With his band the Rogue Traders going stratospheric on the pop charts, it’s clear James Ash is a delighted man. The pet project he began with Steve Davis has grown into a multi-platinum success story, making the crossover from clubs to concert halls. However, the London ex-pat was a DJ first, and it’s a passion he’s still honing.
Ash started spinning around Melbourne as early as 1993, scoring some coveted residencies and a record deal with Vicious Vinyl. A slew of solo remixes and productions preceded We Know What You’re Up To, the first Rogue Traders album. However, it wasn’t until 2005’s Here Come The Drums, with the new addition of singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte, that the band hit commercial pay-dirt. All the while, though, Ash has continued to enthusiastically man the turntables and CDJs at various nightspots around the country.
He talks to ITM’s Jack Tregoning about the transition from DJ to band member, the unique thrill of being in the booth and rediscovering his love of house.
James Ash plays The Met, Brisbane on Friday 16 November, and a live broadcast of the event can be heard on NOVA 106.9FM from 10pm. The new Rogue Traders album Better In The Dark is out now through Columbia/Sony BMG.
