James Blake Details Work with Kendrick Lamar and Frank Ocean in Rare Interview
Hopefully it didn't take a 45-second clip of James Blake covering Frank Ocean's "Godspeed" to remind you that the British talent is quietly (and confidently) leaving his mark on the last year in music. Following the surprise release of his third studio album, The Colour in Anything, Blake hit the road and never looked back. He'd make appearances on Frank's double-release later that summer and contribute production to Vince Staples' "War Ready" in the fall, but Blake's been keeping to his behind-the-scenes ways for the better part of the year, leaving it all onstage or in the studio and taking no time to speak with the press.
So when he does decide to open up about his recent collaborative work, it's a rare moment to step inside the mind of one music's most compelling voices and pens and one should take heed. The FADER caught up with Blake after his first solo piano show at FORM Arcosanti, allowing him to speak on his work with Frank and recent contribution to Kendrick Lamar's DAMN. on the album "ELEMENT," as well as the implicit value of remaining vulnerable in art, both culturally and emotionally. He also reveals plans to release new music this summer, though he's not sure what form it'll take. Hit the link below to read the full interview and hold tight for James Blake's next transmission in the weeks and months ahead.