In an interview, Francis Harris (Adultnapper), head of Brooklyn-based label Scissor & Thread, once described his DJ sets as composed of “grooving cuts for dark rooms.†No phrase better exemplifies the music of Black Light Smoke, whose sound is as raw and analog as it is fresh and sexy. Born Jordan Lieb, this Chicago native has been making music for years, but entered the house game as recently as two years ago. As far as we can tell, this guy is the next big thing. Honestly, Black Light Smoke sounds like the jazzy lovechild of “Mirror Conspiracyâ€-era Thievery Corporation and Maceo Plex, with a dusting of pop sensibility. And you don’t get credentials such as these unless you’re the real deal: releases on Poker Flat, My Favorite Robot, Get Physical, a deal with Scissor & Thread, and support from the likes of Bicep and Move D. Furthermore, if you haven’t heard DJ T’s remix of his absurdly catchy track, “Lovework,†then you may be living under a rock. We caught up with Black Light Smoke ahead of his live set this Friday to talk house, artistic schizophrenia, and Jim Morrison.
Black Light Smoke will be playing the Scissor & Thread label showcase at U Street Music Hall this Friday, November 16th, alongside Anthony Collins, R’n’B & Marko Peli. Doors open at 10pm. Buy tickets here.
If you would be so kind, please introduce yourself to our readers. How would you describe your sound?
House music mixed with grit, grime, sweat, blood and rust.
Are you still based in Brooklyn? What inspires you about BK?
Brooklyn is like no other place. So much art going on, so many young people hungry to find something inspiring. It’s outside of the insanity that is Manhattan, but close enough to feel alive with the city’s energy. Sitting on a rooftop at night, watching the city lights, there’s no other feeling like it.
Being born and raised in Chicago, how did that inform your perception of dance music?
When I started DJing I was immersed in the House music of the mid-90’s. Paul Johnson, Cajmere, Gene Farris, etc. I had no idea that I was receiving an education in what would become the classics. Now when I hear new House music, I hold to that higher standard without really thinking about it. I’ve been really impressed by some of the newer stuff, mostly vinyl only releases, where I’m like, “Whoaw! What is that? Is that old or new?” Some producers really find that groove, and it’s like a time warp for me.
You’ve been releasing music as Black Light Smoke for almost two years now, and as Jordan Lieb for four, but your sound conveys an artistic maturity that would give one cause to believe that you’ve been in music longer than even your discography would indicate. How and when did you get your start in music?
I’ve been playing music as long as I can remember. I’ve been recording music since I could use a tape machine. When I discovered electronic music, it opened up a new world of producing and exploration for me. Suddenly, you could go anywhere with sound. Very exciting.
I’ve been seriously recording and producing since the late 90’s. I’ve been in bands, had multiple projects and musical personalities. I think in order to be a successful producer you have to be a little schizophrenic.
How did you get involved with Francis Harris and Scissor & Thread?
I met Francis when he was looking for a studio in which to finish mixing his debut solo album, Leland. At the time I worked in a studio with an SSL mixing desk, and a ton of analog outboard gear. We both learned a lot mixing that record together. Our relationship grew from there. I’ve learned a ton from him, and I think I’ve inspired him, and the development of the label in turn. S&T has been a great home for my music. They are super supportive and at the same time very professional. Before them I was content to hide my music under a rock. They gave me the right motivation to get out there.
Is that you doing vocals on your tracks? Who/what inspires your vocal styling?
That is me singing. I draw influence from a million places. It’s hard to say exactly. When I first started the Black Light Smoke recordings, I was listening to a lot of Joy Division and Throbbing Gristle. I think Ian Curtis creeps through a little. I like to sound like a drunk lounge singer. I’ve always thought Jim Morrison was highly overrated, but I still like to cop his drunken, fat, burnout vocal sound.
DJ T’s remix of your track “Lovework” has become a veritable underground anthem. So underground, in fact, that for a time people only knew it by ear. What was it like working with the legend, DJ T and what has that track meant to you?
I’m honored by his remix, although we’ve never met. It’s funny, “Lovework†was the poppiest song I had written so far, and it stopped me in my tracks. Like, what the fuck am I supposed to do with this? And where do I go from here? I was shocked and thrilled when I saw people respond so positively to it.
What is your approach to your live set and what can we expect from your upcoming performance at U Street Music Hall?
My live set is simple. I like to keep it simple. I’m basically playing though my songs, with some fun tweaks here and there. For me, the hard work has already been put into the songs. The live set is where I can relax and have some fun. If nothing else, you could say I’m certainly having fun up there. I think that’s what people respond to. If I’m having a good time, singing and dancing around like a fool, then it’s OK for you to do the same. DJs take themselves too seriously. And when they do they suck the energy out of the room. Smile a little, it won’t kill you.
What is coming up for Black Light Smoke as we head careening into 2013?
I’ve got 2 EPs coming out soon, and I’m working on a full length album! I’m really excited about what’s coming next. Along with writing dance music, I’m pushing deeper into song writing territory. Can’t really say more at this time. But stay tuned!!!
Describe your ideal black-lit, smoke-filled party (venue, crowd, vibe, etc).
I love a small party that’s packed! 50 to 100 people that are dancing their tits off, everyone having a good time. I’ll take that over a big club any time. When the experience gets lost in the hype, that’s when I’d rather be off doing something else.
Thanks!!!
Black Light Smoke