This week this talented lad shares his likes & dislikes with our readers...
you & me
Turhan James is a Pakistani electronic music producer who creates a variety of EDM music aimed at capturing listeners through catchy vocal chops and emotional melodies. He started his DJ career in Karachi, at the age of 16 and since then has played a multitude of events ranging from house parties to club shows to massive music festivals such as ‘ELE’, ‘Solis Festival’, and ‘Ultra Music Festival’ in Abu Dhabi. Turhan has released music under labels such as the Artist Intelligence Agency and NoFace Records and has also released a few songs independently. Some of Turhan's previous hit titles include ‘LA’, ‘Normal Life', ‘Feel Alive' ‘Wicked Ways’ and ‘Amsterdam'. His music has been featured on some of the biggest editorial playlists available on Spotify and Apple Music which include: ‘New Music Friday Cratediggers’, ‘Fresh Electronic’ and ‘Chill Tracks’.
Recently, Turhan has released his first music video production ‘Saaye’ (ft. Maanu). Composed entirely by Turhan with lyrics and vocals by Maanu, the track is inspired by a mix of pop and electronic elements. Turhan’s musical catalog has been played on radio stations all around the world and continues to gain listeners. This week this talented lad shares his likes & dislikes with our readers…
When did you start DJ-ing?
I started DJ-ing at the age of 14 while I was in high school.
Who was your inspiration?
My inspirations were Martin Garrix and 3lau. At the moment it is more of a side hustle while I work my day job. But the end goal is of course to have this as something I can do full-time, for the rest of my life.
What are some of the common myths about DJ-ing?
That the entire process involves drugs and alcohol which is not true at all.
Is DJ-ing a mainstream and financially stable career yet?
Not at the moment. The Pakistani market doesn’t seem to support electronic dance music festivals to happen on a scale large enough to make an impact to showcase the genre.
Did you get formal training for being a DJ/Producer?
I learnt the basics by myself from a young age but I did end up going to Pioneer’s music school in Amsterdam and learnt first-hand from my incredible teacher AWIIN.
What kind of music do you generally spin?
It depends on the crowd and the type of show I am playing. My music will always be filled with good vibes, but the energy of the set depending on the size of the event.
What are some of the perks of being a DJ/Producer?
Two incredible perks are definitely the fact that I get to consume so much music as well as work and share concepts with like-minded artists.
What is your most memorable concert to-date?
Opening for Martin Garrix in Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena for sure!
What is the role of a DJ in making any concert/party a hit?
To have the ability to read the crowd and ensure the crowd is having the best time of their life.
Do you make your own compositions too?
I produce all of my tracks myself while whichever vocalists I work with write the lyrics and sing the songs.
Why are there very few professional DJs in Pakistan?
As I mentioned earlier, the market doesn’t support our industry as much as we’d like and that’s primarily due to the negative stigma our genre has associated to it. So doing a show at scale is incredibly difficult to pull off.
Can you tell us a bit about your first music video production ‘Saaye’?
It was a process I’ll never forget. I got to work with magicians - Maanu writing, singing, and co-producing ‘Saaye’; Zain Peerzada and Luke Azariah under Flux Media capturing the entire music video; while Mustafa Khan was on guitars. Legit flew to Lahore for 26 hours, shot the music video at SA Gardens and flew back to Karachi. I was a little lost as to what I was supposed to do in front of the camera but man… Maanu, Zain, and Luke helped guide me through the process and made me insanely comfortable.
What is your claim to fame as a DJ?
I wouldn’t say there’s fame, but if I was to say the specific thing that made my name slightly known was my song ‘LA’ with Kelsey Hayes.
Who are your favourite international DJ?
My favourite are Nitti Gritti and Swedish House Mafia.
Your favourite local DJs:
Sidd and Talal Qureshi.
Your favourite music composers:
Swedish House Mafia, Odesza, Talal Qureshi and Abdullah Kasumbi.
Who do you enjoy most working with?
Everyone that I have worked with!
Who is your icon in the music industry?
3lau and Shalizi for their music business intellect.
Who was your favourite rock/jazz star when you were in your teens?
I didn’t listen to rock or jazz that much when I grew up so couldn’t take a name.
One thing you like best about yourself?
My ability to connect with people through my music
Your most irritating habit...
Not releasing my music because it has to be perfect…
You don’t like people who are...
Not kind. I understand being closed off to people who you don’t know but always be kind.
You are afraid of…
Sharks.
Your most valuable possession:
My laptop.
What are some of the most popular tracks you have played?
An edit I made of ‘Bella-Ciao’ for sure.
Your all-time favourite music:
Swedish House Mafia’s music.
Song that always gets you on the dance floor:
Any Swedish House Mafia song.
What bores you the most?
Sitting idle, not doing something productive.
You are crazy about…
Music!
How do you like to spend your Sundays?
Eating my cheat meals, and watching shows with my girlfriend all day and night.
What is your favourite tune nowadays?
‘The Last Goodbye’ by Odesza.
What’s the last thing you bought?
Flowers for my girlfriend on Valentines.
What books are on your bedside table?
My Ableton Suite manual.
You get super uncomfortable when…
When I’m not doing something productive.
The biggest misconception about you...
I’m not sure actually I haven’t heard anything as yet. (haha)
Your favourite hangout:
Oh, definitely has to be sitting in a room with a bunch of producers and vocalists making music… It’s an unreal experience.
Something very few people know about you as a person...
I’m not sure I’m an open book.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Producing for and collaborating with the biggest artists around the world. Owning my own label. Playing shows around the world.
