Music has always been a passion for James. From an early age, he was consuming music in all of its forms - concerts, searching through record stores’ bins and making and sharing mix tapes. He began DJing in college and soon met DJs Porkchop and Dirtyfinger, combining forces to play bars and clubs as well as larger events and block parties. Their events were written up in The New York Times and Paper Magazine, and the three became known for their free-form, mixed-genre format.

Since then, James has DJed at venues across Manhattan and Brooklyn. In January 2011, a series of themed warehouse parties with the Swimming Cities group were named #1 in the city in Time Out New York’s “5 Best Parties” feature. James has also appeared on WNYU and WFMU, and currently has residencies at The Wythe Hotel, Tandem Bar, and the Commodore.