James Blake (musician)

James Blake
Blake performing at Roskilde Festival 2011
Background information
Birth name	James Blake Litherland
Also known as	Harmonimix
Born	(1988-09-26) 26 September 1988 (age 28) Enfield, London, England
Genres	Electronic R&B soul post-dubstep
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter musician record producer
Instruments	Vocals piano synthesizer
Years active	2009–present
Labels	1-800 Dinosaur R&S ATLAS A&M Polydor Universal Republic Hessle Audio
Associated acts	Mount Kimbie Bon Iver RZA Brian Eno Trim Chance the Rapper Frank Ocean Beyoncé Vince Staples
Website	jamesblakemusic.com
Notable instruments
Prophet '08 Moog Taurus

James Blake Litherland (born 26 September 1988), known as James Blake, is an English singer, songwriter, musician and record producer from London. He first received recognition in 2010 for a trio of dubstep-influenced EPs, and the following year his self-titled debut album was released in the United Kingdom to critical praise. His second studio album Overgrown was released in 2013 and was awarded the Mercury Prize. His third studio album The Colour in Anything was released in 2016. Blake has also released remix work under the moniker Harmonimix.

Blake received his second Grammy Award nomination at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards for Best New Artist. At the 2014 Brit Awards, Blake was nominated for the Brit Award for British Male Solo Artist.

James Blake is the son of musician James Litherland, and showed a strong interest and aptitude in music from a young age. He received classical training in piano as a child, and completed primary education at Grange Park Primary School, Winchmore Hill and secondary education at The Latymer School, Edmonton. Later on, he attended Goldsmiths, University of London, where he received a degree in Popular Music. While at school, Blake and friends hosted a series of "Bass Society" music nights that featured UK artists such as Distance, Skream and Benga.

Blake began his music career by releasing his debut 12" record, entitled "Air & Lack Thereof" in the United Kingdom during July 2009, while being persistent in recording songs in his bedroom. Having been released on the imprint record label, Hemlock, the extended-play became a favourite of BBC Radio 1 DJ Gilles Peterson. Soon after the release of the record Blake was invited by Peterson to do a special mix on his international show, including an exclusive Mount Kimbie track. As a second-year composition assignment for his studies at Goldsmiths, he submitted the soon-to-be-released Klavierwerke EP, which was awarded high marks.