Subculture gets to know Fred P a.k.a The Black Jazz Consortium…


‘Deep’ is perhaps the word most associated with the career of Fred P, and for once is an accurate portrayal.

Eleven albums, innumerable releases and decades of Djing into his career, the New York-turned-Berlin resident continues to push further into his own sound, craft, and mind. For those fortunate enough to be present for one of Fred’s cathartic, physical and spiritual DJ sets, the dance floor is not just a place for enjoyment, but for potential. That opportunity for potential – his own, yours, that of our collective consciousness – has long-been the earnest pursuit of Fred P, channelled expertly through his evolved and deeply personal exploration of house and techno music.

Sounds perfect for a Saturday night at Subculture, right?

Subculture got the chance to ask Fred P some of those all important questions ahead of his visit this Saturday! Here’s how it went down…

S: You are originally from New York but now live in Berlin – what was the reason for moving to Berlin and do you feel there is a difference in the scene and general living and working in Berlin to New York?

F: It’s really simple, I began touring regularly in Europe and spending more time in the EU and less and less time in the states. I made the choice reluctantly and now years later realize it was the best decision I ever made!

The scenes are completely different in my opinion: in Europe, there is more appreciation for electronic dance music in terms of the deeper and even more soulful stuff be it house or techno – for me, that’s worth everything.
New York has a strong and unwavering tradition in dance music that is respected, however, the states, in general, is more toward a more popular musical spectrum that evolves with every new incarnation of talent.

S: In an interview with Resident Advisor you stated that your label Soul People Music was somewhat an outlet for releasing music under your alias Black Jazz Consortium. Now that Soul People Music has given way to your new label Perpetual Sound – what is the future for Black Jazz Consortium?

F: I am Soul People Music for life nothing will ever change that! The label was an outlet but the philosophy is part of me and I carry that everywhere I go throughout the earth. Having said that Perpetual Sound is a way to continue my musical vision and collaborate with the artists that I respect. There is a lot in the pipeline dance music is at the core however there is so much more as no one is just one thing.

S: There’s a lot of reference to your music being both visual and spiritual…is this something you aim for when writing and producing music or is this a natural byproduct from your productions?

F: It happens naturally, I’m just being myself. As I evolve it comes out in my art.

S: You have stated before in the XLR8R ‘In the Studio’ interview that you use a fairly minimal set-up, what three pieces of gear do you consistently use/are your favourite?

F: MPC, Ableton and Korg Minilogue

S: If you could work with any vocalist, who would it be and why would you choose this person?

F: That’s really a hard question because there are so many vocalists that touch my heart and inspire me. I will name a few of this is a wish list:
Monday Michiru, Lahla Hathaway, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, the list goes on…

S: You’ve just made a new track and you can drive through anywhere in the world to listen to it on the stereo, where would that place be and why?

F: Shibuya, it’s one of my favourite places on the planet. I write music whenever I’m there and also always find gems in the record stores… musically it’s a muse for me that’s the place.

Let’s throw some quickfire questions into the mix…

S: MPC or Computer?
F: Not fair, both.

S: Larry Heard or Mad Mike?
F: Again not fair…Larry Heard but I adore and admire Mike as well, he’s a true hero. Massive respect to Mad Mike!

S: 808 or 909?
F: 909

S: Kraftwerk or Can?
F: Really not fair, both.

S: Blues or Reggae?
F: Dude, come on!!! For me they are one music different expressions so both.

S: Sun Ra or Coltrane
F: That’s it with the loaded questions! … There is no choosing, they are both my inspiration.

Cheers Fred P <3

Tickets for Saturdays event HERE
Facebook event HERE

14:25 • 21 Feb 19