Posts

Community-Based Music Platform Black Bandcamp Relaunches as Black Artist Database

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Today, community-based platform Black Bandcamp officially relaunches as Black Artist Database (aka B.A.D.), accessible HERE.

Born out of last year’s Black Lives Matter movement and the global pandemic, a ‘reset’ and reflection began globally, with structural inequality finally being acknowledged. This momentum was key to Black Artist Database growing and becoming a widely embraced, a vital resource for music consumers.

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DJ E-Clyps Reality

A Relentless Soul, DJ E-Clyps is a Dose of Reality

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“If everybody runs away, who sticks around to change it?” By “it” DJ E-Clyps means the dance music community. The house and techno culture isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. DJ E-Clyps is an artist giving the music business a dose of reality that it needs. With roots in hip-hop, the DJ and producer ventured into the world of electronic music thinking the grass was greener on the other side. However, he quickly realized the dance music community had its own set of challenges to overcome. He’s used his artistic platform to give voice to issues within the dance music community and is calling for others to swim against the current to help push underground culture forward. Read more

Artists-Activism

Should Artists Keep Silent When it Comes to Activism?

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From a global pandemic to racial strife, 2020 is giving the world major growing pains. The time in isolation has augmented social injustices that in a non-COVID-19 era would probably go unnoticed. Overlooked not because people didn’t care, but because their every day consumes all of their attention. For good or for bad, that’s just how it’s been; however, it’s time things change, right? People, especially younger generations, are mobilizing to help each other and make a difference. So when it comes to DJs and producers, should artists keep silent when it comes to activism?

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Eddie Fowlkes Racism

Eddie Fowlkes on Detroit’s Techno Roots and Combating Racism In Techno

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Racism in Techno exists and it has, unfortunately, been around for decades. Eddie Fowlkes certainly agrees, and if you take a look at any of Jeff Mills’ Facebook posts from the last 3-4 months you will find plenty of evidence of it.

Eddie Fowlkes is the history of Detroit Techno and not just because his handprints are cemented in the Detroit Historical Museum’s “Legends Plaza.” His 30+ years of moving a dancefloor and his 150+ deep catalog of soulful classics speak for themselves. So when he speaks, we listen.

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Dear Humans "Fire"

Dear Humans Release Protest Record Titled “Fire” With Proceeds Donated to Color Of Change Charity

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Electronic duo Dear Humans release “Fire”: a protest song in support of the current Black Lives Matter movement, the proceeds from which will go to a charity fighting for change in the US.

Music has always been the voice of change. True change requires Fire… and change is in the air.

The new single from US-based duo comprising Corey Epstein and Alex Who?, Fire is a politically-charged electronic anthem-in-the-making. Rolling along on a mid-tempo beat, the range of Alex’s vocally from passionate restraint to barely contained rage give Fire a power and poignancy that cannot be ignored.

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Rebuke's Music

RebĆ«ke’s Music Is True, For the Fans & Banging

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RebĆ«ke’s music in one word: refreshing. The fresh-faced artist (DJ and producer) Reuben Keeney, who goes by stage-name RebĆ«ke, admits “Whenever I approach anything I always try and think about what are the fans going to want to hear?,” shares  Keeney. “Are they going to like this? I only do stuff for them. I don’t do stuff for labels, agents or managers.” Without fans, there wouldn’t be the community that exists in electronic music. Fans give reason for an artist, and it’s their ears the artist needs to retain if they want to be successful. People make the culture of dance music, and every artist starts at the very exact place. The greatest of greats including Nicole Moudaber, Solomun and Annie Mac all started as avid music lovers letting their passion for the game guide them knowing the rest will follow. RebĆ«ke understands the importance of not only giving fans what they want but also what it takes to keep his feet on the ground. Read more

Break The Silence

Robert Hood, Eddie Fowlkes, Luke Slater, Ben Sims, Rebekah, Mark Broom and More Contribute to “Break The Silence” Charity Compilation for Campaign Zero

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Break The Silence stands in solidarity with Campaign Zero and the Black Lives Matter movement and all marginalized communities that have for too long faced injustice and inequity.

Featuring 14 unreleased tracks kindly donated by some of the finest voices in contemporary electronic music, this collection’s purpose is to raise as much money for and awareness of Campaign Zero’s mission to end police violence in America.

In the days and weeks since the tragic killings of Rayshard Brooks, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Elijah McClain and countless others before them, Campaign Zero’s vision is a world where the police don’t kill people by limiting police interventions, improving community interactions, ensuring accountability and developing model legislation and advocacy.

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Black Girl/White Girl Being Different Pays Off

Black Girl/White Girl Celebrate Being Different & New Music

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Music is a form of expression that conveys emotions and messages. It tells love stories and heartaches. Music has also been a means to disrupt the status quo and expand consciousness. Going against the current isn’t always the easiest or safest because it can single you out. Stepping away from what’s expected and doing things differently involves risk, and not everyone is willing to place their bets. However, for the DJ duo, Black Girl/White Girl (BG/WG) being different—both in their personal and artistic lives—has given them freedom.

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Black Lives Matter Music Industry

Black Lives Matter: The Electronic Music Industry Must ACT

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BLACK LIVES MATTER. Music, including House and Techno, would not exist without black communities and artists. These are indisputable facts.

Denying this is not only a denial of our roots, but tantamount to racism.

It’s time. It’s time for music industry organizations and individuals to become purposefully active in joining and supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.

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