#thesparkmag

[thesparkmag-blog]

"In a world that seems to be quickly descending off a cliff, Priests offers not just a glimmer of hope, but a framework to move forward - a blueprint for how to make relevant and ethical music in an age when it's so desperately needed." Will Meyer reviews Priests’ latest record Nothing Feels Natural

[thesparkmag-blog]

Kimya Dawson, Ted Leo, Moor Mother, and others have joined an already long list of artists demand that #SXSW remove contract language threatening deportations for foreign artists who play unofficial shows. Read the artists' open letter and sign the petition.

[thesparkmag-blog]

"The video celebrates the beauty of the brown body, and is a montage of hair, skin, femme energy and hallucinogenic floral bursts of fecundity. In our socio cultural moment, where white supremacy is grasping even more power and racists are having too much damn time on the screen, this video stands as a visual poem of resistance. It is a love letter to all the brown bodies living on this planet, a reminder of their beauty and their power." 

Watch the latest video from LA's Sister Mantos "QUEMAME"

[thesparkmag-blog]

“These fights must bleed into all the veins of public platforms that we have, and this includes the music show. To say “no” to our current president is to say “no” to normalcy and to remember all the institutions that open their door for him to walk through and feel warm. When those Andy and Daniel of the Community Defense of Project took the stage before we played to a packed house, with “Fuck Trump” signs lining the walls, the crowd was locked in. People’s moshing sweat evaporated, personal rage and pessimism grew into compassion and questioning of the police.”

Victoria Ruiz writes on weaponizing the show space to serve our community struggles. 

[thesparkmag-blog]

Watch “Thomas,” the latest stunning video from Try the Pie. A collaboration between Bean Kolani Tupou and fellow Bay Area artist Anders Ericsson

[thesparkmag-blog]

“My organizing is inseparable from my life and I reflect that in my art. I’ve rocked a lot of benefits for various causes and organizations over the years. It’s a lot, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Meet Son of Nun, the longtime Baltimore MC and organizer who's a key part of our soundtrack for keeping the fight alive and growing in 2017.

By Victoria Ruiz

[thesparkmag-blog]

Baltimore MC and organizer Son of Nun has been fighting in the street and on the mic since 2004, and he's only getting stronger

By Victoria Ruiz

[thesparkmag-blog]

"What Jamila shows us is a path forward building on the deep legacy of black women's movements and struggle - a legacy of survival, care, and growth in the face of impossible conditions." 

Chanelle Adams reviews Jamila Woods’ remarkable debut album HEAVN.

[thesparkmag-blog]

The DIY scene in McAllen, TX is taking on a city government that’s determined to destroy all ages amplied music.