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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#ErrolReid #ChinaBlack #Searching #90sMusic #Reggae #UKMusic #MusicPodcast #topofthepops
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
