Adam James & Sara Simms Are Moving In Simmetry
Adam James and Sara Simms Talk “The Way You Move,” Simmetry Sounds, and New Beginnings in Las Vegas
Hi Sara and Adam! Thanks for talking to 6AM. How are you both doing?
Doing great! Working on a ton of new music, both for myself and my duo project with Justin Woon, VENN. Have a few events coming up, super stoked to be playing Electric Island for the first time in September!
Adam, your new release, The Way You Move, arrived July 17 on Sara’s label, Simmetry Sounds. How did the track come together, and what made it feel like the right next release for both you and the label?
The track came together initially from experimenting with heavily swung percussion. I had so much swing at one point everything sounded like triplets (obviously dialed that back a bit haha). From there I just wanted to make more of a stripped back track that had a dark and boomy impact on the dancefloor. I wrote “The Way You Move” not long after “As We Fall” so they were both in the same era of my production journey. I was lucky enough to test it out quite a few times at clubs in Toronto and the crowd always responded well. Sara also played it out at Electric Island which definitely solidified that it should be released on Simmetry. Sara has always been a big supporter of my music so the release just felt right!
Adam, your music blends heavy techno drums with melodic elements shaped by your classical and trance background. How do those influences come through on "The Way You Move"?
I think the classical music background shapes my music in an indirect way. I don’t actively think about music theory or my piano knowledge when I’m writing a track. It’s something that I’ve known for so long now, I often compare it to reading - I don’t think about grammar and rules, I just read. From the trance side of things, I’ve always enjoyed the long breakdowns and trance style synths. Trance was the first genre I was into production wise and I learned a lot of arranging and sound design from that time. To be honest I’m not sure how much trance influences “The Way You Move” has but I’m sure there’s some in there!
Sara, Adam has previously released “Regenerate” and “As We Fall” on Simmetry Sounds. What continues to draw you to his music, and how does this release reflect the direction you are building for the label?
Adam is a great producer, he’s one of the best artists coming up out of Toronto right now. His tracks speak for themselves. He has the ability to compose techno music that has the drive for the dancefloor, gritty underground appeal, and melodies that make his tracks memorable.
His tracks mirror the direction I’m looking to build for Simmetry Sounds, as I want to co-create my label with real artists and producers that understand how to musically create a mood, a story, a real track that will stand the test of time.
Speaking of the label, Simmetry Sounds was created to showcase techno and tech house from emerging producers. Sara, what qualities do you look for in an artist, and how do you help shape a release once it joins the label?
I look for someone who has good music, cares about their music and has a desire to grow. I always want to build Simmetry Sounds with the best artists who are writing forward-thinking techno, and tech house. Beyond that, I know all of the artists on the label, they’re good people on top of being talented musicians. This is important because as a label owner, the artists are people you’ll need to be communicating with, so there needs to be a good working relationship in place.
When I receive a track submission that I want to release, I start by shaping the release by creating a story around it, which includes art, visuals and a description of the track and an elevated artist biography. I consider what type of artwork will complement the track, and plan out how to promote the music online and in the media.
Sara, you moved from Toronto to Las Vegas last year. How has that transition influenced your work as a DJ and producer, and what new opportunities has it created for you as an artist in the US?
The move to the US has been a very positive one for me! Living in Las Vegas has opened me up to a lot of different musical styles, and I’ve met an entirely new group of DJs, producers and artists to collaborate and work with. A few musical highlights for me include being awarded ‘Favorite Female DJ’ at the Director’s Choice Awards by Wynn Entertainment, and DJing for Lady Gaga’s sister, fashion designer Natali Germanotta.
I’ve had the opportunity to play at some of Vegas’ best venues including Rouge Room, and had my first Las Vegas DJ residency this year. I’ve gotten to travel to play in other cities like New Orleans, and this summer I’ll be headlining Fresh Press Techno at EQ San Diego this August.
Thanks again to both of you for taking the time. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Yes for sure! To keep up to date on new Simmetry Sounds releases, and find out about my upcoming shows, visit my website sarasimms.com and subscribe to my email list on the site. Thanks again to 6AM for the continued support, and hope to see everyone who’s listening and reading at a show soon!