James Hype Shares Insider Insights About His Tomorrowland Academy Masterclass
| 3rd June 2024
Tomorrowland has unveiled an exciting partnership between the Online Tomorrowland DJ & Producing Academy and esteemed British DJ and producer, James Hype.
Enthusiasts worldwide now have the opportunity to join an exclusive masterclass that delves into the exceptional expertise of James Hype. With personal guidance from the maestro himself, music-makers will embark on a comprehensive journey to elevate their transitions and enhance mixing skills across various setups with invaluable tips and tricks. Whether you’re a budding talent or an established producer, this immersive music experience promises to propel your career to new heights.
E.M.A caught up with the DJ legend in his London studio to find out more…
E.M.A: Exciting news you’ve teamed up with the Tomorrowland DJ & Producing Academy to bring us an exclusive James Hype masterclass. At what age did you start DJing and was there anything like this for you back then?
James Hype: I started when I was 15, that’s so long ago that YouTube videos didn’t even exist. I had to teach myself through trial and error. During the first few years of my practice, I didn’t know any other DJs, and I developed some really unique techniques that no one else understood.
E.M.A: Well for me, you are one of the most technically talented DJs I’ve ever seen so I’m definitely going to be doing this course, for other DJs interested what does the course consist of?
James Hype: The great thing about this course is that people can observe me demonstrating my DJ skills on various types of Pioneer DJ equipment, not just the professional gear. I’ve actually broken down some of the techniques I use on beginner controllers, intermediate setups, and professional equipment, so regardless of your budget for equipment, you can still benefit from this course.
Tomorrowland DJ Academy
E.M.A What’s your signature move on the decks or the one you most love to do?
James Hype: People love me for cutting faders.
E.M.A: You’ve got a great spin back as well!
James Hype: Thank you, the key to doing a good spin back is a short loop.
E.M.A: Oh, really? Nice one! I think one of the most challenging aspects of starting DJing for me was deciding which musical path to pursue, as I have an affinity for various electronic music genres. I would say the music you play leans heavily towards tech house, is that correct? What led you to choose this particular electronic music style?
James Hype: Ya that’s where I sit right now. But I used to DJ all genres of music, and yes exactly what you said I felt the same way about not knowing which music route to go down. Luckily when I started producing music I found myself drawn to house music sounds and as soon as that happened I said, ok I need to DJ house music.
E.M.A: The music industry can be pretty brutal for a DJ trying to break through. How has your ride been and do you recall the moment when you said to yourself, “Yes, I’ve finally reached where I want to be?”
James Hype: I think there will always be fights that you can’t win and I don’t think there is ever that moment when you say yes I’ve made it. Where I am right now I would have loved to be here five years ago. But it’s important to put yourself in the headspace of where you were five years ago and appreciate where you are now.
James Hype at Tomorrowland
E.M.A: Was there ever a time when you thought about giving up?
James Hype: No, haha! One thing I believe in is that if you have any sort of Plan B, then your Plan A will not succeed. There have been times in my career, where I’ve had no money and no hope, but I’ve always found the motivation to keep going and kept grinding.
E.M.A: Not only are you a very talented DJ you’ve also brought out some absolute bangers. One of my most recent favourites is Drums. Out of all the tracks you have produced which one are you most happy with?
James Hype: It’s got to be Ferrari, the great thing about Ferrari, is it’s two years old now but it doesn’t sound that old and in ten years it won’t sound that old. When I was making the final version I was thinking about putting some different sounds in it and those sounds would have aged it badly, so I’m glad I didn’t. All the sounds in Ferrari are very timeless classic sounds.
E.M.A: Yes it’s such a great track I play a lot in my sets and it always goes off. What software do you produce your music on and why?
James Hype: Ableton Live, I watched a DJ called Kissy Sell Out use Ableton and the way he was pitch blending things I was like… that’s what I want to do.
Tomorrowland DJ Academy
E.M.A: You’re on the lineup again for Tomorrowland this summer I’ve seen you play on the main stage there but which is your favourite stage to play on and why?
James Hype: All the stages are so different, I feel like the main stage is so unique as it’s so big that lots of the people you’re playing to have never heard you, they’re just there because it’s the main stage and it’s incredible. As a DJ you play a totally different set on the mainstage than the set you would play on a smaller stage. This year I’m playing on The Crystal Garden Stage, it holds 3000 people and those people are all there to come and see me, well most of them, so I can take them on a deeper journey, where’s as on the mainstage I need to show people what I’m all about, it’s more of a challenge, and I like a challenge so I would say the mainstage has to be my favourite.
E.M.A: What’s the best advice you can give to a DJ just starting in the industry?
James Hype: Learn the music of all different types not just the new music but old music too, learn the music that inspires your favourite DJs, practice loads, and document your progress on social media, people like to be told a story and hopefully you will get some fans along the way which will help you get your first big bookings.
E.M.A: Great advice James and also make sure you wear black nail polish to help you spin haha!
James Hype: Haha yes!
You can sign up HERE for the Tomorrowland James Hype masterclass.