James Ash

Who is James Ash?

James Ash, is an English-born musician, songwriter and record producer. He is the co-founder and keyboardist of Australian electro-rock group, the Rogue Traders. He can play the keyboard and "bash out a few chords on the guitar".

Ash was born in Windsor, England and his early schooling was at Wessex Gardens, Golders Green in North London. and then Ashfold School in Buckinghamshire. He and his brother Gary then moved to Langwarrin, Australia in 1982. The move only lasted 18 months, however, and the boys returned to the UK. Education continued at Paignton College, Devon - then Cheam High, Surrey. Ash moved back to Australia in 1988 for one year and undertook Year 11 at Sandringham Secondary College in Melbourne.

Ash began writing music in 1989 on a Commodore Amiga. Soon after returning to the UK in 1989, James met long-term collaborator Steve Davis who introduced him to Dance Music and DJing. Meanwhile, James completed his education at Carshalton College, Carshalton in 1992 and finally emigrated back once again to Melbourne, Australia.

Ash joined Melbourne community based radio station Hitz FM in 1993 as an on air announcer. He began DJing in clubs in late 1993.