Errol Reid of China Black: The Untold Story Behind “Searching” | Full Interview

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.Subscribe for more legendary music stories, deep interviews and untold UK culture history.#ErrolReid #ChinaBlack #Searching #90sMusic #Reggae #UKMusic #MusicPodcast #topofthepops Chapters:0:00 Intro / Title Sequence1:45 Local Geeza Out now! Shizzio X Mc Creed X Big Narstie2:18 Welcome Errol Reid / China Black3:58 Born & Bred Bham Accent5:42 Birmingham Living / Sports8:38 Strict Parents / Family11:24 Being Outside / 3 Strikes15:01 School / Young Dreams17:23 Music Influence / Choir20:37 Sound System Culture / 1st Break23:01 Studio Sessions / Youth Clubs25:26 Dub Plates / Errol Candy27:00 Self Taught / Always Singing / Tone29:46 Turning Point / Study vs Singing33:08 Birmingham Vs London Sound Systems34:42 Favourite Sound System Artists35:59 Break Through Artists36:44 Taking Music Serious / Safety Plan39:50 Moving to London42:17 Meeting China / Simon Fung43:27 Trying to Balance it All44:36 Making ‘Searching’ Reggae Mix47:56 ‘Searching’ Indy Label Deal49:42 ‘Searching’ Begins to Blow / Money51:08 China Black Name52:39 Working the Record53:55 Major Label Shopping57:02 Major Label Offer & Signing1:01:23 Album / ‘Searching’ Pop Remix1:04:27 ‘Searching’ Pop Mix Charts1:06:00 ‘Searching’ Music Video1:08:09 ‘Searching’ Artwork & Cover1:12:26 Gabrielle1:13:19 Top Of The Pops1:15:42 Work Got Hard to Manage1:17:13 Touring / Pop Star / Backup Plan1:18:40 Money / ‘Stars’ Is My Fav1:20:16 Princess Diana Loved ‘Stars’ / Cover1:25:25 Memories / Study Finish1:27:22 Top 3 in Charts / Competition1:28:50 Stars / Album Credit1:32:31 Stars Does Not Meet Expectation1:35:06 Was Releasing Stars a Regret?1:35:57 Stars Music Video1:36:50 China Black Demand Drops1:38:48 Decline Effect on Simon1:39:38 Album Fail / Shows / Spice Girls1:41:48 ‘Emotions’ Fail / Label Drop1:46:13 Entering House Music1:49:56 Tom Jones Tour1:50:48 Blue / Robin Gibb Collab & Tour1:55:36 Money / House Track Is a Smash1:59:45 Swedish House Mafia Collab2:03:53 China Black Split2:06:30 Vernon Kay HMBOMT TV Show2:09:07 I’m Very Busy / Solo Project2:11:50 DJ AG / Touring2:16:03 Barry White Live Collab2:23:00 Respect / New Single2:26:07 New Era Promo / New Album2:27:39 Still Speak to Simon China Fung?2:28:59 Rugby World Cup Song2:30:29 AI Q’s / Success / Music Industry2:32:07 Legal Issue / Fame / Betrayal2:36:57 1 Hit Wonder / Wild Stories2:41:01 R Kelly / Sly & Robbie2:43:31 Regret / Credit / Buzzcocks TV2:45:06 Racism / Speak to Simon?2:48:57 Quick Fire Q’s2:56:17 Thank You Errol Reid