Oh Mr James

Musician — Cornwall

01Profile

A Oh Mr James Photo

03Interview

Name, where are you from?
Oh Mr James, from Wales and based in Cornwall.

Describe your style in three words?
Ambient, experimental, electronic.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Dexadrina, Llangollen Pavilion. They played London in the Raw until there were no audience or band members left. They played what they felt and were true to themselves.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
The Brian Jonestown Massacre and Aphex Twin because of their love for the music and uncompromising approach in what they make and who they are as artists. Would be a hell of a night!

Which Subcultures have influenced you?
Grunge was the first scene I got into and its philosophy of substance over style. Psychedelic culture aided my outlook and self-reflection. Musically, I found similar running themes, of chaos and order, in experimental electronic music / IDM / braindance. These subcultures took hold, I knew I needed to start building machines to make the sound that I imagined. I soon discovered open idea sharing and means for musical self-actualisation within the DIY synth community. I found this same sense of camaraderie mirrored in the Cornish music scene, since moving here.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Nikola Tesla. Would love to talk about ideas and music inventions with him.

Of all the venues you’ve been to, which is your favourite?
Had some great nights in The Old Swan in Wrexham, and Fives in Falmouth.
Most of my favourites have been temporary unofficial venues and raves in beautiful surroundings. It doesn’t matter where they are, it’s the sense of togetherness and feeling on the same page with strangers that really makes a night.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Penryn Space Agency. They never fail to deliver amazing mixes and new music at live performances and on their radio shows.

04Playlist Notes

The first track you played on repeat?
'Come As You Are' by Nirvana.

A song that defines the teenage you?
A combination of 'Not to Touch the Earth' by The Doors and 'Window Licker' by Aphex Twin.

One record you would keep forever?
Hard to decide between 'Tape Luminarium' and 'Music Has The Right to Children' by Boards of Canada.

A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Just because you’re paranoid, don’t mean they’re not after you"

From 'Territorial Pissings' by Nirvana.

A song you wished you had written? 
'Talking Wall' by C O N T X T.

Best song to turn up loud?
'Space Is Only Noise If You Can See' by Nicolas Jaar.

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Locomotion' by Little Eva.

The song to get you straight on the dance floor?
'I’m Not Your Dog' by Baxter Dury.

Best song to end an all-nighter?
'Future Daniel' by Clark.

Any new bands you are into at the moment?
Inka Upendo and Hallion.

03Interview

Name, where are you from?
Oh Mr James, from Wales and based in Cornwall.

Describe your style in three words?
Ambient, experimental, electronic.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Dexadrina, Llangollen Pavilion. They played London in the Raw until there were no audience or band members left. They played what they felt and were true to themselves.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
The Brian Jonestown Massacre and Aphex Twin because of their love for the music and uncompromising approach in what they make and who they are as artists. Would be a hell of a night!

Which Subcultures have influenced you?
Grunge was the first scene I got into and its philosophy of substance over style. Psychedelic culture aided my outlook and self-reflection. Musically, I found similar running themes, of chaos and order, in experimental electronic music / IDM / braindance. These subcultures took hold, I knew I needed to start building machines to make the sound that I imagined. I soon discovered open idea sharing and means for musical self-actualisation within the DIY synth community. I found this same sense of camaraderie mirrored in the Cornish music scene, since moving here.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Nikola Tesla. Would love to talk about ideas and music inventions with him.

Of all the venues you’ve been to, which is your favourite?
Had some great nights in The Old Swan in Wrexham, and Fives in Falmouth.
Most of my favourites have been temporary unofficial venues and raves in beautiful surroundings. It doesn’t matter where they are, it’s the sense of togetherness and feeling on the same page with strangers that really makes a night.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Penryn Space Agency. They never fail to deliver amazing mixes and new music at live performances and on their radio shows.

04Playlist Notes

The first track you played on repeat?
'Come As You Are' by Nirvana.

A song that defines the teenage you?
A combination of 'Not to Touch the Earth' by The Doors and 'Window Licker' by Aphex Twin.

One record you would keep forever?
Hard to decide between 'Tape Luminarium' and 'Music Has The Right to Children' by Boards of Canada.

A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Just because you’re paranoid, don’t mean they’re not after you"

From 'Territorial Pissings' by Nirvana.

A song you wished you had written? 
'Talking Wall' by C O N T X T.

Best song to turn up loud?
'Space Is Only Noise If You Can See' by Nicolas Jaar.

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Locomotion' by Little Eva.

The song to get you straight on the dance floor?
'I’m Not Your Dog' by Baxter Dury.

Best song to end an all-nighter?
'Future Daniel' by Clark.

Any new bands you are into at the moment?
Inka Upendo and Hallion.

 

05Videos

Oh Mr James - 'Frenetically Pronounced'

Oh Mr James