JUNKYARD EMPIRE - Rebellion Politik COMING SOON!: General Info
Member Since
1/29/2006
Band Members
Influences
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.
About JUNKYARD EMPIRE - Rebellion Politik COMING SOON!
“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
Since the debut of Reclaim Freedom in late 2007, there has been a steadily growing buzz building around Junkyard Empire, no doubt helped by their now historic performance at the Minnesota State Capital during the last day of the RNC protests in Saint Paul. Their music is laced with deep, hypnotic grooves that flow effortlessly under the profound and often politically dissident lyrics of rapper Brihanu. They have shared the stage with the legendary Boots Riley and the Coup, Rhymesayers artist Eyedea, LA Music Award winners the New Congress, Australian urban roots crew Blue King Brown, and others.
In October Junkyard Empire released their self-produced EP Rise of the Wretched, which has been garnering more and more attention domestically and internationally. The talented players that make up Junkyard Empire bring a wide range of musical influences to the stage and into the studio.
Junkyard Empire recently signed with indie start-up label MediaRoots Music. The label put JE in the studio with avant-garde producer, Brian Susko. During their time in pre-production and at Winterland Studios, a relationship was made that caused the band to push the envelope in a way that they had never done before. It’s now easy to hear how the band’s collective influences in conscious hip-hop, acid jazz, R&B and punk rock all culminate to create a sound that is unique beyond all common recognition. This is what Junkyard Empire calls Rebellion Politik.
The album is already garnering inquisitive reactions from the press that can be seen on blogs such as The Hype Machine, Elbo.ws, Perfect Porridge, Midwest Broadcast and others. Soon the band will be embarking on the national Verbal Graffiti Tour with Twin Cities acclaimed artist El Guante, and spoken-word extraordinaire, e.g. bailey. Stay tuned for dates and details.
“For those of us who have loved music our entire lives, it gets harder and harder for new acts to blow our minds. Pop in the new record, or join JE & company on their tour and be ready for your soul to be shaken!”
- Marc M. Nicolas, MediaRoots Music Founder.
"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
....also we've just been confirmed for Beach Break LIVE and Secret Garden Party this Summer! Roll on Sunshine!
Upcoming Gigs in May 16th May - Sticky Fungus, Staines 17th May - Outside Gemini Bar (on the Beach), Brighton 22nd May - Global Cafe (LIVE CD LAUNCH PARTY), Reading 23rd May - White Hart - Basingstoke 24th May - Haywards Heath Jazz Festival, Sussex
IF U GET A CHANCE, PLEASE STOP BY AND LISTEN TO MY LATEST TRACKS AND MY PHOTOGRAPHY WORK...TELL ME WHAT U THINK!! I AM IN NEED OF FEEDBACK...THANX N ADVANCE!!
Charles Dickens began pasting labels on blaking pots. The tragedy of his first love penetrated the depths of his soul, and converted him into one of the world's truly great authors. That tragedy produced, first, David Copperfield, then a succession of other works that made this a richer and better world for all who read his books. Dissappointment over love affairs, generally has the effect of driving men to drink, and women to ruin; and this because most people never never learn the art of transmuting their strongest emotions into dreams of a constructive nature.
Welp. SPIES will be at The Red Sea bar in Minneapolis this Thursday night at 9PM if you're interested and not busy. Thought I'd drop by and letcha know. Feel free to bring as many friends as you'd like and mehbeh we'll see you there! Peace. -Devin of SPIES.
Ever wondered what to do in the event of a nuclear threat?
A while ago I found stuff that inspired me to make this film:
Living Under the Shadow of the Nuclear Umbrella
Both artistic (ensure you get the background music!) and educational, it primarily comprises official British government civil defence advice.
Though source materials are quite aged, much remains relevant today.
I encourage all to visit the YouTube page to learn more (Show support! Rate! Comment!) and responsibly circulate as widely as possible, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaIim3Rj7L4
As you can see from my profile, I'm trying to spread the word about climate change and the environment in general. Only problem is I can't do it without a little help from my friends. Can you help a friend spread the news? :)
If that's cool w/ you, please subscribe to my blog. All of the best eco-bulletins on myspace hit my blog, you'll like it ;) All comments and reposts are thoroughly appreciated!