|
 |
| |
|
Oakland has a deep history of funk, too, but black music in the United States can be traced to New Orleans. So, there are a lot of similarities between the two. Same with the music. -Boots Riley |
|
|
| |
|
What most don't know is a natural disaster almost kept this album from happening. "We did start it before Katrina, in our [New Orleans] studio," explains Moore. "Then after [the hurricane], we sent somebody to get out hard drives because we were worried about it being looted. We sent somebody in before the city was even really open [to] sneak in there and get the hard drives and then ship them out to us."
 Galactic by Jay Blakesberg |
Nearly three years after the project began, Galactic debuted the material in grand style as part of a special performance at this year's Bonnaroo Music Festival in mid-June.
"I went on way too late. It was three in the morning! You know, they've got the marathon dance thing going on, and I don't think I've ever seen anything like it," Riley says. "I was like, 'Are you sure people are gonna be awake when I go on?' But people were jumping up and down and going crazy! I did not expect that." Moore adds, "It was definitely one of the most responsive crowds. It was definitely one of the most intense shows that we've done."
If you're worried this was a one-time deal don't fret. A full tour with revolving door guest MCs is expected. "Once we tour, we're going to have at least two [MCs] with us at all times, sometimes three or four," Moore explains. "Now, going out and doing this, their contribution has added an element that people can relate to on a little bit of a broader scale."
 Stanton Moore by Jay Blakesberg |
When asked what it's like to have vocals at the forefront for the first time since 2004's departure of vocalist Theryl DeClouet (aka Houseman), he replies, "It's nice to add vocals to the band, and then playing some instrumentals in between. I think it gives a nice, broad spectrum of what we're capable of doing in the band."
With such a daring effort comes the possibility of compromising a band's traditional sound or losing their identity all together. Galactic resolves this potential snafu by adding a few instrumental tracks to the album ["Sidewalk Stepper" and "Fanfare"] in keeping with their stylistic focus since Houseman's departure.
While Moore contends Galactic will always hold true to their roots, they are looking forward to branching out into other opportunities, many of which this new record presents.
"Mr. Lif has now asked us to write and to produce his next record. So, we're establishing ourselves as a band who can do that. Hopefully, we would like to get a lot more involved like that, you know, collaborate with these boys. There's a long history of bands doing that [like] The Meters and Booker T. and the MG.s, predominantly. What it is is like a core ensemble of musicians, who can back up different artists, and that's what we would like to do. We have our own studio, and we like doing that, so hopefully we will have more of that happening," offers Moore.
 Galactic by Ryan Mastro |
After this record Galactic will almost certainly reshape listener's opinions of them as a strictly funk band from New Orleans. Riley sums up From the Corner to the Block, saying, "What I always try to do with all of my stuff is make a good song. As I've always said, people have to be able to feel it first before they're even willing to listen to what you are saying. And Galactic came through with the music side of it."
Another example from the album is Charlie 2Na's "Think Back," where Galactic finds a copasetic blend where the MC is anything but overpowering and his signature baritone compliments the drum beats and haunting harmonica.
"Hopefully we are going to get to Australia, and develop a much stronger presence in Europe," explains Moore about future prospects. "We're going to Japan in December, and we're really excited to be going places that we haven't been [before] and for people to start hearing the record. We've been living with it for two and a half years now and we're ready to start getting some feedback on it. We're excited about making the videos and just doing things we haven't done before. There are elements of it which we're getting to do which will hopefully push the project forward and be fun at the same time."
Ultimately, Galactic's latest effort reminds listeners that no matter what corner or block they frequent - whether it's Oakland, New Orleans or anywhere else - we all stand together in the end.
JamBase | Worldwide
Go See Live Music!
|
