This is a video of all the craziness that went on at the No Peace for the War Makers Rally, before we played Rock the Empire. Check out how weird we start playing once the cops start marching in on the crowd like black storm troopers.
“A jazz version of Rage Against the Machine, Minnesota-based Junkyard Empire blends jazz instrumentals, hip hop, and socially conscious lyrics to create a fresh sound. Composed of a group of talented musicians, artists, writers, and activists, this new Midwestern band has something to say.”
– Political Affairs Magazine
The last day of the 2008 Republican
National Convention proved to be the beginning of
the buzz on Junkyard Empire. With the backdrop
of the Minnesota State Capital and the volatility of
the time, the band’s performance hit musical and
political notes, attendees (and the police charged
with stopping it) did not soon forget.
Not forgetting is a theme that runs through
the band’s being – infusing the best of rock, hip hop
and jazz with deeply intelligent and passionate lyrics
about history, politics and society. Junkyard Empire
is a musical mouthpiece for these times.
Rebellion Politik is not only the title of
the just-released EP, it is the operating theory
Junkyard Empire uses as a force for organization and
political action; referred to in the title track as "the
science of survival in a repressive environment." No
unresolved issue of relevance is left intact on the
seven-track EP, from America’s fiscal crisis and
poverty at home to the Israeli-Palestianian conflict
and abuses occurring abroad. No punches are pulled.
Fronted by a profound rapper with
effortless flow, Brihanu, Junkyard Empire’s unique,
perfected sound is created by Chris Robin Cox
(keyboards/trombone), Bryan Berry (guitars), Dan
Choma (bass) and Graham O’Brian (drums).
In the past year, Junkyard Empire shared the
stage with the legendary Boots Riley and the Coup,
Rhymesayers artist Eyedea, Australian urban roots
crew Blue King Brown, Rhymesayers artist Toki
Wright, and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Chris
Hedges. The band was invited to Cuba in August for
a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet with
Cuban arts organizations and leaders, and perform
several shows.
"The thirty minutes and change of "Rebellion Politik" certainly aren't going to be for everyone. There's no comforting bling bling, no gyrations causing sexual salivation, no odes to conspicuous consumption to be found on this EP. Many of the truths here are hard and uncomfortable, but thanks to Brihanu's flow and the ability of his band to jam, a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down in what this critic would consider to be a delightful way." - Steve "Flash" Juon, Rap Reviews.com
"And if Junkyard Empire's new EP Rebellion Politik represents anything...It signals that the future of politically and socially conscious music is in good hands." - Morning Star UK
"When the RNC barrelled through St. Paul last August, there were millions of witnesses to the disorder -- and five them happened to belong to the capital city's foremost agit-prop funk-rap-fusion band." - Nate Patrin, City Pages
"Rise of the Wretched shows...these cats plan to stay around, pulling society’s coat and making amazing music." - Dwight Hobbes, Twin Cities Daily Planet
"Politically charged...Musically relevent. Junkyard Empire insists upon delivering equal amounts of both Hip-Hop & Jazz executed by a 5 piece band. The messages they represent are strong: take control of your own destiny and question what the government tells you; make moving music and have fun doing it! Stamped by an original, dope group name & showing loads of potential both live & recorded, do not miss an opportunity to observe these cats." - Carnage
"Junkyard Empire crafts a truly original flow and energy, mixing socially and politically conscious lyrics with an intelligent musical backdrop. The result is a product both classic and nouveau, both familiar and avant-garde. Perhaps if Marty McFly had been an MC instead of a guitar player, went back to 1945 instead of 1955 and spat Public Enemy lyrics over Coltrane, it might be comparable to this." - Mill City Scene
"Take a blend of jazz licks and funk grooves, and add to that the complex, socially-conscious rhymes of MC Brihanu, and what you get is the artistic body that is Junkyard Empire." - URB Magazine
"Just try not to shake your fist while listening to this stuff."
- perfectporridge.com
"This is a complete album, strong and powerful!
This group is so lyrical its crazy!
People don't listen to lyrics anymore, it's all about "rapping" about things you don't have or a slick punch line.
Listen to the lyrics in this album and feel how the music draws you in to the words.
Listen.......... and Rock the empire!!!!"
-RDM
HELP US PROMOTE OUR ALBUM! SEND THIS TO YOUR FOAVORITE DJ!
Hey guys, how's it going? Just wanna to know when you guys are playing.. I dont wanna miss out on this gig while I'm visiting minneapolis for the weekend. Thanks .
Hey thank for having us as your Friends, If you have spare time anytime
or are just bored Check out our tunes, I f you have there may be New
stuff up you may like. So give us a chance thank you for you time and
Take care.
I just wanted to stop by and say hello! I hope that the coming week brings you fun adventures, relaxation, and contentment :)
I was going to go camping over the weekend, but this is definitely NOT camping weather. So me and some friends went to check out Dueling Pianos. Those guys are amazing - they can play just about any song that's been on the radio between 1950 and 2005.
Anyways, I wanted to let you know about a show we have @ Station 4 on Friday, October 16th. We are debuting a series of one time only performance art pieces. This one is called "AN OBJECT TO CRAVE". Live music and visuals based on a short story about life, love, loss, fantasy, obsession and death.
Another group of mine, The Magnetrons, which plays an exciting and innovative Livetronica set (i.e. STS9, Disco Biscuits, The Histronic) will also be playing. The night will be full of creative, interesting, high-energy music, good drinks and good times.
Here's the info:
Blood Root Mother - "An Object to Crave" w/ The Magnetrons & Thought Thieves Friday, October 16th Station 4 201 E 4th St St Paul, MN 55101 9pm / $5 / 18+
Hey There~ I know you guys are gearing up for a tour and practically just back from Cuba!!! Heard the show on Mischke. Well done! But if you're kickin' around after re-hearsin or re-laxin, stop by the Half Time Rec on October 3rd for our CD release. Some of the guys from Winterland are comin' out and a few others you may know or should get to know~like minded. Anyway, loved you guys since I first laid ears on ya, 'twould be a treat to see y'all. Peace Patti
Thanxxx for the hit! I cant find how to get the flyer off your page cuz I cant find the lonk to your fotos, so could you email the flyer to me so I can post it? Be safe on the road! Congrats on all the accolades lately also :) Later on...
hi. :] so i'm the girl that your bass player met at u-haul. and i'd have to say, when i first saw him i was like: damn, that kid is cool because he has awesome glasses. :] haha. you guys sound great.
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