Christopher James Karyotakis, known professionally as Kaz James[1] (born in 1982), is an Australian singer and DJ. He is a former member of the group BodyRockers. He was raised in Melbourne and is of Italian and Greek origin. He released his first solo album, If They Knew, in 2008.
Early life
James was raised in suburban Melbourne.[2] He received his education at a private school, where he was active in music, playing trumpet as well as singing with the choir.[3] Foregoing university, James became a DJ at OneLove, a popular Melbourne nightclub that has also helped launch the careers of Grant Smillie and Dirty South.[4] He saved money that he earned mixing songs in Melbourne to travel the world and perform sets in other countries, "kind of like a backpacking DJ."[
BodyRockers
Before he started his career as a soloist, James was one half of BodyRockers, who rose to prominence in 2005 with their first release, "I Like the Way (You Move)".[4] This guitar-laden dance track reached #3 on the UK Singles Chart in April 2005[5] and achieved popularity in other regions of the world as well. A self-titled album was released, as was the group's follow-up single, "Round And Round". The duo, James and British guitarist Dylan Burns, toured extensively in 2005 and 2006 and recorded a second album, but according to James, "we just didn't get around to releasing it".[6] BodyRockers then parted ways in 2006.
Solo career
In 2008, Kaz James released his debut single, "Breathe", which features Canadian actor and musician Stu Stone. The music video was directed by Fred Schepisi.[7] On 13 September 2008 he released his second song, "We Hold On". His debut album If They Knew was released in Australia and New Zealand in October 2008. In early 2009, James released his next single, "Can't Hold Back", featuring vocals by Macy Gray. This song became James' first solo song to reach the Top 50 on the Australian pop chart, peaking at #42.[8] Other tracks on the album include "All Fall Down", which features former House of Pain and Limp Bizkit member DJ Lethal.
In April 2008 James was the DJ for both the MTV Australia Awards as well as for the official after party.[7] In late 2008 James appeared on the Stereosonic tour, along with Paul van Dyk, Carl Cox, Booka Shade, Sneaky Sound System and Pnau.[
Personal life
For a time James lived in London, where he reportedly dated model Kate Moss and actress Keira Knightley.[7] He has also been seen at public appearances with Mariah Carey, Paris Hilton and Britney Spears.[3] He is not married.
Singles "Breathe", featuring Stu Stone (2008) "We Hold On" (2008) "Can't Hold Back", featuring Macy Gray (2009)
Albums If They Knew (2008) - debut solo album
