The Darkside of the Moon Tour II feat. Buggin, Playytime, MoveBHC, and Zulu starts on Oct. 7th, and in my book, this is one of the most important tours to take place this year. I, for one, can’t wait to be in a room full of Black and POC Punx celebrating our creativity, our resistance, and our resilience!
Today we share with y’all an artist to artist interview featuring Corey of MoveBHC and Anaiah of ZULU.
C: We are coming up quick to the second edition of the Darkside of Da Moon (DSODM), Iast year we all had a moment when we realized it was all niggas in a van touring to the next gig. We all mentioned how it was the first time we’d ever been in a van with just Black people on our way to play a show. As someone who’s been touring for as long as you have, what did that moment mean to you, and how do you think it symbolizes the importance of DSODM?
A: Honestly, that moment was monumental. I mean, it felt amazing being amongst folks all in different bands and all representing the same thing, with the same goals. Before joining Zulu, the amount of times I felt discomfort being the only Black individual in a relatively white space. The vibe is very different and uncomfortable, honestly. It really highlights on the fact that, we can do this as a people. We could absolutely reclaim that space and do it together, the most important aspect is togetherness. Black folks are so divided as it is, so in a space where we’re already few and far between, we should do our best to be united in taking it back together.
C: Y’all have your debut LP dropping next year on Flatspot, what are some of the major themes you cover lyrically on this record and what propelled you to capture them for the rest of time on a digital recording?
A: Out of the many themes in it, the overall would be how important it is to give love to ourselves. We’re always painted in the same light: just being in pain and constantly reopening our traumas to show what the Black experience is. But the joy and happiness and culture we share is almost hardly ever highlighted, and how beautiful we are as a people. I remember growing up in such an Afrocentric household. And being constantly reminded how wonderful my culture was, and how influential it was in the world. I wanted to make a first LP that captured that in the best way I can, so that generations of Black youth that stumble upon this sorta music might have something they can look to and see themselves in it. As well as be given the chance to feel like they actually belong here—because they do.
Shot by @prettypukee
C: Zulu’s hitting the road a lot for the last quarter of 2022, what are some things y’all do to prepare mentally and physically to go on tours across the US, especially when you have to play sometimes in places that are known for their anti-Blackness?
A: It’s definitely the communication amongst our members that are most important. In the sense that everyone has to worry about their mental health and what they need, of course, and how any of us can help in any sorta situation if need be. On top of that, it’s just like our parents said: wherever you go, be wary of everything around you and your surroundings. We know we’re entering territories that are def anti-Black and we typically are of the “Let’s stick together tight when in transit” and really watch out for each other. Something a lot of bands would never have to worry about is going on tour and worrying about what can actually happen to them because of their skin color. That’s so wild to me.
