UNKLE

UNKLE is a London-based electronic music group active since 1994. It is led by James Lavelle and has operated with a changing cast of collaborators, producers and guest vocalists. The group is associated with trip hop, downtempo, electronica, breakbeat and alternative rock, and its work often blends electronic production with rock and hip-hop elements.

Formation and early line-up

UNKLE forms in London in 1994. The original line-up includes James Lavelle, Tim Goldsworthy and Kudo. Goldsworthy later becomes associated with DFA, while Kudo is also linked with Major Force West and Skylab. In its early period, the group releases several EPs and singles, often in collaboration with artists connected to Mo’Wax.

Key releases

In 1998, after Goldsworthy and Kudo leave, Lavelle brings in DJ Shadow to help complete the debut album Psyence Fiction. The album features guest appearances from Thom Yorke of Radiohead, Mike D of the Beastie Boys, Badly Drawn Boy and Richard Ashcroft of The Verve. Its songs combine indie rock and hip hop.

UNKLE releases Never, Never, Land in 2003. At this stage the group consists of Lavelle and Richard File, and the album also includes contributions from Ian Brown, Josh Homme, Robert Del Naja, Mani and others.

War Stories follows in 2007. It includes collaborations with Josh Homme, Ian Astbury, Autolux, Robert Del Naja, The Duke Spirit and Gavin Clark, and it has a stronger rock orientation than earlier records. The EP Nights Temper appears beforehand. The later release End Titles...Stories For Film lists the line-up as James Lavelle and Pablo Clements.

Collaborations and remixes

Across its career, UNKLE works with a wide range of guest artists and producers. The group is also known for remixing tracks by Explosions in the Sky, Massive Attack and Oasis. Lavelle separately releases mix albums and remixes under his own name and as UNKLEsounds, a project with Richard File.

Members

The group has included, at different times, James Lavelle, DJ Shadow, Richard File, Pablo Clements, Tim Goldsworthy, Kudo, Jimmy Hogarth, Scott Shields and Martin Slattery.