James Lavelle is a renowned British musician, producer, and curator best known as the founder of the trip-hop project UNKLE. Born in Oxford in 1974, Lavelle demonstrated a keen interest in music and the visual arts from an early age, eventually channeling his creativity into DJing and music production. In 1992, Lavelle established the influential record label Mo’ Wax, which rapidly became synonymous with the burgeoning trip-hop and electronic scenes of the 1990s, helping to launch the careers of artists such as DJ Shadow.

Through UNKLE, Lavelle collaborated with a diverse roster of musicians including Thom Yorke, Richard Ashcroft, and Massive Attack, blending genres and pushing the boundaries of contemporary sound. Beyond his music career, Lavelle has curated acclaimed exhibitions at iconic institutions like London’s Southbank Centre and the Saatchi Gallery, cementing his reputation as a visionary at the intersection of music, art, and culture. His innovative spirit and enduring influence continue to shape the global landscape of modern music and creative collaboration.