Black Star Liner were formed in Leeds in 1994, by Choque Hosein, Tom Salmon, and Chris Harrop. Their music consisted of a mix of asian music (sitar and tabla), dance music and dub reggae. They formed Soundclash Records to release their initial recordings - Smoke the Prophets EP, and High Turkish Influence. After receiving single of the week in the NME for Smoke the Prophets, they recorded 3 peel sessions the first of which was was broadcast in April 1995.