Sound Revolt: Would you take your chance in a DMC contest?
James Zabiela: Oh no. That’s too stressful. You got 5 minutes to show them what you’ve got. If you screw up - that’s it! You have to wait until next year. Anyway, I don’t think I’m that good to do anything like that. I have a lot of respect for those guys. It’s like going for a job interview. It’s pretty weird. Too much pressure. Have you seen the film „Scratch”?

Sound Revolt: Yeah we did. Loved it!
James Zabiela: Amazing.

Sound Revolt: Word! It has a special, very real feeling.
James Zabiela: Yeah, they’re very passionate about what they do.

Sound Revolt: I’ve always wondered. Do people complain about your long scratching? What are they doing on the dancefloor when you go crazy for 2 minutes?
James Zabiela: Oh, I don’t really go that crazy.

Sound Revolt: Nooo. 30 second backspins. We’ve heard that!
James Zabiela: I don’t know, I just play around. Just have fun.

Sound Revolt: OK, but do you see what people are doing when you’re “having fun”?
James Zabiela: Yeah, yeah. Sometimes

Sound Revolt: Sometimes (laughs). I’m not complaining but I was always curious about it, ‘cause you mostly play for people from a different (non-scratch) dance culture.
James Zabiela: Yes, I know what you mean. I think you just have to introduce it in a different way.

Sound Revolt: So you don’t want to change you’re music...
James Zabiela: No, I’m not gonna start playing hip hop, don’t worry (laughs) The real Jay Z.

Sound Revolt: One is too many.
James Zabiela: Yeah.

Sound Revolt: Do you often meet envious people? People who think you got way to high in your career?
James Zabiela: Sometimes, I guess. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion and they have their opinion for different reasons. It’s fine.

Sound Revolt: Has anyone tried to make it harder for you?
James Zabiela: No, no. No one ever tried that. In the industry most people have been very nice. I’ve been very lucky.

Sound Revolt: Have you noticed many imitators? People trying to do exactly what you did to become famous?
James Zabiela: Sometimes. But it’s the best form of flattery I guess so I don’t mind. It’s nice to have some sort influence on another DJ.

Sound Revolt: And are there other DJs that you want to help like Lee Burridge and Sasha helped you?
James Zabiela: Yeah, there’s a lot. I have some friends in Southampton, where I grew up. They are my good friends who play great music but they do that only in Southampton.

Sound Revolt: Dan Goodal...
James Zabiela: Yes, he makes music. Dave Robertson – he makes music and DJs. PJ Davy...

Sound Revolt: Well, in two weeks we’re doing two parties with Dave Robertson.
James Zabiela: Oh, I know!

Sound Revolt: Really?
James Zabiela: Yeah, I knew that, he told me. And Jeff Bennett.

Sound Revolt: Correct!
James Zabiela: See? I know. Jeff Bennett is a next release on my label Hearing Aid.

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