James Zabiela

James Zabiela is a DJ from Southampton, United Kingdom. Born in 1979, he becomes known in 2000 after winning Muzik Magazine’s Bedroom Bedlam competition, and he is named Best Bedroom Bedlam DJ in 2001. He is signed to Sasha’s Excession agency and is mentored by Sasha.

Style and performance

His sets and releases draw on tech house, electro house and breakbeat, and he is associated with progressive house, house and electronica. He is known for turntable skills, extensive use of loops and effects, and for making heavy use of mixing tools and utilities in performance.

Equipment and technique

Zabiela is linked with the Pioneer CDJ1000 and EFX1000, and he later uses Ableton Live in his performances. His approach emphasises detailed, layered mixing and a highly produced live sound.