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INTERVIEW: James Ellington



Established American party brand RVDIOVCTIVE is back with its second compilation of the year: a 15-track collection featuring exclusive new cuts from artists like Choopsie, Hector Moralez, NAIAD and NEY x MISS MAK.


We have had the pleasure of speaking with James Ellington and this has been the result.


Can you tell us a little about your early musical experiences?

I grew up with musical influences on both sides of the family. Playing music was always something I've enjoyed doing and it just felt like a natural thing to pursue as I got older. Eventually I fell in love with electronic music and making songs with computers. Have never looked back since. How do you hope that your music influences or impacts your listeners?

In general I just hope that my music creates a space for people to get out of their own heads for a couple minutes. Music has the ability to allow us to put ourselves into something and I've always appreciated tunes that can take you on a journey. Tell us about the inspiration behind your latest single....

I’ve always been into reggae music since i was a young kid and am always digging for cool samples and vocal ideas. Also, when I was making this record I had been listening to quite a lot of gorgon city and was experimenting with more bouncy basslines. And I tried adding some of my reggae samples from the stash over the beat and things just came together in a way that made me really excited. Do you feel that your sound has evolved over the years?

Absolutely. I am someone who is always trying new things and exploring different ways of working and that comes out in the music I make. I never want to feel like I've made the same song twice so I keep exploring new tools to add to the toolbox. Work It sees you on RVDIOVCTIVE... how important is it for you to have the support of a solid label on your releases?

It's very important for me to have the support of an awesome group of like-minded musicians. When we started the label it was important to create a space where different ideas were welcome and not expect people to stay locked into one specific sound palette. It's freeing to have the support of others who are pushing themselves creatively. Do you feel consistency is important in creating music? Or is it ok to experiment with different styles and sounds?

I don't think there's one right answer to this. On one hand it's important to be consistent with what you're doing but I also think it's important to keep pushing yourself and exploring what's possible. Personally I think trying out different styles and sounds is what leads me to finding those “happy accidents” that can turn into new ways of thinking and working. Some of my favorite tracks come out of trying something new. How do you see the next few years or your career panning out, in an ideal world?

I'd love to continue growing the label and putting out tracks that contribute to the overall body of work. Playing gigs in new places and meeting awesome people, while pushing my creativity to new places. That's all I ask for :) What's the most important piece of advice anyone's given to you so far?

It feels like the obvious one but just staying true to yourself. Specifically to follow your curiosity and passions and be open to the places they can take you.

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