James

Describe your style in three words?

Collaging warmth (from a) wardrobe.

The first track you played on repeat?

The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster - Psychosis Safari

This should technically be Britney Spears but for sentimental values, 'Psychosis Safari' wins the position. It's the first CD single I remember purchasing and the first band I remember watching unsupervised, head banging ecstatically to at age 12. I still enjoy listening to them.

A song from your favorite album?

Rowland S. Howard - (I Know) A Girl Called Jonny [feat. Jonnine Standish]

One of the most beautiful songwriters for songs of love, self-destruction & sorrow - most likely, all at once. This man has been a big inspiration to me as both a solo artist and in The Birthday Party.

A song from your most memorable gig?

Flamingods - Mountain Man

Flamingods are good friends & collaborators of mine. I love watching them live & this song carries the energy of a feel-good chaotic wedding party at it's climax. Kamal always does a moving speech on world unity before & I've seen the combination move the crowd in wondrous ways.

A song that always gets you up and dancing?

Donna Summer - Hot Stuff

I have a childhood memory of walking around the Alton Towers hotel past my bed time & witnessing a drag queen perform this song. Since then, it possesses the power to make me jump up & start moving manically without fail. Hypnotic Tango, Divine & Amanda Lear are close contenders.

A new song you're listening to?

Orville Peck - Big Sky

Orville Peck is the leather masked & tasseled Cowboy hero the world has been needing. 'Pony' is a beautiful modern country masterpiece.

Best song to turn up loud?

Uncanny Valley - Seeds

Uncanny Valley have been my favourite new industrial / synth-based band to watch in London for a while now, and I recently started playing guitar in them. From these experiences, I can only say, this song is a thrill to enjoy incredibly loud.

A song that defines the teenage you?

The Blood Brothers - Trash Flavored Trash

It's got to be The Blood Brothers. I spent my teenage years listening to lots of art-punk, electronic indie, and metal bands in blood-constricting clothing and a DIY haircut. My favourite label was Three One G, and my favourite band was The Blood Brothers.

An anthemic song?

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - I Let Love In - 2011 Remastered Version

"Despair and deception, love's ugly little twins, came a-knocking on my door, I let them in..."

Best song to end an all-nighter?

Anika - I Go To Sleep

Sweet dreams.