February 22 sees the release of Robert Owens’ first artist album in 10 years, Night Time Stories. Of course, the legendary vocalist is known for his collaborations – alongside everyone from Larry Heard and Frankie Knuckles to Coldcut and Photek – but this new album sees him working alongside the cream of contemporary house. Lending their production talents to Night Time Stories are Jimpster, Charles Webster, Wahoo, Simbad, Atjazz, Ian Pooley and Marc Romboy. The first single, Merging (produced by Dutch duo TJ Kong & Nuno Dos Santos) is already raising the roof worldwide, getting massive support from the likes of Osunlade, Frank Roger, Fred Everything, Marcus Worgul, King Britt, Jimpster, Ashley Beedle and Peter Kruder. The album should do likewise.
As Robert says: “My work is about being aware of all the different facets and feelings in life. Much of it is driven by pain, but that’s just an emotion too. I can’t stand there and be like a pop star because I need to be real – and a real person gives from their soul and won’t let anyone taint that.”
Night Time Stories is out on February 22 on Compost. Visit www.myspace.com/robertjowens and www.compost-rec.com
