James Zabiela — Progressive House & Techno DJ

James Zabiela is a British DJ and producer from Southampton, born in 1979, who first gained attention in 2000 by winning Muzik Magazine's Bedroom Bedlam competition, taking the Best Bedroom Bedlam DJ prize in 2001. His early signature style fused breakbeat with progressive house, and he has since become known more broadly as a progressive house, techno and acid house DJ, though breakbeat elements remain part of his sets. He has received sponsorship from Pioneer since 2005, a relationship that continues to shape his setup, which relies on CDJ-2000s, the EFX1000 and RMX1000 effects units, Ableton Live and, at times, an iPad alongside various controllers. Known for his turntable skills and heavy use of loops and effects live, Zabiela built a reputation as a technically inventive selector within the UK progressive scene, releasing mixes including installments of the Balance series and Boiler Room sets that showcase his layered, effects-driven approach to mixing. His catalogue of remixes and originals, including "The Healing" and "Blame," has run alongside a touring career built primarily around his club and festival DJ sets rather than production output.