Rock and Pop: Interview - James Harper
Published: 10 February, 2011
by ROISIN GADELRAB
Roast is a great reggae source
WHO’D have thought one of the hubs of London’s reggae scene would have originated in Tufnell Park?
Former Acland Burghley pupil James Harper (aka Moodie) and ex-La SWAP student Greg Burnell (Exel), were a few years apart growing up and set off on their own paths independently of each other.
But some years later, after James had a brief stint as a hip-hop DJ, worked at a record label and studied music production, he found himself looking for a new way to bring business into a quiet Sunday night at Kentish Town’s Grand Union bar, where he DJed.
He roped in Greg, a friend’s brother, and Reggae Roast was born – a night of reggae beats, MCs, Exel and Moodie on the decks, while roast dinner was served.
The culinary element has been somewhat sidelined now, although on special occasions at the Big Chill House, a barbecue is available.
You may have seen the signs for Reggae Roast nights at the Big Chill House, CAMP, the Jazz Cafe and other venues across London.
“We move around a lot between north and east London, we try to keep it fresh,” said James.
Since it began in 2007, the night has hosted the likes of Lee “Scratch” Perry, Collie Buddz, Sly & Robbie, Finley Quaye and Mad Professor.
The duo have also recently started their own Reggae Roast label.
Their latest release, Righteous EP, featuring Ramon Judah – Reggae Roast’s main MC – came out on Monday.
James said: “There’s been a massive revival of reggae slightly due to the whole dubstep thing, which originated from reggae. Because younger people are so into that, they checked out the reggae scene. Then there are older people who are here for the music.
“Everyone likes it. For some people that come to our nights, it might not be their first choice of music but it’s got a massive universal appeal.”
James only really turned to reggae under the influence of his avid record collector half-brother, after becoming disillusioned with hip-hop.
While still at school James started his first DJ night. He said: “I started at a Jamaican place called Posh Nosh in Tufnell Park. It only holds about 150 people but we used to get all our mates down – there were queues outside.
“I was born just off Falkland Road. Camden couldn’t be a more diverse, interesting place to grow up in.
“My school had so many amazing, gifted musicians – my brother’s best friend is an incredible drummer, my best friend Louis Slipperz DJs for hip-hop group Task Force. He put his own record out off his own back. It did really well and that was an inspiration to me to do things myself.”
Reggae Roast is also taking over the Edinboro Castle during the Camden Crawl (April 30-May 1) away from the rest of the weekend’s joyful chaos.
• Reggae Roast’s next event is tomorrow (February 11) at City Arts and Music Project (CAMP), City Road, Islington. More info from www.reggaeroast.co.uk