NORTHMIX: Imanos

"People will always buy music if they like and value it, but there's a space to reward your fans too. In the end you have to feed yourself though and the biggest names sell their records." - Imanos

Originally from Vancouver, then juggling school and gigs in New York, to now residing in Los Angeles—James Somani, or DJ Imanos, has witnessed a variety of unique music scenes. For this edition of Northmix, THUMP caught up with the charismatic lad to speak about everything from work ethic to Diplo.

"I observe nuances with each city I've been at. Musically when it comes to LA I find it more chill, less intense and really vibey—just slower when it comes to the sound. New York is more turnt up, faster BPM," he explains. "I think each city is influenced by what's around it and what the pace is."

"What was really cool in New York was getting the random call for a party in Chelsea or whatever, a spur of the moment thing and you just [go] do it. I like that spontaneity and it was always fun to just get up and go. I enjoy more of that scene—heading to a bar or rooftop or party and to play a gig."

Regardless of the low key or dizzied-up pace of various cities, when it comes to producing, Imanos has a modest set up and enlists the key ingredients without overhyping.

"I have a very compact studio using APC, Ableton and a MPK keyboard, which I don't really use as much because if you know quick keys you're good," he says. "I don't even have a mic at home and if I need to I'll head to the studio, although it can be expensive. But honestly my set up is pretty lean—I have my work stations and my computer."

Imanos also has an aptitude of rehashing tracks that are pressed full of transfixing and polished beat signatures. Case in point—his work on the Bang Bang Remix EP.

Now signed to Casablanca Records, the DJ and producer opted to curate his own Imanos x Casablanca / The New Republic mixtape featuring numerous artists from the label's roster. The New Republic mixtape features a nice breadth of reworks from budding names like Gramercy, KAOS, Sterling Blake and Tropkillaz. You can listen to it all here.

"The mixtape was one of those concepts that came to be after brainstorming with my A&R team, The New Republic and Casablanca—it was like 'hey a new artist is signed, let's do a mixtape and find out what each act on the label is into,'" he says. "Some of the contact was directly reached out through Twitter and the other was done through management, but I'm so proud of it and who's involved."

Previous to signing to Casablanca, Imanos delivered a wealth of styling reworks, tackling Skrillex's "Only Getting Younger," Foxes "Youth," and perhaps his most winning number being his collaboration with Diplo on "Revolution."

Imanos has notably gained support from Diplo himself (whom he really admires), A-Trak, Martin Solveig, Skrillex and more. He also co-wrote the titled track of Jessie J's new album Sweet Talker and did so via Skype. Ode to technology.

For his exclusive Northmix, Imanos has whipped up a work of magic.

"[For the THUMP Northmix] I wanted to do something special and play songs that I'm listening to but don't normally play in my more turnt up DJ sets. Fun house-y stuff, perfect for listening to get you through the work day, at the pool party, lounge, or just kicking back with your friends," he explains. "The mix features a few exclusives, some amazing vocals and was recorded right here on a sunny afternoon in downtown LA."

Listen to his Northmix above and follow Imanos on his Facebook page and SoundCloud for more music, updates and upcoming events.