Romare

Biography

Romare is the alias of British electronic producer and DJ Archie Fairhurst, known for his innovative approach to sampling and collage-based music. Raised by English parents who moved frequently across Asia, Fairhurst attended international schools before settling in England at age 19. He later studied African American Visual Culture at university, where he discovered the work of American artist Romare Bearden. Inspired by Bearden’s collage technique, Fairhurst adopted the name 'Romare' and began applying similar cut-and-paste aesthetics to music, using samples from second-hand records and weaving them with his own instrumentation.[1][3][5]

Romare’s career began in earnest with his breakout 2012 EP 'Meditations on Afrocentrism' on Black Acre, which explored the roots of blues and jazz in African music. He quickly gained recognition for his ability to blend genres and eras, releasing a series of acclaimed albums on Ninja Tune, including 'Projections' (2015), 'Love Songs: Part Two' (2016), and 'Home' (2020). His music is characterized by a patchwork of global influences, playful yet deeply researched, and always rooted in dance music. Romare’s live performances range from solo sets to full-band arrangements, reflecting his background as a guitarist and drummer.[3][5]

Romare’s legacy lies in his ability to dissolve musical boundaries, creating a timeless sound that connects past and present. By sourcing samples from overlooked vinyl and combining them with lo-fi instruments and personal recordings, he crafts tracks that are both nostalgic and forward-thinking. His work stands as a testament to the enduring power of collage, both in visual art and music, and continues to inspire listeners and producers alike.[1][3][5]

Fun Facts

• Romare’s stage name is a tribute to American artist Romare Bearden, whose collage techniques inspired his musical style.[1][5]
• He often samples cheap, mass-produced records from charity shops rather than rare or expensive vinyl, seeking overlooked gems.[5]
• Romare incorporates sounds from his personal life, including his grandmother’s recorder and his father’s mandolin, into his tracks.[5]
• He prefers using lo-fi instruments with personal history, such as a childhood Casio keyboard and a second-hand drum kit.[5]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Romare Bearden - Inspirational figure; Bearden's collage art inspired Fairhurst's sampling technique and alias. (General influence, especially in approach to collage and sampling.) [2010s–present]

Key Collaborators

• Ninja Tune - Record label that released several of Romare's albums, supporting his artistic development. ('Projections', 'Love Songs: Part Two', 'Home') [2015–2020]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging electronic producers - Romare's collage-based sampling and genre-blending have inspired a new generation of electronic musicians. (Various, particularly in downtempo and left-field electronic scenes.) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Hey Now - When I Give You All My Lovin' (Love Songs, Pt. 1)
2. All Night (Love Songs: Part Two)
3. Down the Line - It Takes a Number (Meditations on Afrocentrism)
4. Motherless Child (Projections)
5. Quiet Corners Of My Mind (Quiet Corners Of My Mind)
6. The Blues - It Began in Africa (Meditations on Afrocentrism)
7. Quiet Corners Of My Mind (Fantasy)
8. Come Close To Me (Love Songs: Part Two)
9. Je T’aime (Love Songs: Part Two)
10. Deliverance (Home)

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz