Today we’d like to introduce you to King Britt.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Philadelphia with amazing parents who supported black musicians, the arts and my visions. They also collected music, so this was a constant in the house.
In high school, I gravitated to electronic music, especially from England (80s) and began to collect synths and drum machines to make music for fun. Simultaneously opening Tower Records on the famous South Street. I was the 12” vinyl dance music buyer. This is during the birth of Detroit Techno, Drum & Bass and House Music. Soon after, I began Djing and making this music.
I had a few hits overseas in 90/91 but then toured as a Dj in the band for the Grammy Award Winning Digable Planets. After touring with them and Sade, I started Ovum Recordings w/ longtime friend, Josh Wink. During my time w/ Ovum, I released my debut album When The Funk Hits The Fan – Sylk130 and Re-Member’s Only that included collaborations with De La Soul, Kathy Sledge, Alison Moyet and others.
Taking my sound to the next level, I then remixes and produced everyone from Calvin Harris to Meredith Monk to Solange, bringing my unique voice to each artist.
Then going back to my nerdy synth roots, I created a project called Fhloston Paradigm, exploring Afrofuturist sounds and visions.
Meanwhile, maintaining a full tour schedule, curatorial work and installations globally.
I then was given the opportunity to become an Assistant Teaching Professor at UCSD and it’s changed my life completely.
I’m most proud of creating a beautiful course called Blacktronika: Afrofuturism in Electronic Music, which is a study of all the pioneers of color in the electronic music lineage. I’ve been fortunate to know many in the business and to interview then in (all volunteering their time) my research for not only my book but my class gets to benefit from it. Zooms with everyone from Questlove & Jill Scott to Julian Priester & Moor Mother.
Flow is the key to success.
Has it been a smooth road?
Flow is the key to success but realizing your flow is the most challenging. This however makes you more intuitive in your educated decisions. All the so called struggles have been beautiful, as I reflect. So we must embrace them all. In every moment.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I’m still learning San Diego. The pandemic hasn’t helped in that process. I do however know a bit from visiting my aunt here when she was alive. She lived here for 53yrs.
I love North Park area for food, Flavors of East Africa! And my barbershop Freshly Faded. Culturally enriching.
Downtown my fave place is Cafe Gratitude and lastly, I love WindandSea beach that a good friend Sherice introduced me too!
I’ve dj’d here many times and only once since I moved but Soulea is the party!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://kingbritt.com
- Instagram: @KingBritt
- Twitter: @KingBritt
Suggest a story: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
