some of the tracks that have shaped him as a DJ and producer.

Follow Joshua James. Pre-order Coarse on Phantasy.

LISTEN
Bronski Beat - Smalltown Boy (Official Music Video)

Growing up as gay kid in a queer household, Bronski Beat and Jimmy Somerville featured pretty heavily in my childhood playlist. This record in particular is incredibly important within queer spaces. I played the full version at a street party last year, the performers and myself seemed to be joined in that moment, it was incredibly special.

  • Bronski Beat - Smalltown Boy (Official Music Video)

    Growing up as gay kid in a queer household, Bronski Beat and Jimmy Somerville featured pretty heavily in my childhood playlist. This record in particular is incredibly important within queer spaces. I played the full version at a street party last year, the performers and myself seemed to be joined in that moment, it was incredibly special.

  • Placebo - Every You Every Me

    As a kid I had saved up for an Epiphone Goth SG, fully embracing my years of angst. Placebo were a band that became part of my identity and musical story. Their work still influences me in this day.

  • Lovely Head

    Goldfrapp were one of the first bands I went to see as a teenager, they were my gateway drug into a world of new music.

  • Fischerspooner - Emerge

    Electroclash became the soundtrack to my late teens and my early years at university. The clubs became my home and they were the first records I ever played out. I feel like my sound has evolved over time but it’s roots were shaped by this time.

  • X-Press 2 - Muzik X-Press (Original 1992)

    Dream record, it’s stayed with me since I first heard it.

  • Soulwax - Krack

    I moved to London 12 years ago for University, but found myself searching for more than History of Art. I became a club kid – there are some choice photos – and started playing records at this electroclash queer party run by performance artist Scottee and Jodie Harsh, called Foreign. Scottee used to do a show to this record where he’d projectile vomit red wine, the show was so intense that the power of this record has never left me.

  • Alden Tyrell Ft Mike Dunn - Touch The Sky (International House Mix) (Clone Jack For Daze 011)

    I’m obsessed with everything released on Clone Records, especially Alden Tyrell. I think this could be the perfect record.

  • Missy Elliott - Get Ur Freak On [Official Video]

    I’m a Missy super fan… how could you not be??? Going back to the records now and hearing the beats I still feel such a strong connection.