To celebrate Black History Month, Donny Lloyd, the exceptionally talented guitarist of the bubblegum pink pop-punk duo Honey Revenge, immerses us in a reflection on the impactful Black musicians and artists who have played a pivotal role in shaping and enriching their artistic journey through the music industry. From discovering a kindred spirit and fellow pink-guitar virtuoso in Marc Okubo, the guitarist of Veil Of Maya, to drawing inspiration from the musical legacy of their own flesh and blood within their mother’s musical repertoire, Donny has curated a soundscape that spans a diverse spectrum of Black musicians. These influences not… Read more »
Basslines and Protest Signs is Brett Callwood’s column looking at the intersection of music and politics. This week talks about Black History Month.
Today we talk about how Discord is celebrating Black History Month, why two judges from The Masked Singer walked off set, four men who are being charged for Michael K. Williams’ death, and Netflix’s major announcement. Taking in the Black Joy Discord is celebrating Black History Month in a big way. Their Black and African American Movement Employee Resource Group is focusing on Black joy and spreading it around for everyone. On their website they write, “I’ve felt Black joy as the thread in the quilt of our people. There’s joy in seeing kids thrive, the joy of getting justice,… Read more »
In celebration of Black History Month, Sonicnet.com today kicks off a month-long tribute to the black musicians and heroes that have made history. For all of February, Sonicnet.com has dedicated an entire area to the black musical experience, featuring artists such as Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, Public Enemy, and others. As part of the celebration, radio.sonicnet has launched PRIDE – a special Internet radio station spanning the soundtrack of black history from blues to rap, and featuring spoken word and speeches by famous artists and leaders. As part of Black History Month, Sonicnet.com is also featuring news, profiles, album reviews,… Read more »
The Jason Aalon Butler-led FEVER 333 is reminding everyone that there’s a fever coming… The four-piece group—comprised of Butler at the helm alongside guitarist Brandon Davis (Lions Lions), drummer Thomas Pridgen ( The Mars Volta, Thundercat, Trash Talk), and bassist April Kae (IMANIGOLD)—have unleashed the fever with their blistering new single, “READY ROCK.” The track, which was produced by FEVER 333 with co-production courtesy of Beach Noise and Glassjaw‘s Justin Beck, marks the collective’s first new music since issuing “$wing” last spring when their new lineup launched. It also offers a glimpse into the group’s forthcoming sophomore album. The highly-anticipated… Read more »
From rock n’ roll godmother Sister Rosetta Tharpe to grunge singer Tina Bell, there have always been Black rock music artists. Pop-punk and alternative rock are no different. To celebrate Black History Month and the kickass contributions of Black rock artists, here are 10 Black pop-punk and alt-rock artists you should listen to year-round. Fefe Dobson The Canadian pop-punk singer Fefe Dobson released her self-titled debut album in 2003, which spawned hits that included “Take Me Away,” “Bye Bye Boyfriend,” and “Everything.” She would follow that album with 2006’s Sunday Love and 2010’s Joy. The latter was especially notable for… Read more »
Sitting here in July, it’s important to reflect on the fact that Pride Month is now behind us, but the work that’s necessary is anything but. The reality is that Pride, AAPI Month, Black History Month, and Women’s History Month are useful in that they amplify issues for those that need them amplified. But if you’re a part of one or more of those communities, or if you’re a true ally, then every month is Pride, AAPI, Black History, and Women’s History. This writer chatted with Tegan and Sara a couple of weeks ago, and they were highlighting the importance… Read more »
May is Asian American or Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Month, and it would be terribly remiss of us to not cover that in this column.
March is Women’s History Month, hot on the heels of Black History Month. It should go without saying how important it is to take the time to highlight the invaluable contributions women have made to society and culture. It’s also true that, if I’m doing my job as an entertainment journalist properly, then I’m constantly and consistently highlighting the amazing art created by women and people of color (and oftentimes females of color), whatever month it is. But equity hasn’t been achieved yet, so a reminder is a healthy thing for everyone. We always hope that things have gotten better,… Read more »
March is Women’s History Month, hot on the heels of Black History Month. It should go without saying how important it is to take the time to highlight the invaluable contributions women have made to society and culture. It’s also true that, if I’m doing my job as an entertainment journalist properly, then I’m constantly and consistently highlighting the amazing art created by women and people of color (and oftentimes females of color), whatever month it is. But equity hasn’t been achieved yet, so a reminder is a healthy thing for everyone. We always hope that things have gotten better,… Read more »
