Undrcrwn’s 2007 Holiday line will drop in stores throughout the US, Canada, Europe and Japan later this month. Undrcrwn has gathered five influential DJ’s to showcase the brand’s new Holiday collection in a 64 page Look-book that will be distributed to all retailers worldwide. Undrcrwn was able to bring together all the DJ’s for a photo-shoot in their Philadelphia offices, throughout the next week or so we will be bringing you exclusive interviews and visuals of the photo-shoot.
Highsnobiety’s first feature will be King Britt. A Philadelphia native King Britt has traveled the world and DJ’d, produced or remixed for some of the biggest names in the music industry. As we will find out his diversity is not just in music but in all aspects of his life.
We were able to sit down with King Britt and discuss his background and some of his thoughts on music, fashion and what inspires him.
1. Please introduce yourself to our readers?
Yooooo....King Britt from the Illadelph. I've been producing since '87 and have been involved with almost all genres of music....remixing and producing everyone from Tori Amos to De La Soul to Macy Gray. I DJ worldwide expanding on all forms of sonic bliss. I'm a father, label owner and all around 'that dude'.
2. Who were some of your influences who helped mold your musical style?
Well, growing up my dad was the funk collector and my mom was jazz. So to name a few Nancy Wilson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Nina Simone, Herbie Hancock, Miles, Theolonious Monk and Dave Grusin.
3. You've recently produced/scored some soundtracks for movies and documentaries, please elaborate on what you've worked on and how it came about.
Funny, I got a call from Michael Mann about underscoring some scenes for Miami Vice. I did around 15 scenes but 7 were picked. He loved the sister Gertrude Morgan album I did with Tim Motzer, so he wanted that vibe for Vice. I just finished 2 dope movie shorts for Rolex, one Michael Mann did and one Joe Carnnehan did. They will be in theatres and on web soon. I also was commissioned by the government to score Never Lose Sight of Freedom, a film about the march from Selma to Montgomery that gave black people the right to vote. Very proud of that.
4. Like your music your fashion style is very eclectic...how important is fashion to you and who are some of the influences in your life who have helped define your style?
Well, I was always pushing the envelope in high school. I was heavy into 'Lo and Tommy's first year out. Lacoste was heavy because I was a tennis man. Then I branched out into more European from reading iDmagazine and GQ Europe. Pushing colors with Steven Sprouse, Swatch, Mooshka, Vivienne Westwood and Gaultier. So I have always been into it. I'm more refined now...very selective....McQueen, Comme de Garcon and Ted Baker...
Sneaks....Keds, Top Tens, Adidas Lindels and Rod Laver...my foundation
5. Lets talk about this photo shoot with Undrcrwn. How did the project with Undrcrwn evolve?
Funny, I was in Afficial, a dope store on South Street, and my man Ron was working. I saw these beautiful kicks and asked about em...he said they are Undercrowns...I was like on em cause of the crown. He said you should get with em....I didn't and by chance I met Free @ the headquarters, which is near my office. So it was inevitable....history in the making.
6. By looking at the photo's you and Prince Paul had a great time at the shoot, did you know Paul or any of the other DJ's before the shoot?
I knew Paul and Rich for a looooooong time...Neil and Green I have been fans of but just met then. Was a great environment to let loose
7. Any new projects or collaborations we can look forward to in the future?
Just completed my kids album called Baby Loves Disco, based on the famous parties worldwide. I just re-launched my label FiveSixMedia with Power Douglas as my first act. There record features Tunde from TV on the Radio as well. I am also doing my new album My Digital Angels...coming soon But most importantly, the King Britt Undercrown shoe....2008
http://www.myspace.com/kingbritt
