James Organ is a name rising through the ranks and rapidly cementing himself as one of the finest house and techno producers and DJs around. 2019 became a breakthrough year for the Liverpool-based DJ playing to huge crowds at Parklife, Wilderness, We Are FSTVl, Creamfields, Reading & Leeds, The Warehouse Project, and many more. James held down his residency at Liverpool’s famous club night Circus supporting and grabbing the attention of Hot Since 82, Loco Dice, Steve Lawler, Larry Heard / Mr. Fingers amongst others.
James has built up an impressive catalog of releases for 2020 including Hot Since 82’s Knee Deep In Sound, Yousef’s Circus Recordings, Sasha’s label Last Night On Earth, and Steve Lawler’s VIVa & iVAV imprints, with more to come later in the year. As industry heads started to turn so did Radio 1 as they quickly picked up James’ tracks for major support with Pete Tong, Danny Howard, and Jaguar – all championing James as the one to watch right now and with good reason.
James Organ just released ‘Secrets’ via Crosstown Rebels. Today he shares some of his key studio tips.
1. No right or wrong…
If it sounds good, it sounds good. Have an open mind in the studio, using whatever means necessary to make your elements and layers. It doesn’t always need to be conventional instruments and you certainly don’t need a huge analog studio to make proper original music.
2. Don’t overdo it!
One thing that I have learned is that if a track sounds finished, even at an early stage of the production process, then it probably is. Don’t spend too much time overanalyzing, or cramming in minor sounds or samples just to fill up space, sometimes the best tracks can often be the simplest arrangements and it’s very important to remember that LESS IS MORE.
3. Mixdown is crucial
This is where most of your time should come into play when making music. Your creative ideas/ drums/ baselines/ harmonies, etc. make up the crucial basis to your track, but your final mix/finishing touches can be the difference between big-name DJ’s playing your records and them not. More often than not, it’s best to leave your finished track for a few days and revisit on fresh ears to really hear any discrepancies in your project
4. Comparison is the thief of joy
Use other people’s music as a reference of course, but don’t spend too much time comparing your own work to others. Do YOU, in the studio, as this is the only way that you can truly find your own sound.
5. Inspiration from all avenues
It’s often tough to get into the right frame of mind for making music, especially now that there aren’t as many gigs and club shows happening for obvious reasons. In this instance, try to get creative with things that you rely on to drive you, watch a movie with a cool soundtrack, go for a long walk in a forest, watch youtube videos of space and The Universe! or even simply listening to a new DJ mix or records, these type of things all help to give me creative ideas & inspiration when it comes to making music.
James Organ’s ‘Secrets’ is out now via Crosstown Rebels. Stream and buy here.
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