Robert James “House Invader”

Being on the frontline is a familiar feeling for Robert James, who went from a tour in Iraq with the British Army to touring the most vaunted venues in dance music as a first-class selector. The only difference now is that he is laying it all on the line for party politics and the order of the groove. Stationed in London, James is gearing up to make his debut on Steve Lawler’s esteemed VIVa imprint next week with three original cuts that could level any dancefloor they come across.

Loaded on the second spot of the EP is “House Invader,” which sees high-ranking house duo Groove Armada firing off their terrace and dub mixes. The original is a monster of its own, armed with an infectious vocal hook and vivacious basslines that gnaw at your feet until you succumb to their pressure. The fact here is that Robert James is an ace in the hole.

Available July 31 via VIVa MUSiC.

Was there one particular moment in the recording or mixing process of this track that made you feel as though you were creating something pretty damn special?
Sometimes tracks—usually other people’s—get me dancing out of my chair and around the room. This was one of them. You know you have something good when it gets you dancing out your chair at 11am just on coffee. So yeah, there were a few moments when I thought this could be quite big.

Describe the best setting/activity to hear this track.
Some warehouse or a good outside terrace in the sun—could be played anywhere, I say.

Have you played this one out in any of your sets? If so, what was the response?
Yes, I’ve played it quite a few times. I just recently came back from a North and South American tour, and the response was really good, with people asking, “What is this track?”—which brings a nice smile to my face : )

If this song were a color, what color would it be?
It would have to be blue, as it’s my favorite color, and one of my favorite tracks that I’ve made.

How do you measure the success of a track?
I played this track to quite a few of my non-DJ mates, and they loved it. Fingers crossed [that] it does well, but I’m never that bothered if a track does well or if it doesn’t do well. I love making music and getting to play them out in amazing places to amazing people all over the world. Some tracks do well, some don’t… you just never know.

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