The Multifaceted Journey of James Barrett: A Beacon in Aotearoa’s Music Scene

In the dynamic world of music today, versatility is key. Just ask James Barrett, a British-New Zealand artist who seamlessly intertwines multiple roles in his vibrant music career. Alongside his partner, Marie Celeste, Barrett co-runs HAVEN, a record label based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, that not only nurtures talent but also orchestrates some of the most electrifying raves in the area. As highlighted in a recent feature, the techno scene in Christchurch is burgeoning, and HAVEN plays a pivotal role in this trend.

From Living Room to Global Stages

As the brain behind Keepsakes, Barrett has blazed a trail across the globe, transitioning from creating music in his Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland living room to commanding attention at warehouse raves in Paris and gracing the legendary Tresor club in Berlin—venues that have become synonymous with underground techno. With nearly a decade of experience under his belt, Barrett embodies the essence of a music purist, continuously delivering exceptional music while passionately managing a record label and party series flourished from a genuine love for independent music.

His latest venture, the Keepsakes EP titled Dystopian Euphoria, delves into experimental soundscapes. Barrett describes his creative process as one filled with exploration: “I always start my music-making with at least a month or so of pure sound experimentation before I get too committed to writing the tracks.” This exploratory phase led him to utilize vocoders and resonators in new ways, resulting in tracks that push sonic boundaries.

A Deep Dive into Dystopian Euphoria

Among the standout tracks in Dystopian Euphoria is “Vocoding Your Nan Out of Existence,” which emerged from Barrett’s exploration of cut-up vocal patterns tweaked through his experimental FX racks. On the B-side, “Ready2BeginWot?” blends loopy vocals with short delayed congas, while “Hollow and Suited” introduces tribalistic drumming layering heavily resonated vocals. The final track, “Corvid House,” captures an emotional euphoric high, characterized by grand pads and dynamic drums, and even features crow sounds sampled from classic video games to add a whimsical twist.

Barrett notes, “It’s important not to always take dance music too seriously sometimes,” which showcases his playful approach to production.

HAVEN: A Hub for Aotearoa’s Rave Community

Looking ahead, HAVEN is set to host a mid-winter event featuring three of Aotearoa’s finest techno selectors at Christchurch’s Galaxy Bar on July 25th. Tickets for this energetic gathering are available here, promising an engaging experience for all attendees.

In a recent interview as part of the Up-And-Coming Aotearoa Artists series, Barrett shared insights about his journey, responsibilities with HAVEN, and reflections on the current electronic music landscape.

The Early Influence of Music

For Barrett, music was an integral part of growing up in rural England in the 90s. With a father who adored a diverse mix of genres—ranging from punk to reggae—music served as an escape from the conservative elements of rural life. He recalls, “I initially was a drummer in punk bands… getting kicked out of the last band I was in for not being straight-edge,” which propelled him into a world of independent music creation. This sparked an unyielding passion for music that continues to guide his artistic direction.

Influences that Shaped His Sound

Barrett cites the genesis of his passion for dance music to early UK dubstep, with significant influences from artists like Kode 9 and Burial. As the genre transitioned, so did Barrett’s music taste, gradually shifting towards techno pioneers like Blawan and Jeff Mills, thanks to the influence of his partner.

Career Milestones

Looking back, Barrett reflects on several career milestones that shaped his journey. His first vinyl release on Ansome’s South London Analogue Material label in 2014 marked a significant achievement, enabling him to fulfill a dream of releasing music on vinyl. Other highlights include collaborations with renowned techno labels like KAOS/OAKS, Perc Trax, and even Turbo Recordings, whose earlier releases deeply influenced him.

His first European tour in 2016 was another pivotal point—transforming from an intimate living room DJ to captivating crowds of thousands at warehouse raves in Paris and, most notably, his performances at Berlin’s Tresor club, a venue synonymous with techno legends.

The Value of Artistic Integrity

When discussing the qualities necessary for success in the music industry, Barrett reflects on authenticity versus trend-following. He emphasizes the importance of artistic integrity: “Perseverance with your creative direction is really important… sometimes being in your own lane can be painful, but it makes you stand out.” He advocates for focusing on crafting unique sounds rather than yielding to fleeting trends.

Describing His Music

When asked how he would describe his music to prospective fans, Barrett’s succinct response is: “Unhinged basement music for misfits and degenerates,” encapsulating the raw, unfiltered essence of his sound.

A Love for Local Venues

Among the thriving venues in Aotearoa, Barrett has a special fondness for Galaxy Bar, describing the supportive rave community there as essential to his artistic journey. He recalls, “looking out on the dance floor and seeing so many familiar, friendly faces getting down” fills him with joy. Barrett’s love for Pōneke and the annual Twisted Frequency Festival further anchor his connection to New Zealand’s vibrant musical tapestry.

Looking Ahead to the Future

With his sights set on the coming years, Barrett’s primary goal is to hone his craft further, taking the time to refine his sound design. “I’m keen to take a step back and take my time with the next tracks I work on,” he notes, indicating his commitment to sustained artistic growth.

As James Barrett continues to thrive as a multi-hyphenate artist, he remains a beacon of innovation, authenticity, and passion in New Zealand’s music scene, inspiring the next generation of artists to carve their own paths.