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KING BRITT

king britt

Music memories from our youth are the best. They’re powerful, influential and long lasting. Ask anyone about music and the conversation instantly shifts to a personal golden-era hitting in their late teens to mid twenties. Whether it’s the adventures of musical identity, the soundtrack of a summer’s love, or a means to making money – music resonates and it can take you all over the world. That’s why we were excited to catch up with one of our favorite DJ / Producers, King Britt. On an mild summer afternoon we discussed travel and how music became a large part of his life…

king britt

King Britt started his career in 1990 on the legendary house label Strictly Rhythm as E-Culture. He went on to tour with the groundbreaking group Digable Planets. Started Ovum Recordings with Josh Wink. And, produced platinum remixes for Miles Davis, George Duke, Santigold and countless others across a range of genres. In 2007 he was the first DJ/Producer to win the prestigious Pew Fellowship. And few know of his vintage synth collection, love for experimental music, or the fact that he started a Depeche Mode cover band in high school.

Most recently he partnered with artist Rucyl to create Saturn Never Sleeps (SNS). It was originally created for two performances specifically dedicated to the music and sound of Sun-Ra and continued every month at Painted Bride Art Center in Philadelphia and at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn. SNS has also become an independent record label.

musical

King Britt: The first time I knew music was for me I was 3 or 4. I remember it vividly. I had to love music. My mom loves music and she’s strictly jazz. She loves everything from Sarah Vaughan and Nancy Wilson to Nina Simone. It was in the house all day everyday. Then my Dad – he owned a barber shop with his friend at 40th & Market in Philly. So of course he needed a soundtrack for the barbershop. He’s strictly funk. He worshipped James Brown. So when I turned 7 I started buying records with him at a record shop on Chester Avenue in Philly. The first records I ever bought were Central Heating’s Heat Wave and Saturday Night Fever – which every kid had. I loved music. It was a hobby, and I never thought of it as a career until later.

So fast forward to 1981 – 82 and hip hop was in its infancy in Philly. I grew up with Cash Money, Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith (aka the Fresh Prince). I went to Central and they came to our high school to do parties and gymnasium shows. Those were my earliest memories of being in a small musical setting, close to them, checking them out. I thought they were incredible. And although I thought this DJ thing was really cool, it wasn’t really for me at the time. I was more of a collector.

Being a collector started with my parents. In high school I was into electronic music and synth music from over seas. I was obsessed with England. And back then, Philly’s South Street was amazing for import stuff. So I used to go there to get my clothes, music and magazines.

There was a magazine store called Poppey’s. My friend’s girl worked there and we got discounts on imported magazines like ID Magazine, Face, Melody Makers and a bunch of other music mags. I was always looking for what was going on in England, constantly collecting music and magazines, anything I could get my hands on.

As I collected more and more stuff from England my musical interests evolved. I was really into the new romantic scene like Roxy Music, Spandau Ballet and Sade when she first came out. All that stuff. Then I got into Ska and General Public – just really into it. My friends and I all appreciated the punk scene, the ska scene, every scene. I was in a band called the Red Team and we were doing Depeche Mode covers… just all kinds of industrial electronic stuff coming from Europe – especially England and Germany.

While I was in high school I noticed no one had these records. And back then we would do anything for records. We stood in line and slept out for records or concert tickets. I went to shows every weekend. I remember sleeping out to see the Go Gos, the Police and INXS. This was real love. How many kids would sleep out for music today? It’s too easy with mp3s. So a lot of people didn’t have this music.

I wanted to date this girl and I made her a tape. But the tape circulated and the reason it circulated was because no one had this stuff. Rare imports – just all the best music. Amazing breaks – we just loved the drums. So I realized that I could make some money and started making tapes for the kids in school every week. They’d have all the new imports. I was making $100 a week just from tapes. And that money went right to fashion. I was really into it. [laughs]. It was so exciting. I loved those days. That was the first step into becoming a DJ.

thoughts

favorite

England. The first time I went to England. I was obsessed with everything from there. That was in 91 and I met some great people that I’m still friends with. I remember going to the original Tate, staying at hostels and being all over the place when I visited.

favorite city

Tokyo is my favorite city. Everything is there and it never sleeps. Everyone is so friendly and there’s a real appreciation for our culture. My second favorite city is Lisbon. The vibe and music is incredible.

makes city

I’m not a driver, so public transportation is critical. The ease of getting around is very important to me. And, the ease of getting around without taking a cab is essential. I love cabs, I’ll take them, but if I can easily walk somewhere and the design of the city allows me to do that I’m happy. If I can’t walk everywhere – the subway system has to be rocking. London has a great subway system. Paris has a fantastic system too.

Public transportation is my preferred mode of transportation. What I really like about public transportation is the social aspect. I’m a people watcher. I may not interact with anyone but I really love people watching.

travel essential

Back in the day it used to be a walkman. Now it’s an iPod. As a musician, I think the walkman was attached to my body growing up. I was never without it. That’s another reason I love the subway. You do that window gaze thing, where you’re listening and just looking out the window. It’s just like a movie. So when I travel, sometimes I don’t bring the laptop. Some days I want to escape the laptop. But I always have my iPod and my phone – that’s it. Unless I need my laptop I don’t take it.

travel sounds

This is Not America by David Bowie.

—Fin

All photos were taken by Brandon King a photographer living in Brooklyn, NY. For more of his work please check out wordbk.com

Travel Chronicles is an editorial feature for wejetset’s online magazine. Through an open and casual conversation it highlights how travel has shaped the talents, perspectives and experiences of creative and business professionals worldwide.

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