Do You wanna be a part of this? This fella does. We have a sit down with Grin Recordings new addition to the growing talent list. We chat to James about his thoughts on his upcoming show at The Gallery's Ministry of Sound night, what inspired him in music and Sweaty Underpants.

So Mr. Edwards you have now been added to the Grin Recordings DJ and Producers roster. How did this come about and what are your thoughts on this?

Well Well mr. Batch. This happened in a magical place called Ibiza. One of the guys I was playing with bought me along to the Grin boat. I managed to muscle my way on to the decks and spin 3 tracks, one of which was skipping like a bitch! And then we returned the favour by bringing them down to the bay bar for the day.
I’m thrilled to be working with Grin. They are the first group of people I’ve met who share the same passion and desire for success as I do. And they’re also pretty cool guys.

What have you been up to this year on the music scene?

This year has been my best yet. I always look back over past years and ask myself, have I made progress? This year I had my first records released. Firstly on Swedish label PR Records, and now Grin. I also played in Ibiza for the first time. I’ve been visiting the Island since I was 14 and to be able to play at Es Paradis, Kanya and Ibiza Rocks was a dream come true… Well the first part of the dream anyway.
I’m looking forward to playing for PR Records in Gothenburg at the end of August, and then hitting the main room at Ministry Of Sound alongside Darren Emerson of Underworld on my birthday in September.

Talk us through a typical day in the life of James Edwards

A typical day sees me rise at about Midday! It sounds lazy but because I play out on average four times a week, my sleep pattern doesn’t let me sleep till 5am. In fact I don’t really have a sleep pattern, it’s just sort of “catch a kip whenever you can”. A quick bite to eat and a frolic with the dog and then its down to work. This could be anything from studio work, promotional work designing flyers for events, mix CD’s and podcasts, Doing my radio show on Thursday’s and lots and lots and lots of E-mails. Take a few hours off at 8ish (more food and Fags) then off to the gig to get pissed and play tunes!!

How did you get involved in music and who has inspired you?

As a child I was always fascinated with drum kits. I still have pictures of myself aged four playing on a makeshift drum kit my mum put together from pan lids, snooker cues and plastic boxes, drumming along to Fleetwood ac and Status Quo. Michael Jackson was and still is a hero of mine. I can remember standing in front of the T.V for hours on end practicing the moves and singing along. These are all very early memories but I’m sure they contribute to the way I make music and the way I construct my DJ sets.

Which DJ’s and Producers are you making you wanna be a part of this?

As a DJ, Erick Morillo oh and eer Erick Morillo. Haha no seriously he was the first DJ I saw, at Pacha Ibiza. His energy blew me away and made me want to have a go. I learnt all my tricks from watching him and listening to the way he extended tracks with loops to fit in acapellas. Dance moment of the year 2006 as voted for by Mixmag; Radio 1’s 10th anniversary in Ibiza, Erick Morillo on the space terrace mixed Red Carpet – Alright with Kings of tomorrow – Finally acapella. I was there, I nearly cried, needless to say it was emotional.
As a producer my influence comes for here there and everywhere. The Swedish House Mafia, Pryda, Chocolate puma, Dirty South, Michael Jackson, Tracey Thorne. Whatever I hear that I like really.

Your new track “Do You” has been signed to Grin Recordings. Tell us about it.

It was all based around the jumpy synth that leads the track. I actually made it with the intention of it being a drum loop. The beats fits in really well, makes you want to dance. The vocal is mine, just playing around with delays and reverbs to get a dark sound, but the track also has quite a commercial sound.

If you are going to be hanging out with the Grin team, you should be aware that they are big WWE fans. So… important question…

Who is your favourite wrestler and why?

BIG DADDY COOL DIESEL when he and Razor Ramone invaded TNT as the NWA, that was intense!

What is your idea of a beautiful day?

I’m a man of simple pleasures mate. Music, food and sex will keep me smiling for eternity.

What are your plans for the next upcoming year?

I’m going to spend a lot more time in the studio. I want to start churning out the tracks, but keeping the quality high of course. I’m really looking forward to hosting Ministry with Grin on Halloween, and I have a desire to play at The End at one point.

(above James with his Fans: Grin Aunty, Grin Girl Linz and Grin Mummy awww)

Some Quick fire questions

What’s your favourite food?

Sushi!

What’s your favourite colour?

Red!

3 Tunes at the moment?

DJ DLG & Erick Morillo – Where are you now

Mastiksoul – Jacobino

Tracey Thorne – Grand Canyon (Dirty South)

Best Film?

The Fan. Not too well known, Robert Deniro and Wesley Snipes.

Fittest Girl?

Elisha Cuthbert in the girl next door (with Sushi and house music)

Next Gigs?

Essence Kingston - 5th September

Ministry of Sound 19th September