As we near our 100th mix in our main Phonica series, we up the game with a journey from New York born and Berlin residing, deep house legend Fred P AKA Black Jazz Consortium for number 97. Deep is truly in the essence of everything Fred does and its honest reflection shines brightest in his two latest albums “Oasis” and “Abstract Soul” which dropped back to back this year accompanied by some heavy in demand 12’s on his Private Society imprint. That very essence is showcased in this mix he put together for us. Grooving through all sounds that have inspired the mind of this artist and cutting into deep layered moods of house, funk and techier bits. This is a divine look into how Fred P approaches sound.
Hey Fred, Thanks for joining us! Can you tell us about your mix and what the idea behind it was?
It is summer time and finally we are able to move about therefore I wanted to provide a sound track that you can keep coming back to.
Could you tell us a little bit about your background, perhaps where you grew up and what first got you interested in music?
I grew up in Flatbush Brooklyn. Pre Internet we listened to the radio. The station was wbls Frankie Crocker gave us the soundtrack.
Music is a need for me not a want, therefore it is difficult to say exactly when I became interested. To be honest as far as I can remember it was always there.
How was the mix recorded?
At a friend’s place in New York in-between touring.
What’s your preferred method for finding new music—do you still enjoy digging around in
dusty crates, or do you prefer to buy online?
I do enjoy shops and support them. Whenever I can I do events in them to encourage people to support vinyl and the culture surrounding it. However I’m constantly on the road so buying online has been a convenient go to.
Your last two albums Oasis & Abstract Soul touch off a lot of different styles and concepts, what was the approach you took to making these two albums?
I came up in the late 90’s early 2000’s doing this type of sound. For me it’s a return to form before embarking on another iteration. Both albums are love letters to the scene. I see the entire scope of what is happening in dance music. Opportunities to connect people to something authentic are becoming more rare, therefore now is the time to be as out there as possible.
What do you have up your sleeve for 2022?
As we journey on, releasing projects on Private Society for the subscribers. There are a couple vinyl projects coming as well later this summer. Also a new ambient album as well. There’s a lot to look forward to.
