Ira James is a sonic architect, a selector with a deep-rooted passion for pushing audio boundaries and crafting immersive dancefloor experiences. Originally from Lawton, Oklahoma, and finding his footing in Dallas, Texas, he has spent decades refining his signature blend of bumping, weird, funky, and atmospheric grooves. A seasoned DJ with a global reach, Ira has played across eight continents, lighting up dancefloors in Tokyo, Seoul, London, Manchester, South Africa, Canada, and beyond. As the founder of Vessel Recordings, he’s built a platform for forward-thinking sounds, curating events and releases that embody house music’s rich underground essence. Influenced by icons like Doc Martin, Mark Farina, Jeno, Ron Trent, Chez Damier, and Sunshine Jones, his productions carry the soulful, stripped-back depth of the labels that shaped him—Fairpark, Cajual, KMS, Sublevel, and Wicked Records, among others. His work has topped Juno UK, Beatport, and Traxsource, earning the support of legendary selectors while remaining true to the DIY ethos of underground culture. A skilled musician, Ira brings a jazz-informed sensibility to his productions, incorporating saxophone, piano, and keyboards into his intricate soundscapes. Through Vessel Recordings, Delta Funk, and Gleam Recordings, he continues to refine his craft—mastering through analog and digital processes, pressing vinyl with Onyx Press, and collaborating with Capsule Labs to ensure a warmth and authenticity in every release. For Ira, house music is more than a sound; it’s a lifelong calling. From his early inspirations in United DJs of America to his present-day mission of fostering community and consistency, he remains dedicated to curating experiences that are felt as deeply as they are heard. With an ear to the underground and an eye on the future, Ira James is an artist driven by passion, precision, and an unwavering commitment to the craft.
