UK hero James Solace also known as James Burnham has made his name through a penchant for moving through many styles of music with ease, always being one step ahead of the trend and mixing the new with the old. Whether it be his trade-mark tech-house grooves released under Burnski or through his INSTINCT alias and label where he channels drum and bass, garage and 2-step, his productions are always of the highest quality. This year alone he has released a string of standout releases on heavy-weight labels Hot Creations, Knee Deep in Sound, Four Thirty Two and Last Night On Earth, which have all gained huge across the dance community. We spoke to James to find out more.

WWD: Hi James, how are you? Given the current circumstances with Coronavirus, how are you finding self-isolation?

Hey, I’m good thanks. It’s been fine, I have been very productive and really focused. I have been commuting 3 hours a day to the studio the last 8 months, so I am finding a lot more time in the day given the fact I have been working from home. I am by the sea so it’s been really nice to be able to run there each morning, starting the day right.

WWD: For our readers who aren’t familiar, can you please tell us about the new James Solace alias and how it differs from Burnski?

The new alias I see working in different environments and settings, so made sense to use the new name.

WWD: You’ve had a flying start to the year with standout releases on Knee Deep In Sound, Hot Creations and Last Night On Earth. They vary in style slightly, were they produced for the particular labels or did they just happen to land on each?

I made a big batch of music over a 3 months period for the start of this project, and then sent out the demos to those labels. I found the labels all wanted different tracks so it worked out well. The tracks were all about 15 months old by the time they came out, so it was a long process for them to see the light of day.

WWD: You have a new live show that you will be showcasing. Can you tell us about the set up?

The live set is ready, I played a show at the Mint club Leeds which was a good start. I’ve played live for a different project in the past so I had a taste of it already, but it was great playing with all new music no one had heard. It’s new and exciting, and good to keep you on your toes doing new stuff. The setup is pretty simple at the moment to start but it would be great to build on it.

WWD: Do you have plans for each live show to be varied or will they be relatively similar?

It would be good to have a few different directions to go playing live to keep it new and interesting. I wouldn’t want to play the same set each time, so I will definitely mix it up accordingly.

WWD: What is your favourite piece of kit and can you tell us why?

I have loads of synths I have collected over the years. One that I love to play with is the micro korg, that might surprise people as it’s one of the cheapest ones, but I love it.

WWD: What interests and hobbies do you have outside of music?

I love running, reading, meditating, learning and just keeping active when not doing music.

WWD: Do you have any tips for DJs and producers in self-isolation?

Let rip in the studio and just make what you want.

WWD: Do you remember your first DJ gig? Can you tell us a little bit about it?

It was in Middlesbrough at a club called the Empire. It was an amazing club which saw everyone from Carl Cox, Sasha, Digweed and Roger Sanchez all play. I was 18 I think.

WWD: What are three of the top records you’ve been playing this year?

I really liked the new VA on innervisions. Janons has been doing some quality stuff, he’s a great producer. I;ve just released an EP on Four Thirty Two with an East End Dubs, Jansons, and Vonda 7 remix so I’ll give that a plug while I’m at it hehee.

WWD: Who are your biggest influences, can be musical or non-musical. Can you tell us why?

Oh there’s too many, I just dig the full thing, from a new producer with one record, to the legends, they’re all inspiring me.

WWD: If you could try and describe the sound of James Solace, what would you say?

It’s hard to articulate in a style, I would just say bringing a good energy to it.

WWD: Lastly, do you have any special party memories you would like to share?

There’s been loades over the years. From rooftop parties in beirut, to beach parties in Tokyo …both of them were mad moments you didn’t expect to find yourself in.