J and music producer, Turhan James, is hardly a stranger to opening for other international artists. He was a major artist at Solis Festival (in Pakistan) and an equally strong draw at Salt Arts shows - prior to 2022.

But in the post-Covid universe, Turhan James has found a space in the local scene and its international counterpart.

In 2022, he dropped a single called ‘Tyna’ with a homegrown name - Towers’ singer Bilal Baluch. Before that, there was ‘Saaye’ with another fascinating artist, Maanu.

In 2022, what was well-established by Turhan James is that he plans to become a mainstay in the music scene.

On the international circuit, while Turhan had experience to open for other international acts for some time, this year he got an opportunity to play as supporting act to a DJ Tiesto gig that was held in Dubai, U.A.E. Other names Turhan is associated with as an opening act include DJ Hardwell and Martin Garrix.

He was also scheduled to perform in a show on New Year’s Eve (December 31) whose line-up included DJs prominent names such as Armin Van Buuren, Fedde Le Grand and emerging artist Justus.

Turhan is also scheduled to perform in Pakistan during Krewella Pakistan Tour 2023, set to take place this month on January 6th in Islamabad and on January 7th in Lahore. Apart from Krewella, as presenters Black Box Sounds confirmed, the show will include Chrome Sparks, DJ Barrister, Khyber 13, Shae Gill, Natasha Humera Ejaz, and Turhan James performing in Islamabad. Krewella, Chrome Sparks, Khyber 13 and Turhan James will also perform in Lahore.

At the rate, Turhan James is performing massive shows is undeniably strong because it feels like a recurring theme.

Speaking to Instep prior to playing these prominent shows and the rollercoaster that has been 2022, Turhan James was full of gratitude.

“It feels surreal,” he says, “to be able to play alongside these well-established artists because in a way it sets a benchmark. These are the people you’re opening for and look at the level these guys are at and this is what you have to achieve.

“I take it as an opportunity to realize where I am in life and things are looking good. But I just need to keep working hard, keep my head down and release music, play a lot of shows and try my best to achieve what they have,” he refers to the international acts he has been playing for as a support act.

It also appears that 2023 will be just as unstoppable for Turhan with the scheduled Krewella Pakistan Tour 2023.

Black Box Sounds are also the producers of Mad Decent Block Party ft. Major Lazer, Chrome Sparks, Valentino Khan and a carefully curated list of local musicians who also performed at the event, held in Islamabad in 2018.