Jimmy Cauty talks to OneMusic about his new project
Remember the KLF? Then you may have heard of Jimmy Cauty. If not, we can tell you that he has a new project on the way. It's called Blacksmoke, and... er... this is what it's about!
Why did you feel the need to start a label?
We tried very hard to manufacture an image of rebellion, but remain a square peg in a round hole. Although the hole is wearing down, after decades of unrelenting abuse. We are not a label. Blacksmoke is an art collective. Fundamentally a brand that's banned, at least in chart terms.
Will you be signing artists to the label?
The Factory is open. Artists are welcome to apply, the only requirement for joining Blacksmoke is a personal belief in your genius. And clean socks.
Tell us how you put together the Breezeblock mix
It's pure, undiluted Blacksmoke. No commercial concern, no creative limit. This session was produced to the architectural design of James Cauty, with the creative involvement of James Fogarty, Matt Bowyer, Alfie Bear and special guest appearances, by supporters of the cause.
Do you think that music can still be conscious in a world where a band launch their career through a Pringles advert?
The margin between public opinion and corporate decision is widening. As the cracks appear in the political sphere, a single vote is no longer a threat. You can wear a slogan to prove you care, or kick-start the pocket revolution: BUY A BETTER WORLD. Profits are power, so invest in imagination. Hit back at hype.
Do you still feel part of the music industry?
Blacksmoke is a creative parasite. This is a symbiotic relationship; without us the industry may not survive, with us the industry is infected. If the industry had taken proper precautions this would never have occured. The virus is rapidly mutating and thus incurable. Prolonged exposure will result in final metamorphosis.
In How to...:
Start a label
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/onemusic/distribution/startlabelp01.shtml
Use distributors for a record label
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/onemusic/distribution/labelp01.shtml
Promote your releases
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/onemusic/promotion/releasep01.shtml
Other links:
Radio 1 Online: Breezeblock
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/dance/breezeblock/
BBCi Music: KLF biog
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cgi-perl/music/muze/index.pl?site=music&action=biography&artist_id=15899
BBCi Collective: KLF Review
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/collective/A850998
www.blacksmoke.org
http://www.blacksmoke.org
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites
(c) BBC Radio 1 OneMusic 2003