BlackCarBurning

COP International is pleased to announce the signing of Blackcarburning to its growing roster as the label celebrates 30 years in 2021. Blackcarburning is the latest project of accomplished musician Mark Hockings famously known for his work with the British electronic-alternative act MESH

‘In his first project outside of mesh, Hockings takes on multiple roles including writing, singing, and programming, and describes the tracks as “electronic music written around songs, emotion, and energy.” He further adds, “The album was written to see what I could achieve by working primarily on my own. It’s been a vehicle for exploring new songwriting and programming ideas and to develop some new directions.”

Later this year, Blackcarburning will release its COP International Records debut Watching Sleepers. The first self-released single “The Mirror” is on Bandcamp. All songs were recorded in Hockings’ personal studio in Bristol, UK that he built right before the pandemic lockdown. For the album, Hockings has maintained creative control but also worked remotely alongside Mari Kattman (Helix), Janne Marvannen (Lakeside X), and Howie Venton (newwt), who provided vocals and piano accompaniment, respectively.

Additional production assistance will be provided by John Fryer whose credits include Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, and Love & Rockets. Fryer also acts as COP International’s A&R agent.

Says Hockings of the signing: “I am very pleased and excited to announce that I have joined COP International Records for the release of the debut Blackcarburning album. I am very much hoping that this is just the start of a creative and successful relationship. Label founder Christian Petke and John Fryer have a huge wealth of experience behind them and, more importantly, they love the industry with all of its challenges. The most important thing at COP is the music, and that is something I really want to be a part of. The quality of the artists already on the label is a testament to their passion and I'm going to have to work very hard to make my mark. I have been blown away by the enthusiasm and the dedication of all the people involved and I am very much looking forward to being part of the team.”

More announcements regarding Blackcarburning will be forthcoming in 2021.