About Justin James

There are two artists named Justin James: 

Justin James hails from Windsor, Ontario, the same city as his label boss and techno icon Richie Hawtin. With Richie, Dubfire and many others as close, guiding influences, James has used this ammunition to fire his way to international recognition. Being just across the river from the revered school of Detroit producers has not left James unmoved. The powerful emotions deep within the seminal tracks that emanate from across the border resound heavily in him. Being touched by this rich history has deeply influence James' music production, sharing his own vision of techno with other like-minded souls. A slew of creativity is already available, through releases quickly signed to powerhouse international labels such as Richie Hawtin's 'Minus' and Dubfire's 'Sci+Tec.' James has not rested on his laurels, instead he has taken his vision to the next level by curating his own imprint "Refused," a record label which will showcase forward thinking techno from himself, established artists and up-and-coming talent from around the globe. Justin James is all about his deep love of the diverse elements of techno. His juxtaposition of raw techno with more organic elements, gives him boundless energy in the studio and behind the decks, which keeps the dance-floor militia on their toes. Cohesively developing a unique style that rolls all elements of techno into one highly kinetic experience, James has the ability to pool his influences, and endlessly move crowds to the far reaches of the genre. Justin James is a classical and contemporary pianist with a deep affinity for the classical music of the 19th and 20th century period and the origins of jazz. Aged four, Justin began playing his first notes and has never lost touch with the instrument. Growing up in a musical household with heaps of classical and jazz influences didn't hurt either. A former student of Perth Modern School as part of the music scholarship program, he also trained in classical piano at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. (WAAPA) During this time, Justin was able to grasp large scale piano works with a musical sensitivity beyond his years, however the plaudits did not impact on him. "I remember Walter Haas telling me after a performance that he had seen many pianists and that I would "make it" but it was just about the music for me." A former Music Managers Forum member, Justin James is also a full writer member of the Australian Performing Rights Association and a friend of the Sydney International Piano Competition.