James Dust, born in Münster, Germany in 1978, has adhered to the philosophy “Trance & Souls” since discovering his passion for music at the age of fifteen.
This passion propelled him to save up for his first decks, launching his DJ career in local clubs.
James’s talent quickly gained recognition, leading him to perform in larger German clubs and secure residencies at esteemed venues such as Giga Parc, 360 Grad, Twister Dance, Galaxy, Bam Bu, Jovel, Haverkamp, and Depot. His exceptional skills have garnered international bookings in England, Australia, Norway, and Switzerland, where he has graced notable events like We Love Techno Club (Frankfurt, Germany), Re-Call (Bottrop), TrancePort (Hamburg, Germany), Decent (Manchester, UK), and Bringing Trance Back (Drammen, Norway and Hamburg, Germany).
He has had the privilege of sharing the stage with renowned artists such as Darren Porter, Billy Gillies, Marc Van Linden, Asteroid, Alessandra Roncone, Lange, York, Everlight, Madwave, and many others.
James’s unwavering dedication to trance music has led him to fully embrace the genre. Driven by a profound desire to evoke emotions and touch souls through music, he has embarked on a journey of composing his own melodies and fulfilling his aspirations as a co-producer.
Over the years, James Dust’s musical style has undergone a transformation, encompassing various genres such as hardstyle, uplifting trance, and progressive. In recent years, his primary focus has been on uplifting trance, with numerous releases on esteemed labels including One Forty Music, Intense Emotions, Suanda Music, Phoenix Recordings, State Control Records, Kinected, Future Force Recordings, and Full On 140 Records. His tracks, such as “Götheborg” (Phoenix Recording, 2021), “World in Your Hands” featuring DJ Eternity (Phoenix Recording, 2022), and “Looking for Love” featuring Noff and Joye Poye, have achieved significant success, topping the Beatport Trance Charts. His biggest success today is his collaboration with Torsten Stenzel x Noff feat. Aaron Dolan called Raglan Road on Planet Love.
James Dust’s music has garnered widespread recognition from prominent DJs such as Giuseppe Ottaviani, Talla 2XLC, Paul van Dyk, Madwave, Jorn van Deynhoven, Andrew Rayel, Yoshi & Razner, XiJaro & Pitch, Sean Tyas, Manuel Le Saux, Chris Element, Antonio Devini, Paipy, Metta & Glyde, and many others.
Beyond his prolific production career, James Dust now curates his own events under the Afterburner brand, providing live performances that showcase his unique sound to audiences. Additionally, he hosts a weekly uplifting trance show on Twitch, fostering connections with fans and showcasing the latest developments in trance music.
For James Dust, trance transcends mere passion; it is an integral aspect of his identity. His greatest fulfillment lies in the profound impact his music has on individuals worldwide, touching their hearts and leaving an enduring legacy.
His latest release is his collaboration with Asteroid and Pharos T, Jodie Poye, called Fly Away on FSOE. We’re glad James replied to our question about making this release and his trance music career. He credits Cold Blue, Armin van Buuren, and DJ Eremit as major influences on his music. He prefers Ableton Live 12 for its versatility and enjoys combining digital and analogue tools for a rich sound. He collaborates with various singers and aspires to work with talented vocalists like Emma Hewitt and Roxanne Emery. James Dust believes in the power of social media for self-promotion and considers Instagram the most effective platform for his business. You can read his great answers right here while you are listening to his latest release and fly away.
Dimitris: Could you share with us your top accomplishment that you are most proud of achieving in your career as an electronic music producer?
James Dust: My most significant achievement to date has been a collaborative effort with Torsten Stenzel, Noff, and Aaron Dolan titled Raglan Road, which was released on Planet Love.
Dimitris: Could you share the motivations that led you to pursue a career in DJing or producing electronic dance music?
James Dust: It's important for everyone to set goals that encourage positivity, allow us to greet each new day with love, and inspire others through the power of music. Let's keep our hearts open and our spirits high, spreading good vibes wherever we go!
Dimitris: Who are the three most influential producers that inspired you to pursue a career in the electronic dance music industry?
