James Holroyd's Begin: The 'Tuesday Is Ok After A Bank Holiday Monday' Mix

Music

Resident at both Bugged Out's various incarnations and also at Leed's Back To Basics, warming up for stars of the time such as Daft Punk and The Chemical Brothers. James Holroyd is originally from Wakefield but is more familiar in the Manchester environs, with respected and well planned out sets at clubs such as El Diablo's more recently. He is taking to the decks over in Croatia for the Love International festival, and has shared with us an exclusive promo mix, with a stunning Balearic set which will sound wonderful next to the warm waves of the Adriatic. Have a listen below and take a read about more of him below:

Please introduce yourself…

Who are you, where are you and what are you?
What does your music sound like?

I'm at home in the garden listening to the birds. I am in the sun and I've spent so much time in the rain and dark clubs that by the time I recorded any music as Begin, it was inspired by light and nature.

As previous resident at Bugged Out and Back to Basics at some of the best respected underground clubs, what do you think made Bugged Out so legendary?

It was a perfect moment in music location and fantastic promotion.

What were your favourite times at the Sankey’s and which guests really suited the vibe best?

I always remember through the looking glass that the warmup was great. Many regulars came down early to hear it and it was a dodgy place to get to. The guests would then bash us to death or groove us out. Chicago and Detroit figured heavy as well as the great people from UK. Many cross pollinated to Back to Basics too and vice versa. Fun times.

Were their any differences after relocating to Nation, taking what was seen as a Manchester institution out of the city? Who partied hardest The Mancs or The Scousers?

Both totally different scales size wise and a feat, I personally didn't believe could work. Both camps are on fire when it comes to partying .

What’s your involvement with the Love International crew? What sort of set can the Croatian crew expect from you?

I've been a long standing visitor/ guest at The Garden Festival and it's a family affair. Best week of any year, there's lazy sunny days ramping up to crazy nights. I have a mix of sets to play ranging from very early morning where a begin sound will suit to warming the amazing barbarellas outdoor club up. I love warm up sets so much, so it will be a moment to behold .

Where was the mix recorded?

Home made.

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

A hammock that is easy to get out of in case you need to dance .

What should we be wearing?

Anything or nothing.

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location/system/format?

Nothing beats a view out to sea especillaly if you live in landlocked Manchesterr with its concrete sky.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

4.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Don't listen to them.

If you could go back to back with any DJ from throughout history, who would it be and why?

Has to be people you know .

What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?

Same two turntables I've had for 25 years. Nothing new .

If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?

Space cake.

If it was an animal what would it be?

Bee.

One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into anything?

All the ones on this mix!

Upcoming in the world of Boggy?

Glastonbury Thursday in the Glade with the Basics crew, Love International and a slot at Electric Elephant in Croatia

IF YOU COULD TRAVEL IN TIME…WHERE IN TIME WOULD YOU GO? WHY?

Musically loads of places . Missed Northern Soul but would been have crazy for that. Late 60s and 70s Brasil and West coast US. Early 80s New York/ Sheffield / Manchester. Later 80s Chicago. There's an area of European holiday pop from the 80s in my imagination too.

Some self help questions for a Monday (well Tuesday after Bank Holiday!)

AM I EXCITED TO DIVE INTO THE CHALLENGES THAT I HAVE LINED UP FOR THE WEEK?

Surprisingly yes .

AM I LOOKING FORWARD TO ENGAGING WITH THE PEOPLE I AM MEETING OR WORKING WITH?

Always a treat. I spend enough time in isolation.

AM I GOING TO MY DREAM JOB?

I do it. The wages are shite though .

AM I BEING COMPENSATED FAIRLY FOR THE VALUE I BRING TO MY JOB?

Pah…

DO I FEEL ENERGISED, RESTED, AND CONFIDENT?

Never.

YOUR DOCTOR SAYS YOU NEED MORE EXERCISE….WHAT DO YOU TAKE UP FOR EXERCISE?

I like walking and cycling.

James Holroyd plays at Love International in Croatia in July 2016, full info can be found HERE. Follow James on Facebook HERE, and take a listen to his Soundcloud and Begin Bandcamp.