Show Notes
Today we discuss the first black owned recording company Black Swan Records which sold popular music to black audiences. Its existence was brief, it was only active for two years from 1923 to 1925. During this time however, the label released over 180 records - more than any other black owned record company until the 1950s. Today we’ll talk about the historical context in which the founder, Harry Pace, began and operated the label with mentor W.E.B. DuBois and how his partnership with Memphis blues man W.C. Handy kicked off Pace’s interest in the music industry. For more info and track listing visit www.sonospherepodcast.com @snspod
More from Sonosphere
Today on the show we speak with Iceberg New Music about their upcoming show at the Beethoven Club in Memphis, TN.
Memphis-based Charlie Davis (Trash Goblin, Detachment Kit) and David Johnson (James and the Ultrasounds, Tall David) met in Governor's school in 1998. Late night jams and decades long friendship resulted in the creation of Recent Future. Their respective artistic mindsets meld into bleeding edge synth punk that is both danceable and doom-laden - great for dancing your way into the uncertain, recent future.
Dr. Artina McCain joins us today on Sonosphere. Dr. McCain curated the Mahogany Chamber series in partnership with PRISM ensemble and Crosstown Arts. The series is about bringing voices to the stage you don't often hear. The first one was around poetry and music, second was supporting MLK holiday and the next one features rhythms from around the world. Piano-flute duo and piano-piano duo make up the Dazzling Duos exploring Caribbean rhythms! You can check out this concert on Feb 23rd at Crosstown Arts Green Room, 2-4pm!