James Zabiela Style
I’ve been trying to figure out what style Zabiela is running he does tech house, electronica, breaks, some techno, house and just mashes it all together? For some of his sets don’t really stick to one. What would you say his style is?
Also not getting Zabiela - from his under-rated “Sounds In Motion” on Hooj to the brilliant “Alive” and “Utilities” on Renaissance, the disappointing Masters Series and his sublime new track ‘The Healing’ on Involv3r he just doesn’t seem to have found a niche. I don’t think a Producer/DJ NEEDS to be categorised, but I feel he hasn’t quite fulfilled Sasha’s prophecy of being the sound of the future.
Personally I think he is amazing. And I think he has his own sound. It’s just that sound crosses many genres from Tech House to Drum & Bass.
Personally, I think he is the sound of the future. The way he uses all that kit he has is very futuristic. He’s obviously a proper geek with the latest technology. His “niche” is less the genre of music, and more his creative flair while utilising technology.
I’d love to see him perform.
Good points. Seen him live, and yes brilliant albeit totally eclectic
Zabiela is one of the finest DJ’s I’ve seen. I used to frequent Southampton a lot in the early 00’s and had the pleasure of seeing him play quite alot, before he hit the big time (Muzik mag competition winner). He could do very cool things with just a pair of TT’s and a mixer. Even got a copy of a mix CD he was handing out at the time, starts off with cool sample from Bladerunner 
He crosses genres and I love the eclectic nature of his sets. He’s also a very pleasant chap as well, friendly and approachable.
Was this at the menage a trois nights in the back room of the big club on the front?
Hi Sam, ah yes, menage a trois, after the boat parties (now High Tide), do you mean? I’ve not been down to Soton for a while but saw him at Rhino Club, going back some years now though
Yeah that’s the one. many lost nights in rhinos. i was at uni at this time and spoilt for choice of decent non big name djs to listen to. like you i haven’t been back for ages. prob at the same nights!
Why would you want to pigeon hole it?
He plays bits of everything and from my experience it tends to depend who he’s playing before/after quite a bit.
I’ve seen him play an intense closing set at 4am at Warehouse Project after Sasha and Tong and seen him play a more varied set at Space in Ibiza. You could tell that one was his night, his residency. He just did what he wanted and it wasn’t as intense as the others I’ve seen.
The best was probably after Catz n Dogz (who he’d asked to be put before him in the main room rather than upstairs) and before Adam Beyer at Circus.
check this out… its more focus on the tech he uses but its interesting non the less…
i wudnt try to put him in a box..
