Black Star Liner
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founder | Choque Hosein, Tom Salmon, Chris Harrop |
| Defunct | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Leeds , England |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Black Star Liner originated in Leeds in 1994, founded by Choque Hosein, Tom Salmon, and Chris Harrop. Their sound combined traditional Asian instruments such as the sitar and tabla with elements of dance music and dub.
History
The group established Soundclash Records to distribute their initial releases, including the "Smoke the Prophets" EP and "High Turkish Influence". The track "Smoke the Prophets" was honored as NME single of the week, which led to three appearances on Peel Sessions, starting April 1995.
This recognition resulted in a deal with EXP, overseen by manager Graham Brown-Martin, with A&R handled by Feargal Sharkey and Richard Norris. Their first album, Yemen Cutta Connection (released September 1996), was supported by Jimmy Cauty and Bill Drummond from The KLF, earning critical praise such as being named The Guardian album of the week.
Following EXP's closure, Rob Dickens at WEA signed Black Star Liner for their sophomore album, Bengali Bantam Youth Experience!, which included the single "Superfly and Bindi". The album received widespread critical acclaim and secured a nomination for the 1999 Mercury Music Prize. Additionally, their live shows attracted positive reviews.
Active within the Asian Underground movement, they worked alongside Tjinder Singh's Cornershop and are featured in the book Brimful of Asia.
Discography
- "Smoke The Prophets" EP (12") – Soundclash, 1994
- "High Turkish Influence" (12") – Soundclash, 1995
- "The Jaws" EP (10") – EXP Recordings, 1995
- "Haláal Rock" EP (CD, 12") – EXP Recordings, 1996
- "Harmon Session Special XI" (12") – EXP Recordings, 1996
- Yemen Cutta Connection (LP, CD) – EXP Recordings, 1996
- "Rock Freak" (CD, Maxi) – WEA International Inc., 1997
- "Rock Freak EP" (12") – Warner Music UK Ltd., 1997
- "Superfly And Bindi" (CD, Maxi, 12") – WEA International Inc. / Warner Music UK Ltd., 1998
- Bengali Bantam Youth Experience! (CD) – Warner Music UK Ltd., 1999
- "Twelve Inch Confrontation Mix" (CD) – Echo Beach, 2000
- "Yemen Cutta Connection" (CD) – Echo Beach, 2001