Which African American or Black Electronic artists have influenced your music the most and what do you admire about them?
Julius Jetson:"I love all the Detroit and Chicago guys. Ron Trent, Kerri Chandler (who is from NJ), Robert Hood, Kenny Larkin, Blake Baxter, Seth Troxler, DJ Assault and so many more. Currently, my favorite artist is MK. He really keeps me pushing forward knowing that he could achieve international fame as an African American Producer is amazing. His classic piano rhythms really inspire me day in and day out to make the music I make.”
Dread MC:“Since I was a very young child, I have always been inspired and proud by seeing black electronic artists. My youngest memory as a child is seeing Roni Size and his work with Reprezent winning a Mercury prize on the telly. This had a big impact on me, and it was one of the first albums I ever bought with my own pocket money. My first time ever going to America, I was in Miami, and I was only twenty when I bumped into Carl Cox on the street. I was introduced to his music by Donovan Bad Boy Smith from old school tape packs that I would get from him when I was at school. Carl Cox was so nice and friendly. We only exchanged a few words, and I didn’t even ask for a picture that time, but I said to him ‘Keep smashing up!’ or something corny like that.
What was so nice was seeing people like Black Coffee, Green Velvet, and Honey Dijon as icons in the scene. For me, I didn’t know their sound as much, but I heard their music listening to mixes with friends or being out—especially when we were abroad. Green Velvet also vocalized on iconic tracks as well but seeing them progressing and getting love is amazing. DJs like Ez and DJ Q are my heroes, and I also regard Heartless Crew as an act that has had serious longevity and kept true to themselves. The nostalgic vibe I get from them always brings up good memories for me. To be able to adapt in multi-genre tempos and create good energy and positive lyrics and vibes is what I try to bring to my music, and all these people have had an impact on me doing that.”
Seb C:“Troyboy and Carnage have influenced my music the most. They showed me that an artist of black descent can influence an industry and genre that is predominantly white.
They influenced my music by always showing their roots in their production and live shows.
They taught me to not follow the ‘wave’ and really express your true vision of music. I incorporate a hip hop/rap element in all my music in hopes to be the artist that bridges the gap between hip hop and electronic music.”
Luke Andy:“I would say MK. I admire his production history and how he has created multiple streams of income all stemming from doing what he loved. From producing deals, to DJ-ing live shows, to being on jaguar car commercials—he’s a G.”
What does it mean to be black in today’s electronic music industry?
Julius Jetson:“We’re a small group of individuals. We also must excel way more than our coworkers to get to their level. I also feel that we have an obligation to our forefathers, to keep the blackness as alive as possible in electronic music. House & Techno started as a counterculture to what was happening in the late eighties. It was their escape, and I feel personally that we have to keep that same energy going.”
Dread MC:“This is a good question. With the recent movements in Black Lives Matter, I genuinely felt like it was the first time I can honestly say people around me in general were seeing how bad racism is, especially the subtle racism. The pandemic was a chance for people to slow down, reflect, and listen to people and their side of things more than before. We still have a really long, long way to go. I felt there was a number of people who would put up the black square on socials and that was it; however, I do feel it is important to show they are anti-racist.”
Seb C:“To be black in today’s electronic music industry means that we represent an underappreciated group of individuals with deep character and pride. We are brothers that support one another unconditionally to achieve greatness.
To be black in the electronic music industry means that we have a chance to break all of the societal barriers and norms people may attach us to and allows the opportunity for diversity in an already culturally dominated industry.”
Luke Andy:“This is a good question because I definitely feel like a minority in the DJ-ing scene. I see producers all around the world killing it from different ethnic backgrounds. From Brazil, to France, to Russia. But when it comes to DJ-ing, I don’t tend to see many bipoc’s getting an opportunity to play big shows. I try not to put myself in any category and leave feelings out of it. I do find it funny, however, when people say it’s a white man’s game or ‘white people music.’ House music came from Chicago’s Warehouse with Frankie Knuckles goated as the ‘godfather of house.’I think it’s just that more bipoc had less of a chance and less opportunities to get in this field, whether it was financial living, social stigma, education, etc… So, when I reflect on it like that, I do feel blessed and lucky to be where I am today.”
When was there a time in your life where you felt pressured to hide your black/African American roots?
Julius Jetson:“Whenever I am networking. I must be extra careful of the way I dress or come off, people assume if you dress nicely you might be some rapper or not that intelligent. I also must make sure I do not give off any dangerous energy to anybody because people are constantly looking for a reason to discredit you.”
Dread MC:“I am not sure really. I have always tried to be ‘what you see is what you get.’ I hate people making assumptions, and I don’t like the stereotypical views people have if they meet me. I can’t think of a moment when I felt like I had to hide my roots. I know I like people to be able to openly discuss or talk to me about things. I would rather people be more open and honest.”
Seb C:“Yes! When I was in high school, my school was very separated between the white and black demographic. I was enrolled in advanced classes to strive for a post-secondary education, and because of these classes, I felt like I needed to hide my roots to fit into the predominantly white classes. I learned very fast that being myself was the only way to go, and ever since I have had the confidence to represent my black roots.”
Luke Andy:“High school. Back when I really cared about what people were going to think about me or ‘how I looked.’ Now, either you can f--- with me, or if you don’t, it’s 100% free to unfollow people. (;"
