Show Notes
Errol Reid of China Black joins us for his most in-depth interview yet — telling the full story behind the iconic hit “Searching”, the rise of China Black, major label fame, Top Of The Pops, touring the world, industry politics, legal battles, betrayal, house music success, and life after the charts.
Born in Birmingham and raised through sound system culture, Errol breaks down his early years, the hustle behind the music, meeting Simon Fung, creating China Black, and how “Searching” became one of the biggest crossover reggae records of the 90s.
This is a raw, honest and emotional conversation covering one of the most unique journeys in British music history.
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro / Title Sequence 1:45 Local Geeza Out now! Shizzio X Mc Creed X Big Narstie 2:18 Welcome Errol Reid / China Black 3:58 Born & Bred Bham Accent 5:42 Birmingham Living / Sports 8:38 Strict Parents / Family 11:24 Being Outside / 3 Strikes 15:01 School / Young Dreams 17:23 Music Influence / Choir 20:37 Sound System Culture / 1st Break 23:01 Studio Sessions / Youth Clubs 25:26 Dub Plates / Errol Candy 27:00 Self Taught / Always Singing / Tone 29:46 Turning Point / Study vs Singing 33:08 Birmingham Vs London Sound Systems 34:42 Favourite Sound System Artists 35:59 Break Through Artists 36:44 Taking Music Serious / Safety Plan 39:50 Moving to London 42:17 Meeting China / Simon Fung 43:27 Trying to Balance it All 44:36 Making ‘Searching’ Reggae Mix 47:56 ‘Searching’ Indy Label Deal 49:42 ‘Searching’ Begins to Blow / Money 51:08 China Black Name 52:39 Working the Record 53:55 Major Label Shopping 57:02 Major Label Offer & Signing 1:01:23 Album / ‘Searching’ Pop Remix 1:04:27 ‘Searching’ Pop Mix Charts 1:06:00 ‘Searching’ Music Video 1:08:09 ‘Searching’ Artwork & Cover 1:12:26 Gabrielle 1:13:19 Top Of The Pops 1:15:42 Work Got Hard to Manage 1:17:13 Touring / Pop Star / Backup Plan 1:18:40 Money / ‘Stars’ Is My Fav 1:20:16 Princess Diana Loved ‘Stars’ / Cover 1:25:25 Memories / Study Finish 1:27:22 Top 3 in Charts / Competition 1:28:50 Stars / Album Credit 1:32:31 Stars Does Not Meet Expectation 1:35:06 Was Releasing Stars a Regret? 1:35:57 Stars Music Video 1:36:50 China Black Demand Drops 1:38:48 Decline Effect on Simon 1:39:38 Album Fail / Shows / Spice Girls 1:41:48 ‘Emotions’ Fail / Label Drop 1:46:13 Entering House Music 1:49:56 Tom Jones Tour 1:50:48 Blue / Robin Gibb Collab & Tour 1:55:36 Money / House Track Is a Smash 1:59:45 Swedish House Mafia Collab 2:03:53 China Black Split 2:06:30 Vernon Kay HMBOMT TV Show 2:09:07 I’m Very Busy / Solo Project 2:11:50 DJ AG / Touring 2:16:03 Barry White Live Collab 2:23:00 Respect / New Single 2:26:07 New Era Promo / New Album 2:27:39 Still Speak to Simon China Fung? 2:28:59 Rugby World Cup Song 2:30:29 AI Q’s / Success / Music Industry 2:32:07 Legal Issue / Fame / Betrayal 2:36:57 1 Hit Wonder / Wild Stories 2:41:01 R Kelly / Sly & Robbie 2:43:31 Regret / Credit / Buzzcocks TV 2:45:06 Racism / Speak to Simon? 2:48:57 Quick Fire Q’s 2:56:17 Thank You Errol Reid
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