Wendy Redfern/Redferns By Grant Sharples No one knew James Blake could sing. Before his 2011 debut album, released 10 years ago today (February 4), the electronic songwriter-producer had primarily become known for his sample-driven, minimalist dubstep arrangements. Apart from a brief 20th-century spiritual singing clip, Blake’s 2009 debut single “Air & Lack Thereof” featured zero vocals, much like its counterpoint instrumental track, “Sparing the Horses.” Following up this single with a string of three acclaimed EPs, 2010’s The Bell Sketch, CMYK, and Klavierwerke, Blake further cemented himself in London’s electronic music scene. But it wasn’t until his self-titled, full-length debut that he became James Blake, the songwriter-vocalist, in addition to James Blake, the producer. Its contemporary Pitchfork review forecasted that this collection of songs would “soon make Blake a star.” This state… Click below to read the full story from MTV News
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10 Years Ago, James Blake’s Self-Titled Debut Album Made Him A Star
