Introducing: Richard Earnshaw

Here is the first in a new series of interviews, which is aimed at introducing you lot to some of my favourite people in music. First up is Richard Earnshaw, who is a British DJ and producer that has a musical past more interesting and diverse than most. Last year he released the eagerly anticipated debut album In Time, where he brought a club-veteran guestlist to his House/Jazz album, which for me is perfection in music. Below you can find one of my favourite tracks from the flawless album, Worthy, which features Soul legend Jocelyn Brown. After the jump you can see what happened when I caught up with a very busy Mr. Earnshaw.

1. For those people who don’t know who Richard Earnshaw is, can you please give a brief introduction as to who you are and what you do?

 In short, I’m a classically trained pianist of some 28 years now, and have been playing jazz/funk/soul for around 18 of them. I’ve been writing and producing since getting my first computer at 15, and since leaving London for the South Coast in 1997 after finishing my music degree have been lucky enough to be a full time musician since.

2. Thinking about the album last year, In Time, how was it working with people like Roy Ayers, Jocelyn Brown & Kenny Thomas for you? These people are artists who are absolute legends in my household, and I’m pretty sure it will have been the same in yours. Also; how was the whole process done - did you go over there, did they come over here or was it something that was done over the Internet?

 The whole process from start to finish with “In Time” was so smooth. Hooking up with the amazing artists that are on the album was as easy as picking up the phone and asking them. Big thanks to Jeff at Groovefinder for orchestrating all that. Some of the sessions were done at my house, Jocelyn (having Jocelyn singing in my spare bedroom was quite surreal!), Ursula, Kenny and for Roy we went up to London and recorded in a more professional studio environment. Whilst other sessions were done over the internet.

3. If someone asked you what genre of music you produce, what would your answer be? I know a lot of your work is labelled as House, however some tracks are have huge Soul & Funk influences, and wouldn’t sound out of place in the 70’s-80’s.

 It’s always been a thing for me the whole genre thing. When asked what sort of music I make, I simply answer “music”. Sure, I’m probably more recognised for my career in House music, I’ve produced all sorts of stuff over the years. And “In Time” was the perfect vehicle for me to demonstrate more than “House” in an Earnshaw recording. I have a whole bucket load of material of varying styles to finish over the coming months.

4. Following on from that, what type of Music did you grow up listening to? As I’ve already said; the material you have released is pretty much perfection in music, for me, but do you listen to any other genres? i.e. Hip-Hop, Dubstep, Grime..

 I grew up in the 80’s so I was listening to all sorts. Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, George Benson, Jean Michel Jarre, George Duke, Kraftwerk, Herbie Hancock….the list really is endless. My mother is an Opera singer and my father a jazz guitarist so the musical content of the house was seriously eclectic. So before I had enough pocket money to buy my own music I rifled through all of theirs! I do my best to listen to what’s going on in current music trends. There are styles of music I’d rather not listen to but I can admire the technical abilities needed to make it without having to like it. Different styles embrace different writing/production techniques so even if it’s not my bag, it’s a useful resource!

5. Would you ever delve into any of these other genres when it comes to your production style, or is what we heard on ‘In Time’ the type of thing we can come to expect from you in the future? (not that I would be complaining if it is)

Believe it or not, we are involved in all sorts of music production down here. Sure, for the most part we’re known for what we do within the dance music industry, but there’s a lot going on within the company, ranging from house to soul to R&B to ambient to breakbeat to pop. And it’s not just production either, we also have a publishing company so we do a lot of song writing for other artists and producers.

6. What can we expect from Richard Earnshaw in the next 12 months, and will you and the band be touring at all in 2011?

 Our release schedule for all 3 labels is stuffed full for the year. Plenty of new Earnshaw material, Spiritchaser, One51, Little Big Band….both singles and albums. It’s an exciting year ahead for us!! Many DJ gigs and the band will be touring, as to where and when, keep an eye on our social network pages, and of course sign up to www.kineticmusicgroup.com and the newsletter will dish out the word as and when!

7. As a well established producer, what advice would you give to young aspiring artists/producers in the current climate?

 It’s tough to break through but a lot of hard work and a little luck is what you need. For all the successes there are a bucket load of knockbacks. We don’t like to call them failures because in order to develop and progress, you need them so you know not to do it the same way again! A positive attitude and listening to people are essential too.

8. Finally; what is your opinion on ‘chart music’ at the moment and where do you see music as a whole going in the next 5-10 years?

 If I knew the answer to that I’d be a millionaire!! :) In my humble opinion, music has always been a circulation and development of trends. I hope more than anything that illegal file sharing dealt with to allow a more fruitful and healthy music industry.