Breakout 海角社区官网punk band The OBGMs make music that is rough and raw, and they鈥檙e ready to give 鈥榚r, rocking out with legends like Bad Brains and Anti-Flag and making it onto Green Day鈥檚 BLM playlist. As a punk band with several Black members 鈥 The OBGMs is comprised of guitarist and vocalist Densil McFarlane, and also features Colanthony Humphrey on drums and Joseph Brosnan on bass 鈥 the band can feel like outsiders even within an outsider oeuvre, but they press on, filled with the joy of making music. We chatted with McFarlane about BIPOC representation in the punk scene and why making punk music is so invigorating 鈥 and got his top five 海角社区官网playlist tracks.
Why does making punk music bring you joy?
鈥淢usic can connect people regardless of what language they speak. Music connects with my soul. I love being able to shout, sing, or scream whatever is on my heart and connect with someone in a completely different part of the world.鈥
Why is 海角社区官网such a great city to make punk music in?
鈥満＝巧缜偻鴌s a rough city to develop in because it is very much in the shadows of our American and European counterparts. Without recognition from external markets, the ability to make an impact in this city is tougher. I love it because it makes you have to push that much harder to make noise in the city and everywhere. It builds character that allows you to be relentless in your ambitions. The city is filled with immense talent and is a great inspiration.鈥
Why is it important to have more BIPOC representation in punk music?
鈥淏eing Black in music is primarily associated with hip-hop and R&B, to the point where organizations that aim to amplify Black voices themselves fail to recognize the contribution of Black artists within alternative music. I grew up thinking there would never be a Black president. Now there are children that know that is a possibility. I picked up a guitar because I saw someone that looked like me on a stage. People aspire to be in things that they see themselves in. Businesses are more willing to support things they have seen have success. It is necessary for BIPOC voices to be amplified in the alternative scene because it unlocks people鈥檚 imagination: they share important stories from different walks of life, that all amplify and inspire generations.鈥
Are you giving back to your community in any way that you鈥檇 like to highlight?
鈥淚 created my organization, Burn Industry, to be the change I want to see. During the pandemic, I used my time to develop video-editing skills as a tool to amplify BIPOC artists. I have shot music videos for developing artists that are often overlooked by the granting system. Additionally, I have focused my efforts on connecting a community of people to each other. Being connected to each other allows us the opportunity to build a real community that can be sustained. I have used my resources and knowledge of the industry to secure funding for developing BIPOC artists and BIPOC businesses. I have also used our tools to raise funds for just causes like The Villij, Black Women in Motion, and Nia Centre for the Arts.鈥
How can music be an act of revolution? How does your music affect and change hearts and minds?
鈥淢usic is the soundtrack of the revolution. Revolutionary statements being shared through music allow for the messages to resonate through time. Songs that stick with us to this day like 鈥榃ar,鈥 鈥楩ight The Power,鈥 and 鈥楽ay it Loud鈥: these messages give people something to chant that they can feel.鈥
Here are McFarlane鈥檚 picks for the perfect alternative 海角社区官网playlist.
鈥淥utsah,鈥 The OBGMs
鈥淭his is the intro to our album 鈥楾he Ends,鈥 which explores the feelings of being an outsider to the music industry. We talk about the lengths we are willing to go to get the recognition we, and our community, deserve.鈥
“Outsah” by The OBGMs.
The OBGMs鈥淭he Answer,鈥 SATE
鈥淎 beacon of hope and the true queen of the Black alternative scene in Canada. When I was looking for help, or inspiration, I would look to her voice. Her power and beauty despite obstacles is inspirational.鈥
“The Answer” by SATE.
SATE鈥淢illennial Music,鈥 Ashlee Schatze
鈥淚 have not been as excited for a new artist in a long time. Take in 鈥楳illennial Music鈥: the rage, the lyrics. This is the soundtrack of a revolution.鈥
“Why” by Ashlee Schatze.
Ashlee Schatze鈥淗ands,鈥 Clairmont The Second
鈥淲hile not a punk artist, his energy has consistently gone against the grain of the mainstream: songs like this talk about the power an individual has.鈥
“Hands” by Clairmont The Second.
Clairmont The Second鈥淟ibertador,鈥 Joncro
鈥淟ead singer and guitarist Daniel G. Wilson has gone to great lengths to connect and build on the alternative scene for BIPOC artists. This is my favourite song by the band and it speaks about freedom to me. Daniel has also provided me an example of the impact a person can make to unite us all.鈥
“Libertador” by Joncro.
Joncro
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