If your a fan of House music and have enjoyed a lot of clubbing particularly in the South Coast region in the last decade (or in some cases even London and as far afield as Ibiza itself), there’s every chance you will have come across this talented individual. Beginning his aspirations to rock the biggest parties back in 1998 and working hard to stay well on top of that ambition, James Good has been tearing up dancefloors (some might say) - across the World from that halycon clubland period right up to... literally as I write this in the present day.

He’s played a lot of venues in that time, working with some of dance music’s finest brands including ‘We Love’, ‘Hed Kandi’ and ‘Pukka Up’ and I am literally poking at the top of the proverbial ice berg there as his CV reads like a up and coming DJ’s to-do list.

He loves Turnmills, rates Morillo, has a diverse approach to his style and often when mixing likes to work with live vocalist Bex Thurston and is the brains behind event brand Houseworx. Just days away from his set at Screw Presents Houseworx & Bodygroove this week, in the hot seat, one Mr James Good...

You’ve been on the rise since 1998, what sparked your interest in a mixer and set of 1210’s?

Originally I was fascinated by the thought of mixing two tunes together and like many of us got the dusty old record player out the attic and had a go…. It didn’t quite go to plan so I thought it was time to start saving for a proper set of decks! From there I started learning new techniques and found an interest in the industry and other DJs.

1998 was one of clublands strongest years in terms of numbers of promoters out there, clubs being packed and House and Trance were leading the way forward. Was it more or less difficult for you to get started as a DJ back then; than say for example as it is now, today?

It took a while to get out there but I was dedicated to getting on the circuit. I had a lucky break in ’99 with a couple of sets in Ibiza, which as you can imagine strengthened my confidence and left me wanting more! From that I found it easier meeting new people and arranging sets in some venues. I can only imagine how hard it is for new DJs to get involved nowadays, there are so many others all wanting the same, they’ve really got to stand out to make a good impression.

You are the creator of Houseworx, for those at home that don’t know, what’s it all about?

Houseworx was created in 2005, the idea is to give people a slightly different look on House music and to bring back the fun of House which is very often forgotten. It was a chance for our DJs to play anything from Soulful, Funky House to Electro, Dirty Grooves, as well as Break Beat - giving the fun and diversity a good night out needs. Find out for yourself at http://www.myspace.com/houseworxuk (shameless link)!

There are literally thousands of talented new DJs coming through everyday, what would you say sets you apart from the competition? What goes into building a CV like yours?

As I said before I like my set to stand out, I like diversity in sound and good technical skill. I also use a trained vocalist, Bex (Thurston) who is able to freestyle her own work as well as classics over what I play. It gives a new dimension to a DJ set and keeps people interested to what’s coming next. Many DJs have a great talent but I feel it’s quite often lost in sets that all sound alike. I’m not one for minimal or progressive sounds, I prefer something that makes you wanna jump! My advice: stand out, be brave and mix something in you wouldn’t usually try!

How has House music changed in the last (near) decade in your opinion?

Around ’96 when I got into House music it was a good solid 4-4 beat, great production from top DJs with a really groovy feel. It was a kind of groove I still enjoy listening to now. Slowly that started to disappear around 2001/02. Then more were remixed, more reused and resampled and it seems when Electro came in a couple of years ago, it shook the House scene up leaving it a bit lost and looking for a new direction. House music has always gone through stages though and will always progress with the times, I bet in 10 years I’ll probably be saying the same thing about now!

Are you doing any Radio at the moment – if so, what and what do you like / dislike about Radio work?

I’ve been featured on a couple of radio shows. I think they are a brilliant way to broadcast new music and music DJs wouldn’t usually choose to play in a club. Quite often I buy or receive really good music from my distributors but never have the opportunity to play it out and this is a chance to keep people up-to-date and interested in the scene without having to go searching for it.

If you could go back to back on an Essential Mix with anyone, who would it be and why?

Tough one, mmmmmm… maybe Krafty Kutz or 2 Many Djs or maybe Sonique so she can have a vocal battle with Bex!

If you were given an unlimited cash source to buy any venue of your choice, which venue would it be and who would be on the Grand (Re-) Opening line-up?

TURNMILLS with Pete Tong, Krafty Kutz, Diplo, Jacques Lu Cont, Plump DJ's, Scratch Perverts, Stanton Warriors, Roger Sanchez, Armand Van Helden, Fatboy Slim, DJ Yoda, Freestylers, Bobby & Steve, Aaron Ross, Bugz in the Attic, Joe Ranson, The Herbaliser and of course the Houseworx boys!!

You’ve performed on Main Stages and you’ve also performed at much smaller, more intimate gigs, tell us which of those experiences you prefer and why?

They both give me a massive buzz! I love the adrenalin, the sound and reaction from a main stage set, but nothing’s like the back room when everyone’s jumping at once and messing around together, it takes the pressure off and makes me feel more part of the party.

You’re playing at Screw this Friday, which has become another brand to watch on the South Coast like your very own – have you worked with them before? If so, any fond memories?

First time with Screw, I’ve heard good things so I’m really looking forward to this one.
I’ll be alongside some other great DJs and Houseworx’ vocalist Bex Thurston so I’m positive it’ll go off down there!

Interview By Jon Brown, With Thanks To James Good

James Good will be performing as part of Screw Presents Houseworx & Bodygroove this Friday, 20th July at Tantrum Nightclub, you can get more information from the event page on Don’t Stay In HERE .

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