24: Growing up what were your influences in the game?
Definetly Djs such as Clue, Jam Master Jay & Jazzy Jeff, I also gotta show some respect to the UK’s own Tim Westwood for putting his work in to make it possible for a lot of these US artists to be able to come to the UK and do their thang.
24: You've wanted to be a DJ since you were 18. Is South Yorkshire hip hop orientated or is it the opposite?
I don’t live in South Yorkshire no more but yes there is a very good Hip Hop following in that area in cities such as Bradford, Leeds & Sheffield but there also is an even bigger following in the main city in the UK which is London, overall thou the UK has a very good Market for Hip Hop.
24: Being that you've hosted mixtapes for artists in the states and the Uk. Do you have a different approach when you host a mixtape?
I tend to approach every project the same and give everyone the same 100% effort that goes into a hosting but I don’t always do everyones tape the same. I tend to do try different things because if I did the same thing on every tape I hosted it would get kinda boring and predictable.
24: You have a series of mixtapes titled 'Grind Time.' Whats that all about?
I actually no longer do the ‘Grind Time’ series I just released the last one at the end of May hosted by Brisco. My new series is called ‘International Hustle’ which I feel is more true to me. Im really trying to get that brand up like a Gangsta Grillz or Southern Smoke etc… Its just my way and letting everyone no that im internationally based and if you want exposure in that market then you gotta mess with me.
24: Aside form the 'Grind Time' mixtapes. How many mixtapes have you hosted in career to date? From what I've kept track off it's over 100 but I couldn’t give you an exact number on that one as I've hosted so many LOL.
24: This year's SEA aka Southern Entertainment Awards 2009 voted you to be the best Dj to host a mixtape. How does it feel to be the first Uk Dj to win that award?
It always feels good to win an award for what I do but I also look at this way winning awards or not I will still be doing what im doing now. Of course I don’t want sound ungrateful there LOL but it's true facts, but I have to shout out everyone that has voted for me and supported me to this point in my career. But of course it is always good I mean I've done this myself since day one theres no team when it comes to DJ AMES it’s just me and it always has been.
24: A couple of Djs have risen to a peak and began doing albums. Can we expect a Dj Ames album?
I have actually released 2 albums already a double CD of various UK artists in 2006 called 'Raw Talent Vol 1'and in 2007 I released another double CD album full of both UK & US artists but since then I have been putting down a few ideas for another release but I don’t feel it’s the right move yet for me to put out another album, but im not saying it’s a no it could happen within the next 1 – 2 years we will just have to see what happens.
24: You and The Affiliates have done multiple projects together. What's your relationship with them?
I have a lot of respect for everyone in the AMG camp! Shouts to Jelks The Icon, La , Sense, Dram, WTK & V12. I have been working with the Aphilliates for just over a year now so I have a good working relationship with them. I’m basically currently there unofficial UK Aphilliate. You gotta respect the movement and also cop that Gangsta Grillz 2 that’s in stores now!
24: Mypace has been a great marketing tool for you. Would you owe all your success to myspace?
I would say so yes because I wouldn’t be able to get half the connects I have now without the world of online marketing but of course it would be impossible if there wasn’t myspace it would just mean me travelling a lot more to make things happen. Myspace is a great tool and if used correctly can be a great asset to any trying to make a good career for themselves weather it be music, acting, modelling and the list goes on as the opportunities are endless.
24: It is said when you were younger within 3 months your vinyl was a serious load. Being that years have gone by. How much music do you think you own now?
I have a lot, I actually use Serato now so I would say I have around 5000 + mp3s if not more.
24: What projects do you have in the works?
I have a lot going on right now, there’s my UK artist Flex The Truth, gotta shout him out and the whole highrise team on that note! Im pushing him right now just released his mixtape with DJ Chuck T & Myself and he has another one dropping real soon with another US DJ who I will announce soon. I have mixtapes coming out with DJs from the Aphilliates which are an all Aphilliates mixtape with DJ Sense and another UK mixtape called International Hustle UK Edition with DJ Holiday. There’s a mixtape with Rasheeda called Certified and International Domination with the big home Roccett and various other hostings etc… you could say I have a lot going on LOL but I love it as if I wasn’t busy there would be something wrong.
24: You're doing work with Dj Drama, Trina and plenty
more big names. Is there an artist you haven't worked with yet that you would like to? There’s so many I want to work with. I defiantly need to get some tapes done with DJ Whoo Kid, DJ Smallz & DJ Green Lantern and work with artists such as Gucci Mane, Oj Da Juiceman, Yo Gotti & Ludacris etc.. All being well I can make all that happen so watch this space.
24: How can artists an industry personnel contact you to do business?
There’s always the trusty MySpace lol myspace.com/djamesuk / twitter.com/djamesuk & the emails ukmixtapeking@gmail.com & djamesmp3@gmail.com
24: Are there any last things you wanna say to the world?
For all those that have slept on me I think its about time you started paying attention cos I aint going anywhere no time soon! I wanna shout out Nina Marie and 24hourhiphop for this interview, the whole of the Fleet Dj’s, Real Dj’s, Coast2Coast Dj’s, AA DJ’s! Shouts out to SoSincere, yoraps.com & Gin Pierce. Also shout out my dude Tricksta at Parkstreet Pr! You need UK PR then make sure he look him up. The whole of the Highrise and SRE Team and UK producer Nikki Nitro! And finally Atllas, Moka Blast, Checkmate and anyone that ive worked with and that’s supported me so far! I could be here allday so sorry if ive missed anyone out LOL
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