Q&A: Blair French chews the fat in advance of new album release
The Detroit-dwelling cosmic crusader tells of lockdown yard work and overpriced spaceships in insightful interview
Being the lovers that we are of the expansive sounds of Detroit, Afro-cosmic disco and Balearic music, we were super happy to hear word of a new album from Blair French – a producer whose work embodies all of these sounds (and more besides). Blair grew up on the outskirts of Detroit and began his musical output at a young age by releasing rap tapes in middle school, and since then his subtly eccentric sound has continued to morph, evolve and grow. A veteran of go-to labels including NuNorthern Soul, Razor N Tape, Delsin and our beloved Claremont 56, stylistically he's someone that's refreshingly difficult to pin down.
'The Art Of Us', which drops this Friday on the always entertaining Rocksteady Disco label, is a dynamic, multi-textured collection of genuinely invigorating sample-heavy sounds. The album sees Blair team up with some of his musically-inclined pals, including Craig Huckaby, Fahrenheit 2040, Kaylan Waterman, Eddie Logix and Pathe Jassi, and there's much to take in and admire in this deliciously freaky collection.
The 14 included tracks require a good number of listens to enjoy and identify the many nuances and textures on display. Some highlights are the life-affirming poly-rhythms of 'Celebration Ritual', the scattered beats of down-tempo groove 'Jeans' and its equally engaging but more energised sibling 'Genes'.Title track 'The Art Of Us' incorporates tripped-out and slightly sinister spoken word vocals that could conceivably permeate one's dreams, while the squelchy synth bass of 'Drop Ceiling Shuffle' fills the room with analogue warmth and motor-city funk in almost equal measure.
Our pick to play you a taster of here are the highly-charged keys of 'F O A'. Afro rhythms and an intoxicating hook enrapture before deviantly morphing into a spaced-out synth work out. It's our current favourite from the album, but such is the dynamic nature and high quality of the music presented, that choice is liable to change at any time depending on our collective mood.
Since we're keen to give the man himself some room to speak, we'll leave it here, but we couldn't recommend listening to the album more highly. Read on to hear what Blair French has to say…
What are you up to today?
“At home depot, mailing a record, fixings around the homestead.”
What can you tell us about how your musical journey evolved, specifically how your tastes and interests progressed and your route into the studio?
“Pop music hits most of us at a young age. Then the soda goes flat. Then you start searching for fresh fruits and ingredients to juice your own... scotch to Mezcal depending on the season.
Studio evolution...hmm. Gaining jewels, changing tools. I could still bring out my SP-202 and do my tune, but it's also about what I can use to translate quicker without losing the feeling.”
Would you mind revealing what the first record you bought was?
“Hmm...i don't remember buying my 1st, but i do recall Thriller by MJ and Huey Lewis as a child.”
Can you tell us about any special artists who have influenced your music?
“Curtis Mayfield, De La Soul, Stevie Wonder, Edan, Company Flow, Susumu Yokota, Skylab, Wally Badarou, Boards of Canada, and list of local friends.”
That's a terrific list sir. So, how would you describe your sound?
“Small plates. A little taste of everything that's on the menu. Or being more direct...ambient, Balearic, and Afro dance music. Basically, soul music.”
That works for us! Also it's more accurate a description than Detroit Balearic, which is what we came up with. Back to the studio, do you have any favourite kit or gizmos you couldn't live without?
“I've come to love the Apollo and my foot pedals. From there, I switch in and out of keyboards and samplers.”
And how about your process, do you tend to work fast or labour over projects?
“Depends. As many have said before me, some fall in the lap and some linger over time until that right experience triggers you.”
Amen man, Now, your new album is rich with character and has a strong Afro feel. Can you tell us about how producing it unfolded, and what was the inspiration behind the works?
“I came from a hip hop background, which inspired the ambient direction (the lack of drums and vocals), and then afro and Brazilian music gained my interest back to percussion again.”
We can hear the hip hop vibe, and for damn sure the percussion is heavy in this new album. So, you're based close to Detroit. How has living close to a city with such a rich and diverse musical heritage influenced your musical journey?
“Pros and cons as anywhere. It was also different when I was younger. You were pressed to take the time to develop your sound rather than bite someone, which seems to have faded away. Even if I tried to skip a step, the universe pushed me back to pay more attention. I don't think that will go away.”
And what is the music scene like on the ground there?
“It's nice. I can sea some who are taking on their own, others who are rejuvenating what is known. I always felt on an island in a positive way, so it has been nice meeting and working with new friends.”
We really enjoyed your 'Pure Sounds Of Michigan' comp, where we were introduced to sounds that we wouldn't normally associate with the area. Can you tell us a little about how that project came to life?
“Oh, thanks. I was on a camping trip with Eddie Logix for a "one night" get away from the city. I said, I really would love to do ambient music right now, but nothings calling me.
We came back the next day and I received a phone call, lol. I think I was tied in because I scored the documentary, Detropia.”
Changing the subject a little, was your home locked down due to the Covid-19 outbreak, if so, how did you spend the lockdown?
“Yes. Just before, my fiance and I pulled the trigger and landed a cabin in woods down in Tennessee just to escape all the talk. Being that I just finished my album, I was taking a break. Once back, I just made some art pieces, bought records, sold records, and cooked anything from Thai to Mexican to whatever sounded good. oh, and yard work...a lot of yard work.”
That sounds good man, yard work is good for the soul. As is cooking and making art in fact. Do you have any more releases on the horizon?
“I put a 12" together for Razor-N-Tape (while working on the album) that comes out in sept as well. I did work on the new Andres 7inch series on Motorcity Wine Recordings and I just found out I'm on the new John Beltran album, Seasons on Delsin Records.”
Excellent, we'll be sure to look out for those. Is there anything else you want to tell us about anything at all?
“Sure, my short film (18mins) will be launching soon, Spaceships Cost Too Much. Other than that, thank you for your time!"
That's great! Again, we'll look out for that, and thanks so much for your time and insight and good luck with the album!
Blair French ‘The Art Of Us’ is out on September 4. You can listen and buy it here