Dimitris: My fascination with electronic music is an interesting journey. Back in school, we had the chance to play music during recess, and it was an exciting time with bands like KLF, Snap, and Element making waves. These artists were perfect for dancing and left a lasting impression on me. Weekends were thrilling as we got to DJ at the youth club, especially on Saturdays. An early inspiration was Yello, whose sounds were so innovative and unheard of at the time. There are countless influences I could mention, but attending the Love Parade in Berlin was a pivotal moment in music history for me. Artists such as Paul van Dyk, JOK, Aly & Fila, Cosmic Gate, Lange, Thrillseekers, York, and ATB further fueled my passion to create and share unique, intoxicating soundscapes.
Dimitris: Could you please provide the top three tracks from the past that have had the most significant influence on your musical style and explain your reasoning?
James Dust: Certainly! The tracks that have had the most significant influence on my musical style are quite diverse, representing different facets of the electronic music landscape.
Firstly, Jason Ross - Bruma(Cold Blue remix) is an exemplary piece that blends euphoric melodies with driving beats, a characteristic I strive to incorporate into my own work. The track’s emotionally evocative nature and its ability to create an immersive listening experience have inspired me to focus heavily on melody and atmosphere in my productions.
Secondly, Armin van Buuren's "Shivers" is a timeless classic that has profoundly impacted my approach to trance music. The track's seamless fusion of vocal elements with intricate synth work and its powerful energy have taught me the importance of balancing emotion with technical prowess in music creation.
Lastly, DJ Eremit's "Tanz der Seele" has been a monumental influence due to its raw, minimalistic style, which emphasizes rhythm and progression. This track has encouraged me to appreciate simplicity and the power of a well-crafted build-up, guiding me to develop my own soundscapes that are both hypnotic and transformative.
Each of these tracks has shaped my musical direction, offering lessons in melody, energy, and simplicity that I carry into every piece I compose.
Dimitris: What an exciting journey it must have been to bring "Fly Away" to life, especially with such a talented team! Can you tell us more about how the collaboration with Jodie Poye came about and how her vocal contributions shaped the track?
James Dust: Absolutely! Working with Jodie Poye was an inspiring experience from the start. Her ability to convey raw emotion and tell a story through her voice brought a unique dimension to "Fly Away." When Pharos T and Asteroid crafted the initial melody, we knew it needed a vocal that could match its intensity and depth. Jodie's powerful delivery and the poignant lyrics she helped create elevated the song to another level entirely.
The process was very organic. We spent hours discussing and understanding the message we wanted to convey, ultimately deciding on a theme of liberation and emotional healing. This theme resonated with us deeply, and we hope it will with our listeners too.
Bringing "Fly Away" to the trance community feels like giving back to a community that has supported us throughout our careers. We hope it inspires and uplifts everyone who listens, just as it did for us during its creation.
Thank you for allowing us to share this part of our journey. We hope "Fly Away" finds a special place in the hearts of our fans and beyond.
Dimitris: Could you please provide an estimate of the production time of your track Fly Away with Asteroid, Pharos T and Jodie Poye on vocals and describe the production process in a simplified manner?
James Dust: Sure, I’d be happy to give you an overview. The production of "Fly Away" took around seven months from start to finish. The process began with brainstorming sessions where we discussed the concept and feel we wanted for the track.
Once we had a solid idea, Asteroid and I crafted the initial beats and melodies, focusing on a blend of electronic and ambient sounds. Pharos T contributed to the arrangement, adding his unique touch to the harmony and rhythm.
Jodie Poye came in for the vocal recording sessions, where we spent considerable time ensuring that the lyrics and vocal delivery matched the emotional tone of the music. After the vocals were recorded, we moved into the editing and mixing phase.
Mixing involved balancing all the elements, ensuring clarity and cohesion in the sound. This phase took several weeks as we wanted to create a seamless blend without losing the individuality of each contributor’s style. Finally, the mastering process was crucial to polish the track for release, giving it that final professional shine. I hope this provides a good insight into how "Fly Away" came together!
Dimitris: Could you elaborate on any specific technical challenges or obstacles you encountered during the production of that particular track?
