Meet James Corbett | DJ

We had the good fortune of connecting with James Corbett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
The month of October reminded me the importance of having a solid balance with everything in life. Being someone who owns a LLC while working a full time, 40 hour week job; can place a massive strain on your mental, emotional, and physical health. For me, I felt it took experiencing a burn out to be reminded of work life balance. From illnesses, to injuries from car accidents, I understood that I can’t always be on the go when I’m not at 100%. Another thing I learned is that work life balance isn’t always even. Often times it is 30/70 or 60/40 or even 10/90. Which ever way is perfectly fine because overall, work life balance is necessary to cater to all of your needs and the needs of others as well.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I first began to DJ, I was uncertain with where to navigate with how far I wanted to take it. Let alone making it a potential career, I can recall not being sure which genre’s I would want to play. It was the furthest thing from easy starting off, learning the process showed a lot of challenges and areas that I needed to learn. One of the best ways I was able to rise above the challenges was to ask for help, and study the craft that you wish to become better at. All in all I would say that the experience was worth it considering how far I’ve come.

What makes me stand out among other DJs would be the songs I select and understanding the importance of reading a room. I also try to not play typical songs that most DJs play, but to also provide familiarity with the songs that I mix. For example; the house music that I mix and blend comes from different sources, and in some cases I have been told that I’m too “soulful” for raves and too “electronic” for an R&B crowd that claims to like house music. What I once thought was a crutch turned to be my biggest strength. Because even though I may not fit in certain spaces, it only makes me stand out even more and encourages me to be in a league of my own. That in my opinion is extremely liberating!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For food there are loads of places:
– LoveBite Dumplings, Welcome Diner, Bad Jimmy’s, Pho 43, La Canasta, Lolo’s Chicken & Waffles, Loco Style Grinds, Little Miss BBQ

These independent coffee scene incredible:
– First Place Coffee, Harlem Coffee, Giant Coffee, Case Study Coffee, LUX, SongBird Coffee

These Music Venues/Bars are always fun:
– Gracies, Valley Bar, Club Contact, AFTER12, Cornish Pasty

If you wanna go through some records we have to check out these Records Stores:
Grand Ave Records, Stinkweeds, ZIA Records, Candy & Records, Tracks In Wax, The “IN” Groove Records

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There is a lengthy list of individuals that I would love to shout out and thank.

I always have to give a shout out to DJ MyGodComplex for being the one to teach me how to DJ and CoeCoe from Grand Ave Records to be the one who offered knowledge and encouragement for stepping into the realm of music.

I have to give a shout out to BJam of the PHX Poetry Slam for not only providing me one of my most consistent events that I DJ, but the opportunity to have me grow as a performer whilst growing with the Slam

I have to say thank you to the DJ collectives that I have had the privilege to be a part of; from FREAKNIX to Picnic Sessions, thank you for choosing me to help elevate the experience of the music we play.

I have to give a shout out to all the collectives and venues that offered me a chance to be a guest DJ; from AFTER12, Sessions, Utopia Nights, Case&Friends, ENVY Magazine, 602days, PF Hangs, Euphoric Nights, Black Heart Fashion, Cha Cha’s Tea Lounge, Dig It Gardens, Gracies, Club Contact, Valley Bar, Pemberton, and Bud’s Glass Joint. Thank you for offering me a chance to showcase the music I mix with!

Lastly, I have to thank the people that have supported me through out my time as a DJ. Whether you listened to a mix or were moving on the dance floor. From the bottom of my heart I say thank you!

Instagram: @orbit_corbett

Twitter: @orbit_corbett

Soundcloud: @orbit_corbett

Youtube: @DJOrbitCorbett

Image Credits
Josh Corbett – @festivalgallery
DeAndre Lawson – @shot_by_deandre