Last month, Ronald Lee Trent Jr., better known as Ron Trent, released What Do The Stars Say To You, a new solo album. It was his first full-length outing in more than a decade, and it arrived more than 30 years after he broke through with “Altered States,” a raw, futuristic techno anthem that he produced in high-school.

Off the back of the track, Trent established himself as a classy purveyor of soul-infused deep house, while running the mighty Prescription Records, one of the most influential house imprints of the ’90s. When he wasn’t making or curating music, Trent would be playing playing it out, becoming a staple in clubs across Chicago, Detroit, and New York, where he would host his own events at the legendary Manhattan nightclubs Vinyl and Shine. The foundations for his success came from his father, who ran a record pool in the late ’70s, and inspired Trent to diligently study, collect, and eventually produce records.

On What Do the Stars Say To You, though, Trent looks back to a time before “Altered States.” Before dance music became his life, he would indulge in the adventurous albums from the ’80s, and appreciate how, with a rich musicality and a smooth flow, great musicians could make seemingly sparse genres acquiesce. This is a side of an artistic repertoire that he’s rarely shown so, instead of making more music to make you move, Trent veered towards an album that prioritized collaboration, creating frameworks for some of his favorite musicians like Gigi Masin and Khruangbin to express their creative energies. The result is an album that traverses jazz-funk, new age, Balearic, Latin rock, and much more.

In celebration of the album, Trent has recorded an XLR8R podcast, on which he underlines his rich musical knowledge and skills in curation. Across its two-hour run-time, you’ll hear some of Trent’s favorite tracks from Larry Heard, French singer Isabelle Antena, and American pianist Rodney Franklin, plus several of his own works from the album. Expect a captivating sonic adventure designed to soundtrack a sunset drive, where hot nights cool down into slow cinematic moments.

01. What have you been up to recently?
I have been consumed in everything surrounding my new album project that was just launched, so lots of interviews like this one and verbal engagements. I am working towards my record release party set in Brooklyn.

02. What have you been listening to recently? 
I have been listening to a wide range of music that includes revisiting my own album. In between my two radio shows, on NTS and WorldWide FM, I am consistently keeping my ear out for inspiration.

03. Your new album, What Do The Stars Say To You, has just landed. How are you feeling about it? 
I must say I feel great about the release. My team and I did a lot of work behind the scenes to make sure everything about the project represents the quality of our intentions. The responses have been great and people are receiving the project with open arms. There’s more work to do though.  

04. When and where did you record this mix?
This mix was recorded in my sound room in Chicago about a week ago. I normally like to record my radio shows at night. This mix was done at night and into the early morning hours. 

05. How did you go about choosing the tracks you’ve included?
The tracks are designed for the theme “sunset drive mix tape.” So there are sonic selections that go well with city life, sunset drives, and the rhythm the city. You can insert a bit of Miami Vice in there if you like.

06. How does it compare to what we might hear you play out?
Though most of what I play out is based on my own taste, every situation is different. There is not some sort of comparison to be made. Playing out is more based on the energy of the people and the room itself. Creating in my own space is an entirely different approach and sentiment. Two different worlds.

07. What’s next on your horizon?
The continuous mission of creativity. More projects that deal with sonics and other forms. Most definitely my live show. Stay tuned!