No 'pick-me-up' songs for Kaz James

Ready for the much-touted “best party ever” on Wednesday, Oct. 10, at the Mall Of Asia (MOA) Arena with David Guetta, said to be the world’s No. 1 DJ who has taken Electronic Dance Music to another level? According to the presskit, Guetta helped make Dance Music as big as it is today, with his most recent, Titanium (featuring Sia), clocking as the longest-charting dance hit single (now multi-platinum) since Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

Guesting on the show called David Guetta 10.10.12 at the Mall Of Asia Arena (MOA) is Kaz James, one half of the now defunct duo BodyRockers, together with Alesso, the electronic dance music wunderkind from Sweden.

In this exclusive interview done for Funfare Update by those behind the Oct. 10 party, James talks about how he got his name and touring with Guetta. Kaz James is also the guest judge of the Manila Mix Off DJ Competition presented by CAPTAIN MORGAN® Original Spiced Rum. Only five will get the chance to win the No. 1 spot to open the show. Who will be “it”? The competition starts at 8 o’clock tonight at Privé Luxury Club at The Fort.

Meanwhile, let’s hear it from James (whose exes include Kate Moss and Keira Knightley).

What’s the story behind the name Kaz James?

“Kaz is a nickname I’ve had since I was five years old. It started out as Kazza then just ended up being Kaz. When I started performing I wanted a second name so I chose ‘James’ which is actually my middle name. Let’s just say my real name consists of 26 letters a little too long for a flyer!”

How has your career changed from being one half of the duo BodyRockers to being Kaz James the solo artist-slash-DJ?  

“It’s amazing I couldn’t be happier!!! Life hasn’t changed too much. I’m still making lots of music with lots of great people and constantly touring the world all the time playing lots of fantastic shows. I guess the only difference is now it’s just me!!!”

As a DJ, do you have any go-to songs? When you feel the crowd’s energy going down, what is an instant pick-me-up song? 

“I’ll be honest — I don’t have a go-to song!!! I’ve hardly ever run into that situation. As a DJ, it’s your job to be able to read a crowd. I generally build my sets towards a record that I know a crowd will react to. However, this always changes as crowds at every show are different so you really need to adapt the structure of your set per gig you do! In a way, DJ’ing is like playing Poker you need to go with the right hand at the right time by reading the crowd at the table!!!”

As a solo artist, you’ve collaborated with Macy Gray, Limp Bizkit and Stu Stone. Who are the other artists you’d like to collaborate with? And in what capacity would you collaborate with them — as singer or DJ?      

“When I collaborate with an artist, it’s usually as a songwriter/producer. It always depends on each song or situation whether I’m featured there as a singer also. Collaborating with artists is something that has always happened organically for me. Most of the time, it starts off as a bit of fun in the studio. I’m down with working with nearly anyone as long as they have a good vibe about them. There are a few amazing artists out there that I would like to work with, a lot of them are actually my friends so it would be a little weird that I would ask them to work with me over an interview!”

What is it like touring with David Guetta? Any interesting stories from the road that you can share with us?   

“Touring with David is always amazing! I’ve known him for a very long time now and he has always had an amazing energy about him. You can really see this when he performs. The guy doesn’t stop smiling and that’s what I really love about him. I always love playing his ‘F***Me I’m Famous’ parties at Pacha Ibiza because the crowds that turn up are so passionate; it’s always an amazing experience!!!”

What can Filipinos expect from your set? 

“I’ll be playing a lot of my new productions!!! So stay tuned for my new single Drums which will be out in November. Looking forward to seeing you soon! Peace!!!”

(David Guetta 10.10.12 at the Mall of Asia Arena is Presented by Globe Platinum and Captain Morgan® Original Spiced Rum [Drink Responsibly — Captain’s Orders. Join my crew, like facebook.com/captainmorganphilippines]; in cooperation with: MMI, Human, Saga Events, Fox, StarWorld, and Mall of Asia; with Official Online Partner: Yahoo! Philippines; Special thanks to: Polyeast EMI Records, Edsa Shangri-la Manila, BDO; and our Media Partners: The Philippine STAR, Circuit Magazine, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Radio High 105.9, Mellow 94.7, SM Cinemas and MYX. Limited tickets to the biggest dance party are at P7500, P5000, and P3000. Tickets are available on the SMTickets website [www.SMTickets.com] and all SM Ticket outlets.)