James Murphy

James Murphy

James Murphy is a musician, producer and deejay from Princeton Junction, United States, born in 1970. He is a co-founder of DFA Records and is best known for LCD Soundsystem, the project that brings together dance-punk, disco, electronica and post-punk revival with Murphy’s work as singer, writer and producer.

DFA Records and related projects

Murphy co-founds DFA in 1999 with Tim Goldsworthy, who previously works with UNKLE. The label becomes closely associated with Murphy’s own music and with the wider dance-punk scene. He is also linked with DFA and LCD Soundsystem in the verified artist information, and Pony is listed among his associated acts.

LCD Soundsystem

LCD Soundsystem first draws attention with the single “Losing My Edge” in 2002. The group then releases its self-titled debut album in 2005, followed by Sound of Silver in 2007. The song “All My Friends” from Sound of Silver later receives significant recognition, and the album itself is widely praised. The third LCD Soundsystem album, This Is Happening, is completed in 2010 and goes on to reach the top ten of the Billboard 200 as well as number one on the Dance/Electronic Albums chart.

Earlier groups and other work

Before LCD Soundsystem, Murphy plays in Falling Man from 1988 to 1989, Pony from 1992 to 1994, and Speedking from 1995 to 1997. He also works as the sound engineer for Six Finger Satellite. In addition to performing, he runs a recording studio called SafeHouse Production, where he mixes and produces records for other acts.

Production and collaborations

Murphy produces Deron Miller’s band World Under Blood and completes production on Dååth’s album The Hinderers and Lazarus A.D.’s debut The Onslaught. He also performs as a touring guitarist for Agent Steel and plays with Hallows Eve in 1988. He contributes guitar lessons to Guitar Player magazine.

Health and personal notes

Murphy is diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2001, recovers, and later says that it returns in non-cancerous form and is treated pharmacologically. He also works on a tribute album to Chuck Schuldiner, the founder of Death.