Fred P aka Black Jazz Consortium

1). Who is the Black Jazz Consortium?

• Black Jazz Consortium is Fred P or Fred Peterkin

2). Tell us more about your musical journey? What lead to you taking that route than anything else?

• It all started when i was in grade school. I was a day dreamer and my teachers would complain to my parents.
• I come from a musical family and my Mother always knew how much I love music. She made a deal with me; the deal was if I would pay attention do my work in class and pass my test she would buy me a new record. That turned me around, because i wanted my own records to play in my room. So week by week my grades got better and my first collection began. From a young age, I was drawn to art and artful things.

3). Clearly this was all spawned from a love of music. What does music mean to all you?

• Music to me is a gift, in so many ways. It’s a “form of communication”, it’s also a form of “therapy” and it’s the pulse of life itself. Sound is a natural element like light and air. It is there but it is insubstantial, it can kill and save; so there is a duality to it like most things. When you add vibration to it; it takes on shapes that makes the imagination come alive in some and provokes moment in others. You can describe almost anything with it, if you use it properly. So to me; music is a high science which should be taken seriously and not for granted.

4). How did you get into the whole music scene? Is it as glamorous as most people tend to think it is?

• It was a natural progression. Being around musical people all my life and loving the art form, it was only a matter of time before i got involved.
• I am a simple kind of person. I am pleased with polite positive beings and surroundings. That may be glamorous to some. If you mean glamorous in the sense of models and what have you; i will let you know.

5). Which genre of music do you specialise in and which is your personal favourite? How do you get music?

• I don’t really have a favourite genre, I like it all. I specialize in electronic music that goes across the board.
• When i can, i go to a record shop in Brooklyn called Dope Jams. I also use Beatport from time to time.

6). How do you manage being a producer? Do you still find the time to relax?

• I am always involved in something music related. I try to split my time between production, playing music and research.
• I’m working on relaxing.

7). What is the biggest event you’ve ever performed at? What would be your ultimate performance and where?

• 4th of July PS1 REAGENZ live. I sat in on a couple of tracks. We performed Keep Building from the Playtyme album. I also improvised on another track. That was huge. A few thousand people, it was absolutely amazing. It was the first time I’ve ever done anything like that. Scary and exciting, all at the same time.
• Ultimately, i would like to develop a live presentation and go around the world to different festivals and present it. Europe, Asia, South America and of course; South Africa.

8). Give us a breakdown a day or night in the life of The Consortium? What’s the preparation like, leading up to an event, and what happens afterwards, what food you eat?

• Wake up, be grateful, get a cup of coffee, check my email and then right to work; either paper work or production. Whichever is the priority for the day.
• Depending on what notice i get about an event, i will start right away by pulling records and burning CDs. I like to get plenty of rest, eat light and drink plenty of water. After I get enough rest; no sound for a day or so and I eat nice meal. Simple, really.

9). Is the music industry your only source of income. Are there any other ventures that you are involved in?

• At the moment, yes.
• Working on some other music related ventures.

10). What about time with family and friends – How do you manage that?

• That is something that I’ll have to work on. I am fortunate to have understanding people in my life.

11). Given your insight into what’s fresh on the music scene, what do you think the trend for new year will be? Has the economic climate affected your pocket?

• I don’t really relate to trends or what’s trendy. I dig substance, things that have some weight to them. Trends come and go, “DeepThings” last forever because they have substance. That’s where it is at for me, this year and every year.
• Yes, being an independent; you can’t help but feel it. Especially, if it’s your only form of income. Everything counts. That’s why i am so grateful. These are difficult times and i am getting the opportunity to do this in spite of these times. It’s a blessing.

12). How many groupies do you get?

• None

13). Have you had any awkward moments with fans? Have you performed at an event that made you go ”WTF???”

• No. People are pretty nice wherever I go.
• No. I’ve been fortunate to work with professionals, from promoters to techs and I’ve always have had a great time.

14). Did you always know you’d end up where you are today? Do you have any qualifications under your belt for any studies you may have completed?

• Not at all. I had hopes, dreams and delusions of grandeur, But who doesn’t?
• Medical billing, but that was years ago. I’m a bit rusty.

15). You’ve achieved so much, what’s in store from Black Jazz Consortium? What aspirations do you have?

• Next up is a split project for Laid, a split EP for Soul People and a split for another label. Then there’s my 3rd album “Deep Things”, coming later this year. For our digital listeners, there is “Sound Travels Vol. 1”; a compilation/mix. There’s also the 3rd and final instalment of the “Dark Points” series.
• What? Are you kidding me? I’m just getting started. I love making music and I love producing records. I don’t really see myself not doing something music related. I like the idea of doing music for film, television, video games, creating unique sounds for sound libraries, etc… the possibilities are limitless.

16). Are you interested in any collaborations with artists in South Africa?

• It’s possible.

17). Who do you regard (aside from yourself) as a producer or performer that’s making strides in the industry?

• Be yourself; be honest no matter how talented or limited you may be. An artist cannot fake the funk. An artist keeps it all the way real. It’s not easy. I don’t pretend to be the most talented or anything i just do what i do. I keep it all the way me, and if you dig that and can respect that then, it’s all good. But that’s just me… different stokes for different folks.

18). How may budding producers or DJs get in touch with you should they be interested in working with you?

• soulpeoplemusic@yahoo.com

19). In terms of the music you make, are there certain music programs you use? What is the secret to the sound you make?

• I use the computer to record and edit, that’s it. I have a keyboard and a couple samplers and Roland rack; a good friend let me borrow. It’s not what you have, it’s how you use it. Programs can do a lot, but it is no substitute for soul, funk; the building blocks for good music. There are no short cuts, you have to pay your dues if you want to create art. Or you can be trendy, but nobody remembers that sort of stuff.
• The secret to my sound is simple; i worked at it for over 20 years. That’s my secret. I stuck with it and developed my voice. At the time i started, the type of technology that is used today did not exist. This is why i don’t use most of today’s more popular programs. I am not saying that i won’t, it’s just not what i am use to.