Friday, March 3, 2017

One For The Weekend: Pokey LaFarge

"Riot In The Streets" is off Pokey LaFarge's forthcoming album Manic Revelations album out May 19.     Photo: Nate Burrell


The song "Riot In The Streets" was inspired by the 2014 uprising in Ferguson, Missouri that followed the shooting and killing of unarmed black 18 year-old Michael Brown by white Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson. The St. Louis County grand jury decided not to indict Wilson. The U.S. Department of Justice later concluded that Wilson shot Brown in self-defence. No charges were filed.

Says Pokey LaFarge about the composition: "It is a tough thing to write about, but as a citizen of St. Louis and as an artist, I had to say something. Hopefully this song does more good than bad and, ultimately, gets the dialogue started. Although it’s also important to not forget the peaceful protests and those that spread the message of love in the pursuit of justice and equality, this particular song is about people being marginalized and brought to the brink. It was only a matter of time before they fight back. I hope you feel that tension in the song — even from the first bass click."

Manic Revelations is out May 19 on Rounder Records. You can pre-order a copy directly from Pokey LaFarge's site right here.


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