Grace Bones: The Journey of a Prolific UK Producer and DJ
Photo credit: Grace Bones – Official
Grace Bones, a name that is becoming synonymous with vibrant house music, is more than just a producer and DJ; he is a cultural ambassador for the genre itself. Known offstage as James Hancock, this UK-based artist now splits his time between the UK and Los Angeles, bridging both worlds through his music and connections. With an impressive discography boasting over 250 releases, he has worked with prominent labels including Nervous, Dopewax, Stealth, Cube, Moxy Muzik, King Street, Snatch, Quantize, KMS, Monki & Friends, Garage Paradise, Adesso Music, Eightball Records, and Plastik People.
A Journey Through Music
Not only has Grace Bones achieved substantial commercial success—two gold records, two number ones, and over 25 Top 10 entries—but he has also made his mark by remixing tracks for iconic artists such as Chaka Khan, Steve “Silk” Hurley, and Donell Jones. Currently, he helms his radio show, House of Chic Radio, broadcasting on London’s Select 94.4 FM, providing a platform for the latest and greatest in house music.
Recent Releases and Collaborations
Hot on the heels of his album ‘By The Slice’, released via Moxy Muzik, Grace Bones is back with a new single, ‘Times We Had It All’, in collaboration with the talented vocalist Leavy. The new track combines timeless house elements with an uplifting energy, making it a perfect addition to any DJ’s playlist. In an exclusive chat, Grace Bones shared his insights on the album, collaborations, and the excitement of new music.
Returning to Los Angeles
When asked about his recent experiences, Grace reflected, “Everything’s great! I’ve just returned to Los Angeles after spending time in Europe promoting my new album. It was fantastic to play some shows and connect with friends and family. Coming back to LA is always nice; I love getting into the studio and basking in some California sunshine.”
The Spark Behind ‘Times We Had It All’
Grace expressed deep satisfaction about the release of ‘Times We Had It All’. He noted, “This record has been a long time in the making, so it’s great to finally have it out in the world. From what I’ve heard, the feedback has been really positive so far, which is always rewarding.” He recounted that the track was created over a year ago, inspired by African and Latin rhythms, intertwining them to create an energetic sound. The collaboration with Leavy was serendipitous; having previously worked with her, Grace knew her vocal strength would elevate the track.
The Essence of Collaboration
Grace shared the impacts of working with Leavy: “From the moment we got back in the studio, it felt really natural. She brought an energy to the vocals that instantly lifted the record, transforming it into something bigger.” This collaboration exemplifies how artists can feed off each other’s creativity to produce something special.
A Love Affair with Electronic Music
The foundation of Grace’s passion for music began in childhood; he was captivated by the early electronic sounds of breakdancing and 80s synth-pop. “At its core, I just love music,” he reflected. “There’s nothing quite like the feeling of hearing something you’ve created connect with an audience.” This enthusiasm has been a driving force throughout his expansive career.
Creativity Through Evolution
Throughout the decades, house music has undergone significant changes, but Grace remains grounded in his artistry. “I just do me and don’t chase trends,” he stated. His approach to production is organic; he takes inspiration from current sounds but firmly roots himself in his unique style. “Staying true to my instincts has kept me consistent. I never feel like I have to force creativity; it just flows.”
Nostalgia and Looking Forward
With such an extensive portfolio behind him, Grace occasionally finds joy in revisiting his earlier work. “I don’t tend to look back too much, but I stumbled across old records recently that brought back a lot of memories. It was a nice, nostalgic feeling that reminded me of my roots, but then it was back to the present.”
Embracing Future Opportunities
Looking ahead, Grace is working on exciting projects, including a collaboration with dance music legend Todd Terry and several remixes for established artists. “I’ve been working closely with Eightball Records and just finished my fifth remix for them. It’s been an honor to rework music from iconic artists,” he noted enthusiastically.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
When it comes to sharing wisdom with younger artists, Grace has straightforward advice: “Just be yourself and don’t follow trends. The artists who build something lasting are the ones who stay true to their sound, even if it takes time for people to connect with it.” This timeless advice highlights the importance of authenticity in the fast-paced world of dance music.
Draws of Life Beyond Music
Despite his busy schedule, Grace finds balance through outdoor activities in California. “I love snowboarding and surfing. It resets my head and inspires me. Being able to move between these activities keeps me energized and creatively refreshed,” he explained.
What’s Next for Grace Bones?
With a portfolio of upcoming music and collaborations, Grace Bones promises to remain a vital force in the electronic music scene. “Listeners can look forward to my next single on DJ Rae’s label and original material with singers Jacqui Bennett and Leavy. I’ll also be hosting my own event at ADE, which I’m really looking forward to.”
Grace Bones and Leavy’s ‘Times We Had It All’ is out now via Adesso Music. Stream and download your copy here.
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