NEW EP OUT NOW - And the stories behind the tracks!

My brand new EP 'Kitchen Raver' is out this weekend on Keep On Techno Records and I'm really happy to share it with you. It's creation occurred during November 2021 and February 2022, and features 2 remixes and a remix by the extremely talented Felix R.

James Black Presents EP!

So let me tell you a little more about the tracks themselves, I wanted to showcase the sound that was common in my Sunday Twitch TV Livestreams, from the 'Sunday Techno Kitchen Disco' livestream which started waaaay back when the first lockdown as announced. I wanted to keep the flag flying and show promoters I was actively still working as a DJ but in an online capacity. I was hoping it would lead to more gigs when the clubs open, but alas, that didn't happen, BUT I have made a lovely, loyal online family who regularly come along to my livestreams;

My Twitch Page

And so I was asked by the guys behind Keep On Techno to put out an EP that represents my 2022 sound, so off to work I went.

This EP really is inspired by those weekly Sunday livestreams and I often demo a lot of material / works in progresses here to see how they work in a DJ set. So tune in! You never know what you may hear! A FUTURE NUMBER 1? heh, maybe.

Actions (2022) is a remake, or a revamp of a track I demoed early in 2021, this version is remastered with some editing, the first version was too long' and put in a few cheeky samples to keep the track chugging along nicely. It was on of those annoying music projects, that was lingering on a 6/10 for a long time and just took a moment of clarity, or just inspiration, to finish off. This is why I am a firm believer that the best tracks made, are done within a couple of days, so inspiration stays fresh and that original creative spark isn't lost. Tracks that drag on and on to complete, only get harder to do so, because often you question yourself 'Why am I making this again?'. Luckily, this one came good and I finished it in time for the EP. I'm pretty sure many music producers have an 'unfinished' folder, of half built projects and tunes, and even more producers have a folder of completed projects, but which aren't as golden as the rest. I remember when I have worked with @stickupboys , they had a folder of completed works (which had no real home) and they called it 'The Dusty Shelf. Actions 2022 was saved from the Dusty Self and takes pride of place as first track.

Actions 2022 clip

Rave Alarm was inspired to me by a recent visit to London superclub 'Printworks', I heard a DJ play the most incredible set there, including a track which features a rising siren sound like the one in my track. I also drew reference to an old Harvey McKay track called 'The Other side of the Void'. I love using vocal samples, so I found one used by an American automated alarm system on youtube and put that in as well. As well as a classic rave stab. The bass kick / bass line is deliberately overcooked to give it a raw and powerful feel. I am a big fan of an LFO and I have used this in a sidechain effect to really give the track 'PUMP'.

Rave Alarm Clip

Rave Alarm (Felix R Remix)
I am a big fan of Felix R and of his production work and I approached him to remix Rave Alarm as I could hear, in my mind, how he could go about doing the remix and the overall out it could save from his most recent productions, it was his track 'Twelve Hours' which made my mind up for me, that he was the right person for the job.

Felix R - Twelve Hours

And he certainly doesn't disappoint!

Rave Alarm (Felix R Remix)

Give is a huge 'whoooomph' of energy, pushing the BPM and absolutely punishing the speakers which searing Techno naughtiness, did the job perfectly!

Anyway, thats a little backstory behind the EP and if you are a DJ or just want to support me and my music, the link is below! I thankyou!

James Black Presents - Kitchen Raver EP