Secondhand Setlists

The world continues to burn for reasons other than just California’s underbrush. As Covid numbers rise, the US, at least, looks entirely unprepared. Profit, rather than protection, is what continues to ensure any sort of security. Literally, the rich and powerful can invite the devil to their doorstep and sell the souls of others to make their escapes.

Because the world operates on a capitalist framework, artists suffer immensely when the market slows. Black artists face even greater hurdles as they navigate a notoriously racist industry, one nestled within a racist society, while trying to survive a pandemic. Black people account for only 13% of the US population, yet account for 18% of total Covid deaths. For perspective, the white population is 61%, but that demographic only accounts for 51% of deaths.

So, since it is Bandcamp Friday, where the site waives their revenue and all proceeds go to artists themselves, now’s the time to support Black artists. I’ve got a small list below, as well as additional lists here, here, and here. If you’ve had your eye on something in your Bandcamp wishlist for some time now, it’s time to pull the lever.

Junglepussy

A star so much as one who deserves a greater shine. Nearly a decade into a her career, Junglepussy, nee Shayna McHayle, has consistently churned out hits. Sometimes the lyrics serve as the draw (“Get to Steppin'”) sometimes it’s the hook (“I’m in Love”), but regardless, when it’s Junglepussy, it’s usually good. Her latest album JP4 continues her winning streak, featuring her trademark drags (“I’m my own snack / Why you brought me to the store?”) that belie an earnest heart. There’s plenty to love, and plenty to purchase today, of Junglepussy.

Batuk

A lovely duo to come across, South African duo Batuk craft enveloping cinematic electronic music blessed with the warmest of vocals. Again She Reigns, dedicated to celebrating “legendary women in African history,” offers a great introduction; the above track, “Mutumia Ngatha,” sounds like you’re galloping across a wide, lush prairie, while “Hypatia’s Theory” fuses club music with a fiery Spanish guitar. Additionally, their label Teka Records, is offering 50% off their entire discography, meaning you can snag Batuk and their labelmates’ offerings for a great deal.

Ase Manuel

New Jersey’s Ase Manual makes music intended to bring trembles to the dance floor. Their most recent album Black Liquid Electronics is packed full of pounding, upbeat numbers ideal for uptempo lovers like myself. “Getting It, Getting It” will resonate with fans of Zebra Katz’s Less is Moor. Meanwhile, “Feather Berry Gutz” delivers on the club flute, which has seen some strong showings in the past few years of popular music. As icing on the cake, the deluxe version offers drum-less, instrumental reworkings of these already impressive productions, allowing you to sink even further into Ase’s rumbling realm.

Dawn Richard

The world watched Dawn Richard begin with Making the Band, break out with Danity Kane (named after a manga character she created), and then tap out, from the label game, at least. As an indie, she romps in all sorts of sounds, a vocalist submerged in future bass (“Not Above That”) or strutting around a rock-tinged R&B jam (“Shades”). Rarely will you come across a year in the past decade where she didn’t release music, and rarer still will it sound less than delectable.

Jasmyn Milan

“I’m dressed like I am Bjork but I am Trina on the dick” is a great way to introduce yourself, as musician and creative Jasmyn Milan does on “Watch Ur Mouth.” Most of her material lies elsewhere than Bandcamp, but her latest single “Passport Pussy” is on there, and it’s great fun for fans of Bree Runway, Bali Baby, and Rico Nasty. The track sounds like techno channeled through a nu-wave tube – basically it’s very with the times and entirely romp-able. When we’re allowed to travel and vacay again, put this one on your Takeoff playlist.