Blawan

Jamie Roberts, known as Blawan, came to prominence with his debut release Fram on Hessle Audio and became widely associated with a tougher strain of UK techno through tracks including “Why They Hide Their Bodies Under My Garage?” His remix of Radiohead’s “Bloom” appeared on the band’s 2011 remix collection TKOL RMX 1234567, placing his work alongside one of the period’s most visible experimental electronic releases.

An English DJ and producer from South Yorkshire, Roberts grew up playing drums, an early background reflected in the forceful, detailed rhythmic construction of his productions. His stage name came from Java Blawan coffee, which he regularly drank while at university. After the early Hessle Audio release, he signed with R&S Records and developed a sound drawing on post-dubstep, raw techno and industrial pressure. Pitchfork writer Philip Sherburne described the music as “full of jackhammering kicks, splintered wooden percussion, and short-fuse breakdowns.” DJs including Surgeon and The Black Dog have praised his work, and Blawan has been credited among the artists driving an industrial techno revival.

Roberts has used side projects and collaborations to widen the scope of his studio work. With fellow R&S producer Pariah, he formed Karenn, a hardware-only project. He has also recorded under the names Kilner and Bored Young Adults, while releases across labels including Hessle Audio, R&S, Clone’s Basement Series, Hinge Finger and Black Sun have moved between minimal, two-step-influenced material and more direct club techno.

In 2015, Roberts established the label TERNESC and moved to Berlin. The label became the home for a run of Blawan releases, while his live performances and DJ sets remained central to his work. His full-length album Wet Will Always Dry arrived in 2018, followed by SickElixir in 2025.