James Dust: The primary technical challenges we encountered during the production of this track was coordinating between the three producers involved. Each producer brought their own unique style and technical approach, which required a significant amount of communication and compromise to meld into a cohesive sound. Ensuring consistency across the different recording environments and managing the individual contributions so that they complemented each other rather than clashed was a complex task. Additionally, integrating various software and hardware tools used by each producer presented another layer of technical difficulty, necessitating creative problem-solving and adaptability.
Dimitris: If you had the opportunity to alter your current track and potentially create a new remix, which aspects would you be dissatisfied with and what changes would you implement? Additionally, is there any particular artist whose remix you believe would be exceptional and why?
James Dust: Great question, Dimitris! Aly & Fila would be my top choice to remix the track. Their ability to infuse tracks with a unique depth while maintaining a euphoric energy is unparalleled. I believe their remix would bring a fresh, captivating dimension to my music that connects deeply with listeners.
9. Which music composition software or hardware do you prefer, and why? What are your thoughts on the recent trend towards producing music using more analogue equipment, with less or no digital software?
James Dust: I absolutely prefer using Ableton Live 12 for my music compositions. It's an incredibly versatile piece of software that provides a comprehensive suite of tools for both recording and live performances. Its intuitive interface and powerful capabilities allow me to experiment and craft my sound without limitations.
Regarding the trend towards analogue equipment, I think it's a fascinating development. There's something undeniably appealing about the warmth and organic quality of analogue sounds that digital software often struggles to replicate. However, I believe that both digital and analogue tools have their unique strengths. I enjoy integrating both approaches in my work to achieve a balanced and rich sound. The combination allows for creative flexibility and opens up endless possibilities for unique musical experiences.
Dimitris: Which type of music do you prefer: vocal or instrumental tracks? If the track we are discussing contains vocals, please provide information about the singer you collaborate with.
James Dust: Thanks for asking, Dimitris! I actually enjoy both vocal and instrumental tracks, as they each bring something unique to the music. When it comes to vocal tracks, I am fortunate to collaborate with a number of talented singers. I usually work closely with them to co-write the lyrics, ensuring that the words and the delivery match the tone and emotion of the music perfectly. Collaborating with singers allows me to explore different musical styles and create something special together.
Dimitris: Are there any vocalists or singers in the electronic dance music genre that you aspire to collaborate with?
James Dust: I've always admired the incredible talent and artistry of vocalists like Emma Hewitt, Roxanne Emery, and Christiana Novelly. Their unique voices and emotive performances add such depth and dimension to electronic dance music tracks. Collaborating with any of them would be a dream come true, as I believe their contributions could elevate the musical experience to new heights. I'm constantly inspired by their work and often find myself envisioning the magic we could create together.
Dimitris: Select the most impactful lyrics ever incorporated into a dance track, and elucidate the profound emotional resonance and personal significance they hold for you.
James Dust: The lyrics from Craig Connelly and Christina Novelli's track "Black Hole" hold a deep emotional resonance for me. The imagery of being irresistibly drawn into a situation that feels both captivating and perilous reflects the complex dance of vulnerability and strength within relationships. The words "every little thing you do, it drags me deeper into you" capture the intensity and power dynamics that can often entangle us, leaving us feeling both entranced and trapped. For me, this echoes the personal struggle of balancing the desire to follow and the need to break free, highlighting a universal theme of seeking liberation from emotionally consuming connections. The metaphor of a "black hole" powerfully illustrates the consuming nature of such relationships and the courage needed to reclaim one's independence and inner strength by letting go. This song, therefore, resonates deeply with my personal journey of navigating emotional entanglements and striving towards self-empowerment.
Dimitris: Do you believe that the artwork on your latest track is of high quality and has the potential to attract listeners or record buyers? If so, could you please provide an example of the most effective artwork ever created for a track?
James Dust: Yes, absolutely! I truly believe that the artwork on my latest track is of high quality and has significant potential to attract listeners and record buyers.
Dimitris: Could you select your top record label including the one that released the track we discussed in this interview? Please provide a brief explanation of why these label is significant to you and the music industry as a whole.
