James Hype on Syncing Success: The Story Behind His Groundbreaking Show and “Waterfalls”

James Hype’s story is the kind of Ibiza legend you hear whispered about on the sunset strip—a tale of a wide-eyed kid sleeping on the beach who now has his face plastered on billboards across the island. But his headlining residency at the world’s number one club, Hï Ibiza, isn’t just about climbing the ladder; it’s about rewriting the rules. At the heart of his success are two things: SYNC, a live show that redefines the DJ performance, and an unerring instinct for a hit, perfectly captured in the story of his latest track, “Waterfalls.” We sat down with the man himself to get the inside story on the tech, the tracks, and the sheer persistence that got him here.

SYNC: A Revolution in Real-Time

Forget everything you know about pre-planned visuals. James Hype’s SYNC show is a living, breathing extension of his performance, a concept that puts the DJ back in complete control. Born from a moment of inspiration watching a YouTube video about game show technology, SYNC has become the main event of his Monday night residency.

“The Sync Show is the first time I’ve ever allowed the decks to control the screens and lights in real-time. When I press the buttons, the screens light up… It’s really cool because people at the back of the room can see exactly what I’m doing and feel my energy.”

Bringing this ambitious vision to life was a monumental eight-month task, requiring “a couple of expensive rehearsals in London” to perfect. But the investment paid off. Unlike time-coded shows that lock a DJ into a rigid setlist, SYNC is built for improvisation. This freedom is what makes each night at Hï Ibiza a one-of-a-kind experience.

“Making changes is actually the easy part because I’m making everything happen live. The show is never the same twice… If I want to change things up in a breakdown or on a drop, I can, and the visuals will react.”

The concept is already a massive success, and Hype is looking to the future, confirming that the innovation won’t stop here. “We’re already discussing what Sync 2 will look like,” he tells us with a grin. When asked if it will be an annual update, he laughs, “I don’t know, it’s like the iPhone.”

The Making of “Waterfalls”: A Five-Year Story of Persistence

While SYNC showcases his technical prowess, Hype’s latest anthem, “Waterfalls,” is a pure testament to creative instinct and a fantastic story of never giving up—though not his own. The track’s origin lies with featured artist Bobby Harvey, whose persistence is the stuff of legend.

“It’s a really cool story. Bobby Harvey had been sending me song ideas for five years. For five years, I listened and said no, or sometimes didn’t even reply because I get so many. But Bobby never gave up; he just kept sending ideas.”

Finally, one demo broke through the noise. It was raw, it was infectious, and it was the one. Hype’s reaction was immediate and decisive.

“He sent me this one. I listened to it on my phone and it was ‘Waterfalls.’ I thought, ‘This is really good.’ I asked him to let me work on it so we could release it.”

The collaboration was swift. Within weeks, the track was finished and ready for its first major test at EDC Vegas, where the crowd’s reaction was explosive. The story perfectly illustrates Hype’s production philosophy: trust your gut and let the dancefloor be the ultimate judge.

From Beach Dreams to Main Room Reality

This dual focus on technical innovation and raw musicality has propelled James Hype from an aspiring DJ to an Ibiza kingpin. He remains humbled by the journey, never forgetting the days when his reality was a world away from the dazzling lights of Hï Ibiza.

“It’s incredible. I’ve been coming to Ibiza every year since I was 18… Going from having no money and sleeping on the beach to now walking down the strip and seeing my face on billboards and in the airport—it doesn’t feel real.”

Even with a sold-out residency, he feels the weight of the island’s competitive landscape and appreciates every fan. “There are so many big DJs in Ibiza, especially on Monday nights,” he admits. “So if you choose to come and see me, I’m really grateful.” With SYNC evolving and a constant stream of new music, James Hype is not just living the Ibiza dream—he’s actively engineering its future, one synchronized beat at a time.