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Standing in Solidarity with #BLM

The recent atrocious murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Robert Fuller, and so many more unknown Black names, have spurred a movement for long-awaited justice, unlike any other. Thousands pour into the streets and mobilize against the seeds of white supremacy and systemic racism planted in the very beginnings of American history, and the fabric of current day society. In this day and age, silence is the language of the oppressor. And over the past month of consuming heartwrenching images, learning untaught history, and engaging in conversation both with others and myself, I’ve become conscious of my own role in this movement: the dangers of both silent complacency and performative, self-centered activism. As I worked on my debut EP over the past month, I at first struggled with the decision of its release, unsure of its contextual appropriateness within an especially charged moment in time. But I soon realized that music is the product of both creative expression and cultural relevance, and most importantly, that my music is tied intrinsically with the world around me. That today’s popular music is heavily defined by Black culture, is no coincidence. Instead, it is evidence of the way American pop-culture, throughout history, has stolen, discredited, and benefitted from Black creators, from before minstrel shows in the 1800s til today. I’ve realized that I can’t be a musician in America, without reconciling with this fact that I am profitting off of original Black artistry. As someone who can’t physically show up in support, I’ve decided that 100% of the revenue earned from my upcoming EP, Strings, will be donated. I also hope to raise money with upcoming fundraisers on social media.