Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- James Blake values simplicity in his music, curating sounds and limiting them to create a refined and cohesive sound.
- James Blake reads reviews of his music to gain insight into how fans and critics perceive his work, using it to inform his creative process.
- James Blake emphasizes the importance of live performance and iteration in music, constantly evolving and reinterpreting his music to create unique experiences for his audience.
- James Blake discusses the future of electronic music, the potential of NFTs to support artists, and the need for a more balanced distribution of royalties in the music industry.
Deep dives
Process of Creating Music
The process of creating music for James Blake involves starting with piano and vocal improvisations, recording different melodies and chords, chopping and manipulating them, and building beats around them. He focuses on the feeling and emotion of the music, constantly adjusting and iterating until he reaches a satisfying result.
Simplicity in Music
James Blake values simplicity in his music, often leaving out excessive elements and focusing on the most essential components. He believes in curating sounds and limiting them to create a refined and cohesive sound. He takes pride in the simplicity and emotional impact of his music, prioritizing personal expression over following trends or conventions.
Feedback and Reviews
James Blake reads reviews of his music to gain insight into how fans and critics perceive his work. He values constructive feedback that helps him understand what resonates with listeners and what can be improved. While he doesn't make music for others, he appreciates understanding the impact his music has on people and uses it to inform his creative process.
Live Performance and Iteration
James Blake emphasizes the importance of live performance and iteration in music. He believes that the best ideas for his songs come from jam sessions and experimenting with different elements. He values the spontaneity and personal connection that comes from performing live, constantly evolving and reinterpreting his music to create unique experiences for his audience.
James Blake's Musical Process
James Blake discusses his musical process, which involves an iterative process of creating, smashing, and remaking music. He describes how he takes inspiration from different genres and artists and applies his own unique style to create something new. Blake emphasizes the importance of persistence, obsession, and experimentation in music creation. He also mentions the potential of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) to provide independence and support for artists, as well as the challenges faced in the current music industry and the need for more creative freedom.
The Impact of Reviews and Criticism
James Blake reflects on the impact of music reviews and critics. He shares his thoughts on the subjective nature of music and the value of personal enjoyment and connection with music. Blake acknowledges the presence of negative reviews and criticism and how they can potentially discourage listeners who might find solace and healing in certain types of music. He also highlights the importance of responding to criticism with kindness and compassion, rather than feeding into negativity or anger.
The Future of Electronic Music
Blake discusses the future of electronic music and the challenges faced within the music industry. He explores the potential of NFTs as a means of supporting and empowering artists, allowing for increased creativity and independence. He also addresses the need for a more balanced distribution of royalties and a shift away from the consolidated control of the music industry. Blake expresses hope for the decentralization of technology and the preservation of creativity and artistic expression in the digital age.
The Evolution of Music and Technology
James Blake reflects on his journey as a musician, from learning piano as a child to experimenting with digital tools and technology. He discusses the democratization of music production tools and the potential for creating new sounds and ideas. Blake shares his fascination with the process of reinterpreting vocals and harmonies and the impact of sampling in his music. He also touches on the challenges faced in the modern music landscape, the importance of collaboration, and the need for creativity to thrive in the face of commercial pressures.
Thanks to sponsors http://www.signalsounds.com
See James live and buy/stream his music: https://www.jamesblakemusic.com/
Support the pod on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mylarmelodies
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