“Emancipation”
From The Garner Poems

The task of choosing just one Mourning [A] BLKstar track to share is a tall order because I resonate with most all them. After a personal M[A]B listening party this morning with my cup of coffee, I have chosen to highlight “Emancipation” from The Garner Poems album (Electric Cowbell Records). I think we are at our best when we fully co-create, and while The Cycle is our most collaborative album to date, we have several prior singles that showcase our full collaborative efforts; “Emancipation” is one of those. On top of the electro-spaceship vibe, each vocalist sings “Emancipation, I would not say, that I am free, my country tis’ of thee. Emancipation, I will not say, that I am free, my country tis’ of thee”. This track includes the soulful sounds of our three vocalists, the intricate taps of two live drummers, and ends with the sound of the horns.

Theresa May, trumpet

“4 Days”
From The Cycle

The way this song starts is a whole lysergic trip.

It’s a landscape you can see in the mind. The separation

of heart from the body. The toil of a love that doesn’t

reciprocate the sentiments of your anguish and ability

to lay it on the line. A pleading. A prayer. A dream. The

nightmare of a time past the culminated energy of pure.

Then the flip is sunshine. The clarity of knowing it is as it

is. Standing again on your feet. Soaking with sentiment.

LaToya Kent, vocalist

“2020”
From The Garner Poems

I chose “2020” because it brings me back to the misled structure of our society and how this cyclical pattern always feels horrifically nostalgic. The thought of the fight being spun in a way that reminds you of historical oppression, but the fight still feels the same. Your beliefs, identity, purpose and the walk you own slowly dwindles. You want to continue but it's just not the same because it deteriorates and the muse softens. Looking at 2020 today and seeing the historical parallel is haunting. WE want more, but more looks different the more you fight. This song makes me think of what I do in my community, how long will I continue to fight, and what will I look like when I can't march by the beat of liberation's drum anymore. I hope I can look back in 20 years and won't slip away.

William Washington, trombone

“Glitter”
From Blk Muzak

I chose “Glitter” because it speaks to my lived experience. Living in a time where I continue to evolve as an individual/artist and somehow no one ever truly seems to know who I am. That had been my past experiences and follows me into the future. The constant battle to stand freely with no labels or limitations has been one of my greatest feats. I see it as joyous because I get to choose how I show up in the world and how I want the story to be told.

Kyle Kidd, vocalist

“Harlem River Drive”
From The Garner Poems

I suppose that of the many many songs created in the last five years, by our prolific band, Mourning [A] BLKstar, my 'favourite' song would have to be “Harlem River Drive”. I like how the rhythm reflects the dual emotion touched on within the lyrics. It's as if the ghosts of Harlem's past are haunting this song as the witness of their lamentation. It's the sad recognition of how vital that, which has been lost, is to the history and future of a racial segment of America once again, and consequently to America itself.

James Longs, vocalist

“At The Wall”
From Reckoning

My favourite M[A]B song is “At The Wall”. I feel that it perfectly articulates the systemic violence and desperation of the black experience in this country, and how it's tied to class struggle. The lack of options perpetuates conditions in which we're left to harm each other to survive. And it gives me perspective and a place to grieve every time I hear it.

Dante Foley, drummer

Read The Wire's Mourning [A] BLKstar cover feature in issue 439. Subscribers can read the interview online via the digital archive.