Cleo Reed’s Cuntry: A Multidisciplinary Exploration of American Labor
Cleo Reed, a multidisciplinary artist based in New York, has released her latest project, Cuntry, described as a “folk rap album that tells stories of American labor, empirical agenda, and intends to hold space for the working class.” This innovative album delves into themes surrounding the body, with a particular focus on the Black Femme body, offering listeners a profound narrative that intertwines personal and collective experiences.
Collaborative Spirit
Throughout the tracks on Cuntry, Reed showcases a diverse array of collaborators, enhancing the album’s rich tapestry of sound and storytelling. Notable contributors include:
- billy woods
- Isa Reyes
- Elliott Skinner
- Iwewe
- Momo Boyd
- Malaya
- Harlem Farr
- Matthew Jamal
- Kyle Kidd
Reed not only wrote but also produced the entirety of the album, showcasing her comprehensive artistic vision and dedication to her craft.
Listen to Cuntry
Fans can experience Cuntry on various streaming platforms:
- Listen on Apple Music
- Listen on Spotify
- Listen on Tidal
- Listen on Amazon Music
- Listen/Buy at Bandcamp
Laura Jane Grace in the Trauma Tropes: Adventure Club
In a remarkable artistic journey, Laura Jane Grace ventured to Greece last year through an invitation from the Onassis Foundation. The organization sought to transform a century-old Greek poem into a song for a documentary centered on inmates and artistic expression. During her time abroad, Grace connected with local punks, explored ancient ruins, and swam in the Aegean Sea, culminating in the creation of the song “Walls.”
A Return to Greece
Inspired by her initial trip, Grace returned to Greece six months later for a full residency with the Onassis Foundation. During this time, she recorded her new album, Adventure Club, collaborating again with the musicians she met during her first visit. This new project features:
- Paris Campbell Grace (wife and collaborator)
- Jacopo Fokas (bassist)
- Orestis Lagadinos (drummer)
These musicians formed the ensemble known as Laura Jane Grace in the Trauma Tropes, blending their artistic talents to create a unique sound that reflects their shared experiences and inspirations.
Conclusion
Both Cleo Reed’s Cuntry and Laura Jane Grace’s Adventure Club highlight the power of collaboration and the importance of storytelling in music. Each artist, through their distinctive lens, offers a compelling exploration of identity, labor, and artistic expression, inviting listeners to engage with the narratives that shape our understanding of the world.
FAQs
What themes are explored in Cleo Reed’s Cuntry?
The album explores themes of American labor, empirical agendas, and the experiences of the working class, with a focus on the Black Femme body.
Who are some collaborators featured on Cuntry?
Collaborators on the album include billy woods, Isa Reyes, Elliott Skinner, Iwewe, Momo Boyd, Malaya, Harlem Farr, Matthew Jamal, and Kyle Kidd.
What inspired Laura Jane Grace’s Adventure Club album?
Grace’s album was inspired by her experiences in Greece, where she transformed a Greek poem into a song and later returned to record a full album with local musicians.
Where can I listen to these albums?
You can listen to both Cuntry and Adventure Club on major streaming platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, and Bandcamp.