The newly-released Global Underground 37: Bangkok release is James Lavelle’s third mix compilation for GU’s acclaimed series following earlier efforts from Barcelona and Romania in 2002 and 2004 respectively, not to mention the latest reminder of his far-reaching talents.

Compiled over six weeks in Sri Lanka, London, Ibiza and Bangkok, Lavelle has mixed up something much more melodic and optimistic than his previous dark room Global Underground mixes. ITM caught up with the studio stalwart to get all the details

“It has a sunset, sunrise feel, and somewhere like Bangkok fits that,” Lavelle says groggily down the line from his home in London where, he freely admits, he’s just woken up.

“I wanted a spiritual feeling, something euphoric, something that would hopefully make you smile. Watching the sun come down, you put your CD on, you have your madness, then the sun comes up and you have your beauty.

“I’ve not done an official mix for 5 years so a lot has changed with the music I play and I wanted the mix to show people where I’m currently at,” he confesses. “Time has passed; [the mix] seemed an appropriate thing to do and I’d been wanting to put out a mix for a while so it just happened that Global wanted to do it again and it worked out that way.”

Think tracks and remixes by the likes of James Holden, Four Tet, Radio Slave, Dubfire, Nathan Fake and Ame, Dixon & Henrik Shwarz and you’re getting close. In short, it’s a brilliant compilation and a fitting continuation of the long-running GU series.

While long known for his celebrated Mo’ Wax label which has showcased a wide range of sounds including trip-hop, electronica and hip hop from the likes of DJ Shadow, Blackalicious, Palm Skin Productions and Money Mark, Lavelle has perhaps enjoyed most success as a foundation member of pioneering British musical group UNKLE.

Since 1994 UNKLE’s rotating roster has included the likes of Tim Goldsworthy, DJ Shadow, Kudo and Richard File, but has always been anchored by Lavelle.

Its eclectic discography encompassing everything from trip hop to downtempo and ‘capital A’ alternative sounds has won fans worldwide and solidified Lavelle’s relationship with an array of arts-based collectives and personalities including Massive Attack’s Robert ‘3D’ Del Naja, Chris Goss, Black Mountain, Dave Bateman and Lake Trout’s James Griffith.

UNKLE’s latest offering is Heavy Drug, an edit of which features on the GU Bangkok release. It’s already featuring heavily in Lavelle’s DJ sets and what began as a late night remix session between James and his brother Aidan has since taken on a life of its own, with Lavelle admitting Heavy Drug has also been reworked to feature on UNKLE’s new album, tentatively scheduled to be released in February 2010.

It’s technology, in Lavelle’s opinion, that has shaped his maturation as a producer in recent years, and which tracks like Heavy Drug have sprung from.

“I think the biggest change has been technology-wise, like what you can do in the mix,” he says. “In many ways it’s been more accepted; I think the process of putting these things together is a lot more fun these days.”

“What could’ve taken you two days to do can now be done in a matter of hours; [I think] it’s important to embrace technology where needed. “

Last in Australia for the 2008 Big Day Out festival, Lavelle is confident he will again be down under in early 2010 and, while “nothing’s confirmed” as yet, he lets slip that another festival appearance may be on the cards. So which does he prefer; clubs or festivals?

“It just depends on the gig,” he says. “It’s great touring festivals because of the group of people you’re with and that sort of support is great. [But] I’ve had some amazing club gigs over the years and I think it all balances itself out.”

Global Undeground 37: Bangkok is out now through Global Underground/Stomp. Stay tuned to ITM to hear about a possible tour by James Lavelle in early 2010!