San Francisco-based producer Sir James is making waves in the electronic music scene. He recently shared insights into his journey, debut track, and what lies ahead.
The Bay Area has gained a reputation for being a hub of top talent in the dance music industry, and Sir James is one of the new names emerging in this vibrant landscape. Hailing from Minnesota and now based in San Francisco, this promising producer honed his skills in a band while nurturing a deep love for electronic music.
After selling a business he co-founded with a close friend, Sir James decided to blend his passion for house and techno with his background in acoustic songwriting, resulting in club-ready yet emotionally resonant tracks. His debut single, “dusk till dawn,” showcases his unique sound, infused with rich melodies and cinematic undertones, offering a glimpse of the exciting music he has in store.
As Sir James prepares for the rest of 2025, he took the time to reflect on his musical roots and share his future plans. Read on for our complete conversation and check out his exclusive guest mix on SoundCloud.
Listen to EDMID Guest Mix 459 || Sir James on SoundCloud:
Hi Sir James, thank you for joining us today. Congratulations on the release of your debut single “dusk till dawn.” How did you feel on release day?
Thank you for having me! I experienced all sorts of emotions, but relief was probably the strongest. I’ve been working on a lot of music over the last couple of years, and releasing it feels like a significant milestone.
You hinted at more music coming soon. Should we consider “dusk till dawn” a preview of an EP or upcoming singles?
No teasing necessary! I included several unreleased tracks in the mix I created for you today. I plan to release a new track each month for the foreseeable future. While I see potential for an EP, my primary focus right now is on maintaining consistent releases.
Let’s take a moment to discuss your journey. Who were your early electronic music influences? Was there a defining moment when you realized you wanted to become a DJ and producer?
RÜFÜS DU SOL and Lane 8 stand out as early influences, but there are many others. I can’t pinpoint a specific moment. I was in a band towards the end of college, and I continued to sing and play guitar over the years. After we sold our business in 2021, I was drawn to electronic music because of its accessibility; you can create it anywhere, whether in your bedroom or while traveling.
What draws you to the melodic aspects of dance music on an artistic level?
I usually need a melody to spark my creativity, but I also appreciate upbeat, danceable rhythms.
You moved from Minnesota to San Francisco. What made you choose to relocate there?
I moved to San Francisco sight unseen with my best friend to start a business. I loved my life in Minnesota, but when it was 16 degrees below zero as I packed my bags, it was an easy decision to explore new opportunities. From the moment I arrived, I felt a vibrant energy in SF, as the city is a hub of innovation and creativity.
San Francisco is known for its thriving music scene. What are your thoughts on the local community? Is there anything you’d like to see change?
I can’t praise it enough. SF is where my love for dance music blossomed, and the community was incredibly supportive when I started producing. Having encouraging people around to provide honest feedback on everything from instrument playing to DJing has been invaluable.
As an artist, you’re also involved with a creative community in Oakland called The Loom. What attracted you to this project? Can you share any memorable moments from your time there?
The Loom is filled with amazing people and incredible music! I attended a few shows there a couple of years ago and was impressed when they successfully brought Burning Man to the Bay with the Robot Heart residencies. One memorable moment was meeting the co-founders, Aboudi Kabbani and Ilya Hacker. They invited me to lunch and showed me around The Loom, where I met talented musicians, painters like Jet Martinez, builders, and creators of a fantastic local theater production.
One artist was finishing a mural for the Golden State Warriors. I’m passionate about initiatives that provide resources and education to empower artists in building rewarding careers with their art!
What objectives do you have for the remainder of 2025? Any exciting projects on the horizon?
I intend to keep producing and releasing music!
