A Quick Chat with Mark James

Congrats on the release of your new single ‘Summertime’—how’d it come about?

Summertime is the first single from my forthcoming album Love Triangle, which I wrote and recorded in Melbourne over 13 months before it was mixed down in South Africa in late 2024.

You’ve got some great producers on the remix package—tell us about them.

Mind Electric is a DJ/producer from Perth who currently has an ARIA Club Chart #1 with his single Money Talks. Peewee Ferris is my label partner in Two Tribes Records. Ken@Work is one of Australia’s best house producers, while Eammon Fevah & Malcolm Jack, based in New Zealand, are well known for their progressive house productions.

As a prominent DJ/producer in the dance music scene for over 30 years, how have things changed over this time?

Technology has changed everything. Gone are the days of massive, expensive studios and equipment, which helps the budget. On the downside, physical formats of music have all but disappeared, making way for platforms like Spotify, which aren’t looking after artists’ best interests or paying them correctly for the use of their music.

Many people know you for bringing some of the most iconic festivals and artists to Australia—will you still be working on major events and festivals?

At this stage, I’m not looking to move back into the events space, but as they say, never say never!

What are some of the highlights or best memories from the artists you’ve worked with over the years?

Touring Avicii on some of his last shows before his passing was very special. At the time, he wasn’t very well, but he continued with most of the shows like the professional he was.

You’re releasing your debut album Love Triangle later this year—what can people expect in terms of style and vibe?

It’s hard to pigeonhole the album’s style—it has a wide variety of cool grooves. It’s definitely not a traditional dance album that people might expect from me. It’s more of a “put on in the car for a long-haul drive” type of vibe. It’s a fun album.

Where can people catch you playing around Melbourne, Australia, and internationally?

I have a residency at The Vineyard in St Kilda, Melbourne, on Friday nights, where I put on up-and-coming bands to give them exposure. I also DJ on Sunday nights with a four-hour set of disco, house, and classics. On other nights, you can catch me at various venues around town. No plans to travel just yet—this year is all about promoting the album at home in Australia.