BLACKTRONIKA IS BACK AT BIG EARS

Blacktronika

Blacktronika: Afrofuturism in Electronic Music, taught by professor, producer, and artist, King Britt, at the University of California, highlights the influence of artists of color in electronic music. Since its inception, the class has also developed into a festival that has been presented in San Diego (UCSD), Los Angeles (MoCA), and Brooklyn (Public Records/The Nursery). The 2025 program builds upon last year’s collaboration with King Britt and delivers eclectic mix of music with performances by Asha Puthli, Antipop Consortium, Free Form Funky Freqs, and a unique collaboration between Britt and Tyshawn Sorey.

Explore: Blacktronika

Asha Puthli

Asha Puthli is one of the most successful vocalists to come out of India. Perhaps best known for her stirring vocals on free jazz legend Ornette Coleman’s Science Fiction album, Asha is a cosmopolitan pioneer of jazz, funk, soul and electronic dance music who has recorded ten solo albums for labels like EMI and CBS/Sony.

Read: “Asha Puthli Forever”

Antipop Consortium

Antipop Consortium revolutionized underground rap with an experimental electronic sound and sharp NY poetry scene lyricism. Gaining a cult following in the U.S. and recognition on Europe’s alternative circuit, they released albums with Warp Records and Big Dada.

Read: “How The Antipop Consortium Dragged Rap Into The Millennium”

Free Form Funky Freqs

A trio that defies convention, their roots trace back to a serendipitous, unplanned performance that revealed a profound musical chemistry. The ensemble features the legendary G. Calvin Weston on drums, whose powerhouse rhythms and adventurous spirit drive the group’s dynamic energy. Joining him are Jamaaladeen Tacuma, a pioneering bassist renowned for his innovative approach and boundary-pushing grooves, and Vernon Reid, a guitarist celebrated for his intricate, expressive play.

Read: “Free Form Funky Freqs Blend Jazz, R&B, Rock and a Little Space Music”

Tyshawn Sorey, King Britt, and Friends

Upon first meeting, drummer and composer Tyshawn Sorey and synthesist and producer King Britt quickly developed a mutual respect for one another’s artistic practices and personally as brothers. These two titans entered the studio for a two-day session, which serendipitously occurred just before the global lockdown in 2019. With no rehearsals, direction, or predetermined plan, they armed themselves with drums and synthesizers and embarked on a fearless sonic exploration of polyrhythmic time travel. Having performed only a handful of live shows, Sorey and Britt will be joined by bassist Meshell Ndegeocello and guitarist Melz (Miguel, Lizzo, Mayer Hawthorne) for this special Big Ears performance. 

Read: “Tyshawn / King”