James Blake has managed to distill his music down to pure emotion. His voice is transcendent - defying genre and gender in the best of the R&B tradition.
Contrasted with the unsettled, off-kilter nature of his collage-style production his sound is deeply stirring.
Since his debut album in 2011, the British-born James Blake has gone on to win England's top musical honor, the Mercury Prize, and a Grammy. He’s also produced and collaborated with a ton of musicians including Jay-Z, Beyonce, Billie Eilish, and Travis Scott.
A few years back in 2016, James flew from England to Malibu to work with Rick Rubin at Shangri-La on his third album, “The Colour In Anything. ”
As you’ll hear in this conversation with Rick today, James Blake had a life-changing experience while working and living at Shangri-La. In fact, has made LA his home base ever since along with girlfriend, actor/comedian, Jameela Jamil. James also recalls an embarrassing teenage experience that left him making music in secret for years and tells Rick that recording his new EP of covers solidified his love of perfect pop songs.
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ABOUT BROKEN RECORD
From Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam, and Justin Richmond. The musicians you love talk about their life, inspiration, and craft. Then play.
ABOUT RICK RUBIN
Frederick Jay “Rick” Rubin is an American record producer and former co-president of Columbia Records. Along with Russell Simmons, he is the co-founder of Def Jam Recordings and also established American Recordings. With the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Geto Boys, and Run-DMC, Rick helped popularize hip-hop music.
In 2007, MTV called him “the most important producer of the last 20 years,” and the same year he was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in the World.
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I've had the same exact experience as Rick describes, haven't found anyone else that comes close to what James's music does for me. "It's my favorite music", it truly is.
I’d say James created his own genre, haven’t heard anything out there like him and it’s just so refreshing to hear. What a delight for the ears, fantastic job!!!
James not only shaped is own sound, but also changed the sound of pop music. He might not have the mainstream attention he deserves but at least he has the love and respect from those who know how important his music was and will always be
He's on the way to the top. Unique artists always shine the brightest
James Blake feels like a modern day Mozart. Pushing the limits of music.
Appreciate the way in which his music doesn't shout at me.
First time I heard Limit To Your Love, I was like, this is Hip Hop and I've been waiting for it all my life. Captivating tone. Respect.
endless respect for James, true pioneer. Those first 2 albums were unreal. Its a real shame the majority dont have the patience for his music
Great interview! Legends in music, both of them.
James Blake is the perfect example of DIY. If you’re a young artist with minimal recourses this should be so encouraging.
Took me a while to get in to his music, but once those hit, ain't coming back.
To mention the Marshall Rosenberg non-violent communication techniques is life changing for me! Thank you! My verbal abuse totally destroyed my family and stems from what I learned as a child. I was projecting my self loathing onto my family, especially my now ex-wife, who was wonderful and didn’t deserve any of it. To learn how to respond instead of react is a whole new paradigm. From The Hulk hopefully to The Vision. Hoping for change.🙏🏼
do you know what video it is he's refering to?
This is one of the most profound, genuine, valuable, vulnerable and wonderful interviews I’ve ever listened to. Powerful words and perspectives.
This interview was so sincere, genuine, vulnerable and lovely.
I didn't know The Colour in Anything was produced by Rick Rubin. I fucking loved that whole album. I don't care how some reviews slagged it off. It's one of those I have to listen from start to finish. I love that album as much as De-loused in the Comatorium by The Mars Volta, also produced by Rick, which I also only listen from beginning to end. Keep at it, JB.
Me neither until just now!! NOW IT MAKES SENSE WHY IM OBSESSED WITH HIS MUSIC!!😱🤯🤯🤩🤩 DJ RR produced it!! I love everything Rick touches! He’s the King Midas of music without the curse! 💎💎💎❤️✌🏼
Thanks for your support and love ❤️ It means so much to me Here is my personal email email Write to me jamesblake52o2@gmail.com
@@jamesblake1047 Thank you for taking precious time out of your day to read and reply!!! True Artist appreciation!! I make music in my room and am inspired by your process.
That was the record that mostly grew on me. I only liked a couple songs at first but slowly I fell in love with most of it and now I consider it maybe his strongest
Lets stop lying We love the bass, we love the falsetto, We love to listen to what he hears. He stands alone. Example of when you are the true you you are noticing to those who know and those who don't Great buy to the record company 👌
What? Why have I not seen this before!!!
God I want frank ocean on this so bad bruh
Btw... I haven’t been obsessed with an artist and EVERYTHING they create in a looong time. Thank you for your bravery. I am inspired. 🙏🏼💎
Love James! Definitely one of a kind.
so interesting to hear how his language changes throughout the interview, once Rubin and him start talking about the colour in anything Blake explains certain themes using words he used for two of the tracks from that album (maze & forest) which also goes back to him describing how everything around the studio seems to be green
INCREDIBLE INTERVIEW
Another great interview by Rick
My favorite artist from day one He came out just at the right time when I needed that other side of music. Thanks JB
Fantastic interview, it taught me a lot, Thank you
I love these so much
Been waiting on this interview!
My favourite music too ❤️
This was so refreshing
28:45 "It's the superpower I didn't want." beautifully said.
🔥🔥🔥🔥 true geniuses
wow.. it's great to see another side of producers I admire. Inspiring, thank you
Now the meaning behind his song “Meet You in the Maze” is starting to make sense....
it definitely is a coming of age album...it surely hurts as one :) saturn return....
the best
So f**king good
Nonviolent communication - Marshall Rosenburg __the video they mentioned
legenddddd
11:13 Realizing this myself. Self realization is a good feeling
31:50 I wonder what the exact nonviolent communication video they mentioned was...
he said "rosenberg non-voilent communication". I think it's that one if you search for it on here
I cant be myself and like them
James Blake is dope! His early stuff was Heavily influenced by Lewis Taylor thou. Kinda wished he gave Lewis his props in this interview.
I don't hear it lol
Elena Šiljić lol. All in the harmony stacking and climax..Listen to Lewis Taylors first album. Pretty sure James Blake did mention it in an interview years ago...
@@Black-co4nn how many times does he have to give credit for it then? :P
@@TheYorickFrijtersShow not sure, how many times do you think?
Once is sufficient for sure.
What song is that from at 9:25
Love Me In Whatever Way
27:55
YO RICK ITS BIG TIGGA MAK YO U ALLREADY KNOW IM THE GREATEST YO EVERYBODYS WONDERING AND PONDERING THR QUESTION ARE TUPAC AND THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. THE SAME PERSON!
lol
Rick James
Billie Eilish best pop music? That’s how you know Blake is a wordy man
L.A. sucks....you should have stayed in England. I'm in L.A. and I can't wait to go back to England...
Godawful
?