The Blacktronika Archives are interviews and resources, created and compiled by music producer, artist and scholar, Professor King Britt.
The interviews are a part of King Britt’s ongoing research, dedicated to honoring all the innovators of color that have contributed to the advancement of electronic music. All the interviews have been virtual guests for his Blacktronika : Afrofuturism in Electronic Music course at the University of California, San Diego.
Due to his personal relationship with most of the guests, these ‘fireside chat’ style interviews get into places other interviews may not reach. In addition, there are questions by his students that truly are a part of a new type of pedagogy.
The growing archive will be updated often.
“ The word Blacktronika, is an umbrella term, used for the many innovative genres of electronic music, that are rooted in and created from, Black culture. The term was coined by Charlie Dark MBE of the UK trip hop group, Attica Blues in 1999, for a series of high art and music events presented at the ICA in London. ”
about: King Britt
Philadelphia born and Pew Fellowship recipient, King James Britt (his real name) is a 30+ year, producer, composer and performer in the global advancement of electronic music.
As a composer and producer, his practice has lead to collaborations with the likes of De La Soul, Madlib, Kathy Sledge, director Michael Mann (Miami Vice) and many others, as well as being called for remixes from an eclectic list of giants, including, Miles Davis, Solange all the way to Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa. Most recently collaborating with Pulitzer Prize reipient, Tyshawn Sorey for their recently released album project.
In his role as performer, he has travelled globally playing thousands of venues and festivals, including, AfroPunk (NYC), Berghain (Berlin), MoogFest (Durham), Le Guess Who Festival (Utrecht) and Public Records (NYC).
King was also the original DJ for the Grammy Award winning Digable Planets.
His curatorial work has been seen in many collaborations with the likes of MoMA PS1, MoCA LA and most recently Carnegie Hall.
As a Full Teaching Professor in Computer Music | University of California San Diego, King carries a unique perspective, bringing a non-linear approach and knowledge to the department by focusing on various modern forms of electronic music pedagogy, while continuing to be an active force in the music industry.
Blacktronika : Afrofuturism In Electronic Music, is a new lecture course at UCSD, created by King, researching and honoring the innovators of color, who have pioneered groundbreaking genres within the electronic music landscape. Genres span from Chicago House, Detroit Techno and UK Drum & Bass music. Using his position in the industry, the class has been attended by many, including Questlove, Herbie Hancock and Moor Mother.
King remains one of the go to authorities on Afrofuturism in music.