By: J Gordon
June 20, 2020
On celebrating black alternative music and challenging socialized ideas of alternative music.
A DAY OF RELEASE. I love this concept. Started by Sarah Springer and Cela Sutton with allies Lubna Hindi and Tara Aquino, A DAY OF RELEASE creates a space for black artists and creatives to share their work. I first saw A DAY OF RELEASE in one of my favourite publications, CRWN Magazine (a wonderful platform for black women). The idea is: on June 20th (today), A day of release wants to encourage, “Black people to share a piece of work or form of self-expression they’ve been holding back for a while.”
I have written this piece as I feel it encompasses this concept as a whole. My writing is my form of expression. Through writing I am able to highlight black artists I admire. In this piece, I am discussing black artists in the alternative music scene.
Black musicians have often been shoved into a single genre of well, black music. In our world, ideas of how black people should act and sound have been warped by socialization. The music world being no exception. The “alternative,” music genre, white dominated, gives little room for black artists. Rather than being included in alternative and indie genres, black alternative music is often described as something along the lines of"modern RnB.” The addition of the word "modern," recognizing the artists' unique sound, while maintaining the well kept boxes black musicians are confined to. Black musicians have always been associated with Hip Hop, RnB, Rap and Jazz. No doubt, they are continuing to excel in these traditionally black genres. However, black artists are also flourishing in the alternative music scene and their work deserves to be recognized as such.
From major names such as SZA, FKA twigs, Jorja Smith, 6lack and Khalid to the newcomers hitting the scene viz. Adlo Parks, Jenevieve and ODIE, black musicians are challenging the boxes they are continuously pushed into, creating some of the best alternative music out there. Let’s celebrate that.
The 5 artists I’ve featured in this piece are unique in their styles and in their goals as artists. In no particular order…
Arlo Parks
Arlo Parks. Her soothing tracks and angelic voice keeps listeners coming back for more. From South London, United Kingdom, Arlo is a singer-songwriter and poet. Her first release “Cola" debuted in 2018 gaining traction quickly. Arlo hit the scene challenging stereotypical ideas of the black voice, black sound and black image. A young, openingly bisexual, woman of colour, Arlo is paving the way for black alternative artists like her. How could you not instantly fall in love with her music? P.S. she was just nominated for two Aim Awards:“best live act of 2020,” and “ones to watch.” Good luck Arlo, I’m rooting for you.
My favourite tune: “Cola” released November 2018
Noname
Not that she needs an introduction... Noname is arguably one of the coolest artists of the century. Her music is poetry that speaks on politics and social injustices. The other day, a friend said to me "Noname takes no prisoners." I couldn't agree more - in the best way. First introduced to me in 2019, this artist got through to me with her hit song “Self,” (2018). With lines like “Y’all really thought a bitch couldn’t rap, huh? Maybe this is your answer for that.”(Self, Noname, 2018). She comments on everyday misogyny and racism in her lyrics. Her latest release, “Song 33,” is a commentary on the current civil rights movement in the United States. Alluding to the prominent oppression of black people in America as well as the lack of recognition of this issue, particularly by the people in power. “When his people in trees, when George was begging for his mother saying he couldn’t breathe…” (Song 33, Noname, 2020).
Noname is one to watch. She’s a rapper and poet, sure, but she’s also a powerful voice and teacher. She's pushing boundaries and staying silent for no one.
My favourite tune: “Montego Bae” (ft. Ravyn Lenae), released September 2018
Emawk
New York based, raised in Nairobi, this artist has a unique and complex style. A relaxing, raspy voice that reminds me of some of 6LACK's early work, Emawk sings about love, relationships, mental health and self-care. Emawk produces music with a LoFi, alternative and experimental vibe, creating some of the most beautiful sounds I’ve ever heard. He is an up and coming black alternative artist, whose work I already love.
My favourite tune: “Tea” released December 2019
Jenevieve
Born in Miami, living in LA, this artist - mark my words - is going to be an icon. Jenevieve drew me in with her chilled out vibe, way too cool fashion sense, and beautiful natural locks. She celebrates black beauty and challenges the idea of alternative with her modern sound inspired by various artists, such as Whitney Houston and The Beatles. Her unique style comes out in her oh-so-artistic music videos. Her style is truly captivating. With funny, witty, seductive and serious tones, Jenevieve definitely has my attention. Her lyrics run deep. Her first release Medallion (2020), speaks about a family whose house got "shot up," which forced them to move away from the city to seek some form of safety. Most recently, she’s used her platform to support the current civil rights and BLM movement in America. She’s already one of my favourite artists.
My favourite tune: “Baby Powder” released March 2020
ODIE
ODIE had to make this list. I feel a real connection to his music. Possibly due to the fact we both have roots in Montreal and Toronto, Canada. Self made, and self taught, ODIE released some of his first tracks on soundcloud. His music, often described along the lines of “contemporary RnB,” confirms the space, or lack there of, that black alternative artists have in the music world. ODIE pushes these boundaries, creating beautiful sounds with raw lyrics. He has said in interviews that his music is an expression of himself, his emotions and his vulnerabilities. ODIE is a great role model for young black artists. Showing that it is important to create in the alternative music industry, regardless of the boundaries that may be present.
My favourite tune: “Story” released April 2018
All these artists are fresh, cool as ice and changing the alternative music scene for the better. Be sure to check them out. Let's celebrate these artists. Better yet, let's start to challenge our thinking when it comes to the music industry; black artists and their work and how we define music.
Peace & Love
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