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    Xander James – “Music Is The Highest Form Of Self-Expression”

    Xander James d(•_•)b www.XanderJamesDJ.com Music connoisseur, delivering a unique dance music experience… House dj & music producer; visionary, entrepreneur & humanist.
    Colleagues describe him as the human dance music encyclopedia. Driven by his passion for music – an obsession for timeless melodies – Xander loves connecting with people & serving up quality dance tunes.His style is a unique blend of Tech House sounds; combining House & Techno music with Balearic beats, Afro-Latin grooves & Deep House melodies. Xander James is music, sunsets & inspiration.

    He has worked & performed with the likes of well-respected international artists, including: Ron Carroll, Julie McKnight, Marshall Jefferson, Andy Caldwell, The Groove Junkies, Robert Owens, Chris Samba, Andy Ward (Soul Central), Graham Lord (Audiowhores), Neil Pierce & more. Xander is already making his mark with original productions & charting remixes… And the best is yet to come!

    “Music is life, an expression of feelings & emotions… Beautiful music brings love, joy & happiness. I love music! Music is my life; I live for it and I create & play music so people can dance & have fun… 1 luv, peace & music-beats.” — XJ

    Q&A with S&S

    S&S: What’s your style of music? How do you describe it?
    Xander James: A unique blend of House/Tech House/Balearic Grooves infused with Afro-Latin beats and world sounds.

    S&S: Who or what was most instrumental to you when it came to music?
    Xander James: My fascination as a child for sound, rhythm and dance… The realization that music is the highest form of self-expression for me, in the world. I think it would be important to mention that growing up I immersed myself in the history and roots of dance music; from New York, Chicago and Detroit to the influence of Europe, namely UK, Berlin and the Mecca that is Ibiza.

    S&S: What drives you creatively?
    Xander James: Poetry, Mother Nature, sunsets and technology along with learning and sharing of knowledge… My obsession for timeless melodies and my love for connecting with people.

    S&S: How much does your audience influence you and your music selection?
    Xander James: My audience is an essential element when it comes to my music selection yet I think it’s also a give and take relationship. It’s something truly beautiful to be able to take your audience on a journey while feeding of their energy and having the ability to create together a unique experience.

    S&S: What artists or genres do you listen to when you’re not working?
    Xander James: From Motown legends – such as Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder – to current soul and neo-soul greats like Sade, Maxwell, Jill Scott, D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, John Legend, Lauryn Hill, Musiq Soulchild and more recently Jamie Woon and James Blake… Chill-out grooves and lounge beats.

    S&S: Do you have any favorite memories of growing up with your family?
    Xander James: Spending my early teens in Greece… Lots of family gatherings and outings; music and dancing. I’ll never forget riding my mountain bike with my Walkman and makeshift speakers attached to the handle bar… And later getting on my orange moped and heading to the local open-air summer club… Indulging in music and closely observing the DJ using turntables. If I was lucky enough they would let me flick through their vinyl.

    S&S: Is there anything you would like people to know about you?
    Xander James: I’m a music connoisseur and I’m not only passionate about music but also people and life… I love taking on entrepreneurial ventures and community projects; connecting with and learning from others and sharing with those around me.

    S&S: Are there any charities you are working with or excited to tell us about?
    Xander James: I’ve recently founded a not-for-profit organization called House for Love. Our mission is to raise awareness of homelessness and to encourage people to give back through social connectedness and the values of humanity. Starting from my hometown of Melbourne, House for Love brings together a collective of leaders from various communities and industries; we are committed to creating a series of music-driven events to empower homeless people to transform their lives. Our vision is to bridge the gap of cultural divide and remove the stigma associated with homeless members of our society. Stay tuned! http://www.facebook.com/HouseForLoveMovement

    S&S: What artist(s) have you been the most excited to work with?
    Xander James: Ron Carroll and Julie McKnight, Marshall Jefferson and Andy Caldwell, Clemy Rilley from BBC Radio 1 UK and Evan Landes from Groove Junkies, Robert Owens and Chris Samba, Andy Ward from Soul Central and Graham Lord from Audiowhores, Neil Pierce from Fanatix and Sean Doyle from Soul Heaven, Kim Jay and Malik Boudari, Jerry C. King and Sterling Void, Marcus Knight, Chris NG and Andrew Padula… Every artist collaboration brings forth something special.

    S&S: Are there any artists that you dream of working with on a collaboration?
    Xander James: Luciano from Cadenza Music and DJ Alfredo both in the studio and live at events… Plus many more – I’m always exploring possibilities!

    S&S: What can we look forward to next from you?
    Xander James: Music productions and upcoming releases for original tracks and remixes; studio collaborations with Michas Dimitris, Henrique Santos, Mr. Leigh and Simon Paparo; weekly DJ residencies and other regular gigs in Melbourne, such as Temperance Hotel and the Backroom at Fabrique Nightclub… Travel abroad.

    S&S: What legacy would you like to leave?
    Xander James: I want to be remembered as someone who aspired to inspire and strived to make a difference both within the electronic music industry and society in general.

    Q&A By: Shannon “Skip” Syas – S&S Chicago

    Follow Xander James [Facebook] [Twitter] [Instagram] [Soundcloud] [Mixcloud] [Beatport] [Youtube]