“At last” Richard Earnshaw beams, “I’m set for a decent five to six years.” The well-respected (and established) DJ, producer and musician is talking cycles – musical cycles. Today, clubland appears to be right back where it began; in other words, vibin’ to vocal-based house with proper musicality, song structure and instrumentation. It’s a sound Earnshaw has skilfully aligned himself with over many hard-grafting years and one that because of its renewed dancefloor appeal is set to catapult Earnshaw’s profile to the next level.
“But only for five to six years” he jokes. “No, seriously, I’ve made a productive living up to now, at a time when technology has given rise to hoards of bedroom DJs all making the same cheap and straightforward electronic house tracks. So I reckon I will still be around; I certainly hope to be!”
According to Earnshaw, the resurgence of vocal house was always going to happen at some point, cycle theories or not. “I was chatting to Grant Nelson the other day” he offers. “We were talking about how all the old American house boys are suddenly back in demand. These guys understand what track structure really is; the soulful chords, melodies, original vocals. They can really capitalise on the interests of clubland right now in a way that some of these tech-obsessed kids can’t. Don’t get me wrong, these kids need a certain level of skill to do what they do but directing vocals and melodic arrangements is a whole different challenge.”
It’s a challenge Earnshaw has no doubt met over his 18-year production career to date. Following classical training from the age of seven, and a formal musical education at the University of London, Earnshaw is well versed in the lessons of making engaging, three-dimensional music. Early ‘post-grad’ experiments in jazz, funk and soul got him noticed by weighty US house label Soulfuric; an impressive 2002 debut cut, People Are People, was quickly succeeded by soulful hits on Swing City, King Street, Purple Music and, of course Defected.
Finally, this summer, comes the release of Earnshaw’s debut album In Time – a belting mix of warm, emotive and danceable styles, not least sleek, jazz-driven house; a bit of a trademark. The guestlist, too, is impressive with collaborators including the club diva’s diva Jocelyn Brown and legendary jazz-funker Roy Ayers. You’d hope so considering the staggering seven years it has taken to make In Time. An ironic title surely?
Richard Earnshaw
“I’m just glad I’m at this point now, ready to release it” Earnshaw answers. “I’m really happy with the way things have turned out but whilst the effort and dedication were there, In Time was something of a part-time album. I’ve been fitting it in between other projects and commitments and therefore the challenge has been to make sure the songs and sounds remain consistent – the musical landscape seven years ago was completely different to how it is now.”
It’s testament to Earnshaw’s skill that he has managed to record such a fluid and complete collection of songs. “Decent songs and instruments will always have an appeal, which helps” he replies. “But it’s also been an incredibly smooth process working with everyone; an honour. I had access to some amazing resources; recording this album was a roller-coaster of amazing experiences.”
Not least bedroom recording sessions with Brown (in Earnshaw’s flat) and tea and cake with Ayers. “I looked up to Roy Ayers when I was younger” he enthuses. “Getting an opportunity to jam with him was incredibly daunting. We had a couple of hours to nail our tracks but then suddenly, afterwards, he wants to buy me muffins in the café round the corner and praise my music. Totally random but one of the reasons I love what I do….”
Beyond In Time, our man promises a raft of new singles and albums, and all at a much faster production pace. “Don’t worry things will speed up; In Time was a unique process, I used to record albums in a week when I was 16!”
For starters, there will be an album (soon) from Earnshaw’s altogether more electronic dance alias Spiritchaser; not to mention organic, jazzy outings as Little Big Band and One51. The three labels Earnshaw runs – One51, Guess, Duffnote – alongside musician Danny Jones will also be revving up their output.
“We’ve got a lot of material in the can and I’ve already started work on a second album under my own name. We’ll be concentrating on the music we put out, rather than releasing tracks to build our label brands” he explains. “Times have changed; it’s a much more competitive market out there now and you need good quality sounds… good quality vocals to stand out. It’s why vocal house is getting noticed.”
He adds: “As a DJ I’ve playing the most soulful sets of my life this year. It’s a wonderful turn around; people are really opening their minds. I’m really looking forward to the years ahead.”
‘In time’ in every sense….
Richard Earnshaw’s debut album In Time is released July 5 on Groovefinder Records.
