Scratching the Surface

London’s James Zabiela (due at the Church this Thursday, July 14) is living out every bedroom-DJ’s fantasy. Once a record-shop clerk and amateur deckmeister who only dreamed of success and stardom, Zabiela is now one of the hottest jocks around, thanks to Musik Magazine‘s mix tape contest, which Zabiela entered and won. After taking home the top prize, the aspiring DJ spent the ensuing months handing out mix tapes to anyone who would take one — even cab drivers. And that zeal and persistence has paid off with increased bookings across the UK and in Ibiza. Using several effects processors and a potent mix of breakbeats and tech house, Zabiela has managed to craft a sound that is uniquely his own, one that has not only put him in high demand but also afforded him the chance to realize another dream — remixing a track from his childhood heroes, Depeche Mode, which he did last year.