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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question_answer ANECDOTE
Rick Rubin's Praise
Leah Rose asks James Blake if he remembers Rick Rubin's reaction to first hearing his music.
Blake initially couldn't recall but was pleasantly surprised when Rose reminded him of Rubin's high praise.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Life-Changing Book
James Blake details a difficult period in his life when working with Rick Rubin.
Rubin introduced him to "Nonviolent Communication", a book that significantly improved Blake's communication skills and relationships.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Rubin's Schedule
Blake discusses Rubin's structured work schedule, which included leaving the studio promptly at 7 p.m.
This initially confused Blake but later taught him the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining work-life balance.
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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