James Dust: My top record label is FSOE. For me, it's not just a label, but an honor to release my track with them. The label owners are incredibly authentic people, which makes working with them a genuine pleasure. Moreover, every track released by FSOE significantly impacts the trance genre and its fan base. It's more than just a label; it's a unique culture where you can breathe and feel comfortable, surrounded by a high level of professionalism. This is why FSOE is so significant to me and the music industry as a whole.
Dimitris: Could you select your most cherished album or compilation and elucidate the reasons behind your profound admiration for it?
James Dust: My most cherished album is 'Bloom' by Factor B. The reason I hold it in such high regard is that it is an unparalleled emotional journey from start to finish. Each track is crafted with such heartfelt emotion and authenticity that it resonates deeply with me. Factor B's ability to convey profound feelings through his music is truly remarkable, making 'Bloom' an album that I can listen to endlessly and still discover new layers of meaning each time. It's the kind of music that speaks to the soul and uplifts the spirit.
Dimitris: How much time do you dedicate to self-promotion on social media platforms, and do you consider it an essential tool for both self-promotion and booking management? Which social media platform appears to be more effective for your business?
James Dust: Dimitris, I dedicate about 30 hours each month to self-promotion on various social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. I definitely consider these platforms essential tools not just for self-promotion but also for booking management. Among these, Instagram appears to be the most effective platform for my business. It allows me to engage directly with fans, showcase my work visually, and connect with potential clients in a dynamic way.
Dimitris: Do you host your own radio show, podcast, Twitch stream, or Vlog? If so, please provide us with information about it. Include details on the preparation time involved and your level of enthusiasm for producing it.
James Dust: Yes, I do! I host a Twitch stream called the "Afterburner Show." It usually takes me about 3 hours of preparation time for each episode, including researching topics, setting up my equipment, and planning the content flow. My enthusiasm for producing the show is incredibly high because I love connecting with my audience and exploring new ideas during each stream. It's a creative outlet that I find both challenging and rewarding.
James Dust: Yes, I do post videos on TikTok. I believe TikTok has a massive influence on promoting music releases because it allows artists to reach a broad audience quickly and engage with them creatively. The platform's viral nature can catapult unknown tracks into public awareness overnight. As for fan-made TikTok videos, there are several that have creatively interpreted my music, bringing a unique perspective to it. These fan contributions are incredibly heartwarming and have helped in further popularizing my tracks.
Dimitris: Could you please provide information on any confirmed gigs or festival performances for 2025? If so, which ones are you most enthusiastic about performing and why?
James Dust: Absolutely! I'm thrilled to share that I will be performing at the Trance Horizons Switzerland on March 15th, 2025. It's going to be an incredible event, especially since the headliner is the renowned German trance legend, Marc Van Linden. I’m particularly enthusiastic about this performance because it’s an amazing opportunity to share the stage with such a distinguished artist and to connect with the vibrant trance community in Switzerland. The energy at these festivals is always electric, and I can’t wait to be a part of it!
For over five years, I've been passionately running my own festival brand, and it's a passion like no other. Since mid-2024, we've introduced a new addition to our festival lineup: Trance Horizons. The vision has always been about expanding from a local to a global presence. Spanning from Norway to Germany to Switzerland, we are crafting a network, transforming smaller events into intimate, family-like experiences. This connection is incredibly thrilling for fans of Trance Classics. We're excited to have the Norwegians back on board with trance! Experience the magic of Trance Horizons – a trance event traveling to European cities, bringing world-class trance DJs and future trance heroes. Stay tuned for updates and join us for a journey into music.
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Dimitris: Please provide your message & wishes for Flux Bpm Online readers.
James Dust: Hey Guys, I just wanted to extend a huge thank you to all the readers of Flux BPM Online for your incredible support and enthusiasm for the music. Your passion and dedication make everything we do possible and truly rewarding. I wish you all continued success in your musical journeys and hope that you keep discovering and enjoying new sounds. Stay tuned for more exciting content and updates from me. Thanks again and keep the BPMs flowing!
Thanks so much to James Dust for his answers.
Thanks to Stuart from FSOE for organizing this interview.
Download/Stream: https://fsoe.lnk.to/flyaway
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