1. ANDRA DAY - THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY (MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE)
February s US politics was dominated by the move to impeach former president Donald Trump. Instead, his lawyers put Black Lives Matter protesters on trial by playing clips of prominent Black Democratic representative Maxine Waters delivering fiery speeches to argue such people were no better than the white supremacists who d invaded the Capitol building. On February 19, actor and singer Andra Day released her soundtrack to new film
The United States vs. Billie Holiday, which tells the story of how the legendary jazz singer stood up to the racist establishment. “The story is about how this woman, this icon, was much too outspoken, and so the government came after her,” said screenwriter Suzan-Lori Parks. “It’s about how we African-American folks love this country that doesn’t really love us back.” The film is anchored by Holiday s iconic protest song Strange Fruit . MORE >
OUTBURN ONLINE
January 28, 2021
PHOTOGRAPS BY BILLY EYERS
Divide and Dissolve members Takiaya Reed (saxophone, guitar, live effects/ (Black & Tsalagi [Cherokee]) and Sylvie Nehill (drums, live effects/ (Māori) create instrumental music that is both heavy and beautiful, classically influenced yet thrillingly contemporary, and powerfully expressive and communicative. It has the ability to speak without words, and utilizes frequencies to interact with the naturally occurring resonance. In anticipation of the multidimensional duo’s new album,
Gas Lit, available on Invada Records, the band goes into detail behind the meaning of each track.
TRACK BY TRACK ACCORDING TO THE BAND
“Oblique”
It is a privilege to work through trauma and feel supported in this work. “Oblique” is an acknowledgement that everyone experiences trauma. Everyone has different experiences with the narrative of trauma and their ancestors’ trauma. The end of the colonial project and white supremac