Detonate: James Blake

By Kevin Yeoh  •  in Detonate
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People call James Blake’s music as dubstep, but he doesn’t mind it at all. With 4 EPs and several remixes accomplished, the Londoner (who incidentally shares the same name as the celebrated American tennis player) is probably one of the most amazing producers and vocalists of our generation.

Don’t expect dark, wobbly sounds coming from him though. But there’s a tinge of gloom and soul over each James Blake-produced tune that could easily be confused with other acts like Flying Lotus and Mount Kimbie-big praise for the Brit electronic composer. There’s also a sense of uniqueness and of course, plenty of heavy bass, which contribute to his new self-titled debut album encompassing a futuristic and sexy approach.

With current comparisons to The xx and Bon Iver, 22 year old James Blake’s 1st single ‘Air And Lack Thereof’ became a favourite with BBC Radio 1’s Gilles Peterson in 2009, which led the latter to do a special mix on his Worldwide radio show. Follow-up 4-track EP CMYK-comprising rnb samples from the likes of Aaliyah, Brandy and R Kelly-was released last year, garnering the electronic composer with plenty of buzz and a nomination in BBC’s Sound Of 2011 poll. He subsequently came in 2nd behind singer/songwriter Jessie J for the Critics’ Choice at the Brit Awards 2011.

With the release of his self-titled album-led by single ‘Limit To Your Love’-coupled with his knack for an infectious groove and penchant for rnb sampling, James Blake is about to prove to the world that he is a master at what he does, and a visionary artist and producer that breaks the mould.

Get into the groove at www.jamesblakemusic.com.