Musician and producer James Blake discusses constructing key tracks on his new album, a conversation with Rick Rubin that changed his life, and his months spent making music with Andre 3000 that may never be released.
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Nighttime Inspiration
James Blake advises focusing on creative sparks after 7 p.m.
He finds that as it gets closer to the "witching hour," inspiration increases due to spiritual clarity.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Making of 'Loading'
James Blake breaks down the creation of his song "Loading," starting with collaborator Dom Maker's contribution.
He explains his vocal pitching technique, the incorporation of a "happy accident" glitch, and the use of analog drum machines.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Editing as Inspiration
Blake highlights the importance of editing in his music production, describing it as a tool for generating better ideas.
He mentions manipulating his vocals to create new moments and how he gets bored with his regular sound.
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Since his major-label debut in 2011, James Blake's haunting vocals and brilliantly edited, collage-style tracks have helped usher in a new sound in popular music. James has both produced and contributed vocals to a ton of artists including Travis Scott, Jay-Z, and Spanish megastar, Rosalia. He even earned a Grammy for best rap performance alongside Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock and Future on the song “King’s Dead” from the Black Panther soundtrack.
This month James is releasing his sixth solo album, which is a nod to his electronic music roots. It’s called Playing Robots Into Heaven—a title inspired by the modular synth James built for the album that creates sounds meant to evoke a spiritual experience conjured by machines. It’s a heady concept that translates into some of the most heartfelt and energized tracks James has made to date.
On today’s episode, Leah Rose talks to James Blake about how he and his longtime collaborator Dom Maker constructed key tracks on the new album. James also recalls how a conversation with Rick Rubin changed his life. And he reveals how he spent months making new music with Andre 3000 only to learn on this podcast that it may never be released.
You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite James Blake songs HERE.
Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond