Lockdown 3 part special
Is Black Music has really enjoyed being in lockdown. It isn’t nice to be stuck in the flat, but it is nice not to have to worry about the rent for 3 months. What made it most enjoyable was the creativity available largely on our screens.
We did a 3 part series for Resonance FM celebrating some of the music being made during the strict lockdown period.
This series of shows examines the impact of self-isolation on alternative Black music.
Musicians spend a lot of time on their own practicing and developing their technique. Self-isolating is part of our craft, even more so than other arts due to the constant sound intrusion that our instruments tend to omit during continuous hours of practice.
These shows are a fascinating voyeuristic peek into the artist’s private and intimate space. In most instances there is only a cell phone camera present to bear witness to the lone musician’s personal testimony.
Cleveland Watkiss and Segun Lee-French published numerous recordings like this. There were also extraordinary pieces by Space Walker, China Forbes and Fay Victor among others.
Part 1 and Part 2 were exclusively music made while in self isolation. Part 3 also included Renu’s mind tingling new album The Happening, and Vedina Rose’s EP London Baby, a definite Is Black Music classic. Both records released during the lockdown represent what we hope is a phase back to a new and brighter normal.
