Black Monument
Ensemble
This
Is
The
Beginning,
Not
The
End
Issue #1
On an occasionally snowing spring day in Chicago β April 20th, 2021 β just ahead of the release of Damon Locks & Black Monument Ensemble's sophomore album NOW, International Anthem's Alejandro Ayala, Scottie McNiece and Lindsey Stepney traversed the city with microphone and camera, aiming to eternalize a moment in time with every BME band member outside of their respective homes. Below is a selection of film portraits (shot by Ayala) along with a chorus collection of words from the band members (recorded & transcribed by Stepney), all captured on that day in that momentary space.
One thing that I think is so important right now is that we're living in a time where people are so easiIy disposableβ¦. and the truth of the matter is people need help. And one thing that Damon has really done is brought together a group of people who were already interconnected in a way, but he's challenged us to ask deeper questions.
We don't have control of the past, we don't have control of the future that's inevitable. We can plan all we want but we can see that people are dying every day. So what are we doing right now?
β’
I think that attuning to yourself and attuning to the people around you is really what this music is about. It's about processing yourself and making sure that whatever version of yourself that you wanna be, you are not attracting the things that you don't want.. Take the things that you need and leave the rest.
β’
To be able to center and
foreground Black and
Brown thought and livesβ¦
Being able to create music that
speaks to those needs and desires.
Imagining a world
that we deserve.
It all feels like it was destined to be right? It feels like this wonderful and beautiful confluence ya know⦠of cultural things but also a political movement. It really reinforces the work that I'm doing. Black Monument.. this project to me is really near and dear.
β’
The music is really about empowerment and about encouraging and uplifting people⦠especially people of color.
For me itβs been a wonderful outlet. Really a perfect outlet because I love music, I love creating and this has just been like the perfect space for us to create and let the world hear the music weβre making and what weβre creating. This has been an awesome time for me.
β’
With Damonβs Ensemble, and what people think of βMonumentβ, itβs this standing thingβ¦ Whether physically or one of the other βlyβs that stands to remind you of something, or brings you back to a moment. So playing with Damonβs configurationβ¦ I know the vibration of these people. Whenever Iβm in or out of it, whenever I come back to it, it reminds meβ¦ I know that itβs a standing vibration of all these characters.
β’
This is the opportunity for the world to really start to look at things where thereβs not Black and white and color. I know that sounds like βwe are the worldβ, but we are not at that βwe are the worldβ place. The reason why Iβm upset is because I actually want a world like that. Thatβs what I actually desire. Ya know? But weβre not gonna get there if we keep avoiding the fucking issue. Itβs bad. Itβs really really bad.
So I believe music is the best way to draw that out in a way where everybody can come together and get all the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Thatβs what Black Monument does, thatβs what Damon is trying to lead. This beautiful collage.
β’
Itβs a special place for me because itβs the opposite of what being a Black woman experiences in the world.
In the world I feel like I have to uphold a certain image, and Black Monument is all about being Black and all about being me. Itβs a platform for me to be able to create a space where I can flow freely and be myself. Itβs definitely a blessing.
β’
Black Monument means a lot to me.
Itβs basically about movement through music;
and usually talking doesnβt get people but if itβs
through melody it can change peoples lives.
β’
Black Monument Ensemble means forever changed.
Not only through music but I think β I know β politically, for Chicago, it just means liberation. I feel liberated on stage through Damonβs words, through the lyrics, and also through my companions that I get to share these powerful messages with.
β’
Black Monument Ensemble has been an outlet for me to express an array of emotionsβ¦ Particularly anger and frustration. But alsoβ¦
revolutionary optimism and positivity and history like a driving force. Black music.
β’
It feels amazing to have this kind of community.
Itβs something Iβve dreamed of.
Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Rayna Golding, Monique Golding, Angel Bat Dawid, Philip Armstrong, Erica Rene, Dana Hall, Eric Treβvon, Richie Parks, Arif Smith, Tramaine Parker, Damon Locks, Ben LaMar Gay
Forever
Momentary
Space
Tracing The Lines is a creative exploration of International Anthem Recording Co. and the community that surrounds it.
Issue #1
64-page 170x250mm newsprint zine, printed in CMYK on 55gsm stock.
