James Canning, also known as Respect Music, has been an active contributor to the Australian music scene since 1995, when he began his journey as a Hip Hop and Funk show presenter on 88.9FM Skidrow Radio in Marrickville. Since then, his career has spanned every corner of the industry — from DJ, radio host, producer, and artist, to agent, consultant, tour manager, event promoter, and artist manager. Over the years, James has worn just about every creative hat the music world has to offer.

Of Uruguayan–Australian heritage and raised on Hip Hop, James has a deep love for music rooted in Black and Latin culture — essentially, anything with rhythm and soul. While he embraces modern technology and integrates it seamlessly into his DJ sets, he remains a dedicated vinyl enthusiast, continually digging for records old and new to help preserve the art form.

In 2023, he partnered with the City of Gold Coast to launch Raiders of the Lost Art, a three-day international vinyl DJ event streamed on Twitch. The event featured over 70 DJs from around the world and has since evolved into a weekly series, with 17 DJs performing one-hour, back-to-back vinyl sets. It recently celebrated its third anniversary, solidifying its place as a global celebration of vinyl culture and community.

As a producer and label head, James founded Respect Music Records in 2013. The label has featured many works by James himself under multiple aliases such as Respect Music and Creative Consciousness along with collaborative projects like Rubber Johnson, No Siesta, and The Rhythm Method. There are also numerous original works and remixes from artists such as Opolopo, Amalia, Jeremy Sylvester aka Soca Africa, All Good Funk Alliance, Sharif D, Katch, Slyde, MuSol and many more. He has also produced official remixes and been remixed by and also collaborated with the likes of Fort Knox Five, Empresarios, and All Good Funk Alliance. All reflecting his deep connection to the global groove and funk-driven music community. These productions embody his signature style: groove-rich, feel-good music that bridges the gap between organic and electronic, classic and contemporary.

As a performer, James has shared the stage with an impressive and diverse lineup of artists, including Kenny Dope Gonzalez, DJ Dee Kline, The Resin Dogs, Kid Kenobi, Bob Sinclar, DJ Gregory, Ian Pooley, Syke n Sugarstarr, Grant Nelson, Plump DJs, Krafty Kuts, Hybrid, Roger Sanchez, and Sam Feldt.

Behind the scenes, he has also been responsible for booking and touring renowned acts such as De La Soul’s Maseo, Koolism, Downsyde, Rasmus Faber, Blackstreet, Mo’ Horizons, Freq Nasty, Richard Earnshaw, Soul Heaven, Neil Pierce, Nathan G, Random Soul, Audiowhores, Darren Giles, All Good Funk Alliance, and The Bamboos.

James has performed at some of Australia’s most iconic festivals and events, including Two Tribes, Summafieldayze, Good Vibrations, and The Big Day Out. He has also created and contributed to a range of standout productions, including Respect The Technique (an annual celebration of Hip Hop culture) and The Downtown Sound — the official launch of the Gold Coast’s first entertainment precinct, which showcased over 150 artists across seven days in collaboration with the City of Gold Coast.

Beyond the decks, James has managed entertainment and curated music experiences for a wide range of prestigious brands and venues, including QT Hotels, The Star Entertainment Group, Palazzo Versace, Adidas, Footlocker, The Marriott, The Sofitel, Louis Vuitton, and Microsoft.

With an expansive music library, deep industry knowledge, and a vast network of creatives and performers, James instinctively tailors the right atmosphere and ambience for every client — whether it’s a 12-piece funk band, a 6-piece Latin ensemble, a soulful Latin jazz lounge set, or a high-energy tribal house or disco DJ session.

This authentic and heart-led approach is brought home by his personal sign-off and guiding ethos:
“Love, Respect and Music Always.”