Artists

A well-respected figure on the European electronic music scene for over a decade, James Shinra first gained broader recognition with his Ball & Chain EP on Null+Void Recordings in 2015. The release highlighted his talent for crafting sophisticated electro—merging monster basslines with melodic finesse. It earned support from key UK tastemakers, including Bicep, who invited him to remix and later release the Signs EP on their Feel My Bicep label.

Between 2017 and 2020, James explored the melodic fringes of braindance, electro, breakbeat, and rave, delivering a string of acclaimed EPs on labels like Analogical Force (Meteor, Supernova, Reverie), Craigie Knowes (Darkroom), *Feel My Bicep (Signs), and 20/20 Vision (On & On). His tracks received wide-ranging support, featured in sets by Helena Hauff, Jamie xx, Ross From Friends, Etapp Kyle, Setaoc Mass, and Sasha.

In 2018, his debut album Vital Heat marked a shift from the club toward a broader sonic landscape—ranging from laid-back piano pieces to frenetic breakbeat experiments.

James returned in 2022 with the Surface EP on Analogical Force, with the trance-tinged electro track Ekko receiving heavy rotation from Helena Hauff. In 2023, he tapped into acid house with a release on We’re Going Deep.

In 2024, he launched Shinra Electro Company, a new label focused on gritty, dancefloor-ready tracks. Its first single, Poppin', became a staple in Bicep’s 2024 sets, including their massive performance at Coachella. The debut 4-track release, Shinra Electro Company Vol. 1, became James' best-selling record on Bandcamp to date.

James shows no signs of slowing down. His long-awaited second album, Meteorites, is due in early 2025.

Known for his versatile sets, James performs both wide-ranging DJ sets and acid-tinged live shows across the UK and Europe, with highlights including The Warehouse Project and Houghton Festival, curated by Craig Richards.