James Poole & GUDFELLA’s ‘Gator Boots’
James Poole’s tracks have been receiving heavy rotation from house heavyweights including Chris Stussy, Jamie Jones, Marco Carola, Joseph Capriati, and Michael Bibi. The rising UK producer has built his sound around old-school house influences, pairing soulful vocals with dancefloor-ready basslines.
Poole’s path began in Leeds, where the city’s nightlife introduced him to house music during his first year of university in 2018. He started releasing edits through SoundCloud before officially launching his discography in 2022 with the “Ragga Riches” EP. The release topped Beatport’s Tech House release chart, establishing early momentum for the emerging producer.
His follow-up releases quickly attracted attention from some of house music’s most established names. “Tuff Luck,” released through Jamie Jones’ Hottrax, earned support from Michael Bibi, East End Dubs, Skream, and Solardo while also reaching the top of the Beatport release chart. Poole continued building his catalog across labels including Hot Creations, Elrow, Experts Only, Hellbent, Repopulate Mars, and Revival, developing a style that combines old-school samples with modern club production.
While Poole has built his reputation through underground house releases and support from established DJs, GUDFELLA has gained momentum through high-profile collaborations and energetic festival-ready tracks. The first time I saw him play, he was spinning at Splash House’s afterparty at the Palm Springs Air Museum. He had recently released “Rule the World (Everybody)” with Tiësto and DEPARTAMENTO. When he played the track toward the end of his set, the entire energy of the crowd shifted. Many opening DJs struggle to capture a crowd the way he did that night, and I’ve followed his career ever since.
Since then, GUDFELLA has built on that momentum with tracks like “Mine 4 All Time,” “Sunny” with Disco Lines, and his popular track “Morning Coffee.” His latest release, “Gator Boots,” with James Poole is yet another strong addition to his growing catalog.
Driven by a groovy bassline, acid-tinged stabs, sharp percussion, and a wide, heavily processed vocal, “Gator Boots” brings the two artists’ distinct styles together. Its lyrics give the track added personality and help it feel rooted in modern club culture. Released through Defected Records, one of house music’s most respected labels, the track is a stamp of approval from the house scene and marks another significant step in both artists’ rise.
Both producers have already demonstrated their ability to command major stages, and “Gator Boots” shows why their trajectories continue to point upward. The collaboration feels like a natural next step for two artists steadily carving out larger positions within house music.
Connect with James Poole: Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify | SoundCloud
Connect with GUDFELLA: Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify | SoundCloud
