ACAPELLA Combines Recordings of the 2014 Ferguson Riots with Pop Vocals on New Mix

Detroit producer ACAPELLA aka NON affiliate Isis Scott shared a new mix today titled “Riot In Versace,” which combines manipulated vocals from pop music sources with field recordings from the 2014 Ferguson riots. The release marks the fifth issue of NYC label PTP‘s CELL Audio Codex series, and strikes an uneasy balance between the serene, contained quality of the a capellas with the tumultuous uproar of the field recordings. The project seems to highlight the overlapping histories and connections between everyday anti-Black violence—and indeed the anti-Black foundations of the police state—and the widely distributed sounds of pop, which can sometimes be thought of as “universal.”

Scott told THUMP via email how the mix arose from conditions of ignored anger and despair. “Frustration can’t always remain peaceful, and this was my way of expressing my indignation and also understanding why chaos ensues when people feel like they’re not being heard,” she said. “RIV is full of confrontation, questioning, and even a calmness after the storm. The youth want a better America but the battle will continue if the people remain unheard.”

CELL Audio Codex is also seeking POC/QTPOC contributors for the next issue, with a submission deadline of December 31. They are looking for projects that deal with themes of surveillance, technology, and health-related issues; you can see a full submission information page here.

Riot In Versace is out now.

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