James Blake On World Cafe

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London electronic producer James Blake performed on World Cafe. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Courtesy of the artist

London electronic producer James Blake performed on World Cafe.

Courtesy of the artist

In little more than a year, 22-year-old London electronic producer James Blake has gone from a virtual unknown to one of the most talked-about new artists around.

A classically trained pianist, Blake became involved in London's burgeoning dubstep scene while in music school. In 2010, Blake fine-tuned a unique approach to the genre with a series of singles, EPs and remixes, culminating in the release of his self-titled debut album in February of this year. Blake's delicate and complex compositions meld the spacious beats and moody soundscapes of dubstep with the organic warmth of soul and R&B, propelled by Blake's melancholy, enticing — and achingly human — voice.

Hear Blake discuss the evolution of his music and perform three cuts from his new album on this episode of World Café.

This World Cafe segment originally aired June 24, 2011.