Black Note Graffiti Interview on Palangi Studio Of Rock - Radio Wigwam

Introduction

Welcome to another episode of Palangi Studio of Rock, exclusively on Radio Wigwam. Today, we feature the incredible rock band, Black Note Graffiti. Joining us are Gabrielle and Chris, who share their insights into the band's origins, name, music-making process, and much more.

Band Origins

Black Note Graffiti hails from Michigan, particularly the Metro Detroit area. Gabrielle (Gabby) joined the band six years ago, making a strong addition to their lineup. Chris, a founding member, guides us through the band's early stages and their growth over the years.

The Name "Black Note Graffiti"

The band's unique name, Black Note Graffiti, often piques curiosity. According to the story, it was inspired by the appearance of sheet music, resembling graffiti with its black notes on a page. Ricardo and Chris originally coined the name, finding it visually and conceptually appealing.

Influences and Creativity

Chris shares his experiences of attending Rage Against The Machine concerts in Detroit, hinting at the band's musical influences. The guitarist's tones and the album's energy reflect a blend of rock and politically driven rap influences. The production quality of their songs, especially the drum tones, stands out as a testament to their dedication to live, authentic music, avoiding any artificial blends.

Vocal Techniques and Preparation

Gabrielle discusses her pre-show routines and vocal techniques. She prefers tea to soothe her throat and avoids spicy foods. Gabby also mentions her unconventional warm-up routine, singing to Radiohead’s “Nude,” which helps her cover various ranges effectively. Chris, on the other hand, focuses on harmonization and backing vocals, acknowledging the challenges of performing alongside skilled vocalists like Ricardo and Gabby.

Songwriting Process

The songwriting process for Black Note Graffiti is a collaborative effort. Sometimes individual members present completed ideas, while other times, the band works together to flesh out songs. The single "Place You Lie" was uniquely finalized in the studio, showcasing a blend of pre-written parts and fresh, on-the-spot creativity.

Recording Techniques and Gear

The band's recent single was recorded with producer Josh Schroeder, who suggested using an SM7 microphone for vocals, providing a crisp, high-end quality. They experimented with various recording techniques, including group yelling and adjusting microphone distances to achieve distinct sound layers.

Past and Current Projects

Black Note Graffiti has successfully licensed their music for various platforms, including NASCAR promos and NFL shows. Their cover of “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane, released on the song’s 50th anniversary, stands out as a significant project that resonates well with listeners.

Challenges and Industry Insights

The band delves into the modern music industry’s challenges, especially the impact of streaming services like Spotify on artist earnings. They agree that while streaming brings popularity, it hardly compensates artists fairly, contrasting sharply with the earlier days of selling physical CDs.

Social Media and the Digital Age

The conversation also touches on how social media and streaming platforms dominate the current music scene. The band acknowledges the necessity of creating content for platforms like TikTok and Instagram to reach a broader audience, despite the minimal financial returns from streaming.

Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Black Note Graffiti continues to create and share their music passionately, encouraging their fans to support them through legal downloads and following their social media. They remain hopeful for a fairer digital music landscape in the future.

Keywords

• Black Note Graffiti
• Metro Detroit
• Vocal techniques
• Songwriting process
• Recording techniques
• Music licensing
• Streaming services
• Social media
• Music industry challenges

FAQ

Q: Where is Black Note Graffiti from?
A: Black Note Graffiti is based out of Metro Detroit, Michigan.

Q: What inspired the name Black Note Graffiti?
A: The name was inspired by the appearance of sheet music, comparing black notes to graffiti on a page.

Q: How does Gabrielle prepare for vocal performances?
A: Gabrielle avoids spicy foods, prefers warm tea, and warms up by singing to Radiohead’s “Nude.”

Q: How does the band record its music?
A: They use live, authentic recording techniques and prefer minimal artificial blending, often trying out various microphones and distances.

Q: What challenges do they face in the music industry today?
A: The band struggles with minimal financial returns from streaming services and the need to constantly create content for social media.

Q: What is the band's recent single?
A: Their recent single is "Place You Lie," recorded with producer Josh Schroeder.

Q: How do they feel about music licensing opportunities?
A: They find it exciting to hear their music on platforms like NASCAR promos and NFL shows, though it's largely promo work.

Stay tuned to Radio Wigwam and support Black Note Graffiti by checking out their latest music and following their social media channels!