When you’re in this scene for almost 26 years, you meet a lot of peeps you will spend your whole life cheering on and always want to see win. James Brooks is one of those people. I’ve been rooting for him going on at least 20 years. An immensely talented and stand up guy, James can whip you up a nostalgia trip like no one’s business. Being someone me and Bunnie hold dearly in our hearts, we decided to showcase James’s Gemini mixes for our readers and listeners to check out in the run up to his upcoming supporting slot, opening for the legendary Crystal Method this Friday. An amazing thing to have on the resume, along with that Paul Oakenfold show, for sure. I’ll be taking on Part 1, a very slick Breakbeat mix, while Bunnie will be poking at Part 2, a nice slice of Progressive cuts.
I was excited to dive into some Breakbeats! You bet when I gave this one the road test, I had volume turned up to a good rumble. Gemini Pt. 1 is clocking in just over one hour and seven minutes. James comes swinging right out of the gate, hitting us in the feels with a 2022 rework of “Need To Feel Love” which is an absolutely epic tune from back in the day. We get some more warm fuzzies from DJ Icey’s “Hold On To Me” before getting a little dirty on us with the grimy “Drop It” by Tony & MURIX. It goes from dirty to explicit when DeeJay Shaolin & Mizzo’s BMTBC drops. I’m hooked! All of James’s mixes are smooth like butter and flawless. Even in the vinyl days, James had a natural ability to blend beats, hitting all the right frequencies.
Another great stand-out track is “And I Miss You”, another dance version of 1994’s “Missing” by Everything But The Girl. I’ve heard several dance versions of this track over the years, and always loved the hook. Pretty sure I have a Nu Disco version on one of my “West Side Story” mixes. This 2024 Breakbeat version goes hard though. Really digging it.
All around, a fantastic listening experience! The set also features tunes from Krafty Kuts, lio, DJ Fixx, FACTORe, and some other great stuff. Don’t want to ruin all the surprises.
Now I a pass the mic to Bunnie. She is going to tell us about Pt. 2
Gemini Pt.2 – We should all know by now that James B is one of Indy’s best local DJs, and if you didn’t, it’s past time for you to learn. If you aren’t all that into breaks and you skipped Gemini Part 1, I might forgive you, but if you like Progressive beats and you skip this one, well, Mushu has something to say about that –
As those of us who’ve loved listening to him for over a decade already know, James knows exactly how to build a set, starting with some solid low-ish bpm tracks that build in intensity until you’re on your feet and grooving right along with him.
James starts this yummy feast with a Deep Dish apéritif (“Say Hello”), followed by a refreshing twist-on-a-classic palate cleanser (“Silence” Delirium remix). Next up is a tasty Gabriel & Dresden remix of “Mindcircus” (Way Out West) first course, and the meal just gets better and better. I must admit, I about fell over near the dessert course when James threw down “Gamemaster”.
Talk about a kick-step down memory lane! With that in mind, if you fail to give this mix a listen, well, more dishonor will be coming your way shortly.
If you’ve not seen James live, he’ll be spinning at the Vogue in Broad Ripple on July 18th, 2025, opening for The Crystal Method! I’ll be there with Spike – if you see us, come say hello! We’d love to meet you!
–Bunnie
Me and Bunnie will see you guys this Friday! Tickets can be purchased following this link. Use code “JAMES” to wave those pesky services fees.