No Moor Bad Days For Chuck Indigo: Interview
I remember back in June and July, when the protests against police brutality were at their highest, everyone and their mommas were releasing black power songs that were timely, but felt cheesy. It was obvious the movement was not their driving force but FOMB, The Fear of Missing a Bag. All the songs shared the same sound of chanting over triumph music, but barely capturing a message. When James Brown said “I’m black and I’m proud,” you felt that shit. When Kendrick said “You gon’ be alright,” you said “damn that nigga may have a point.” Or even the poet Gill Scott Heron. Music that becomes the soundtrack to our lives were typically never created with that intention, but it happens because of the authenticity and integrity of the artist.
Nashville artist, Chuck Indigo, released his latest project No Moor Bad Days at the beginning of October this year. It’s a consistent reminder to be proud of your blackness and not to be boxed in the stereotypical categories placed on us. Through the guise of jazz samples, hollow drums, and a variety of tempos, Indigo depicts the gift and curse of being a black man in America. Indigo said he wanted this project to “feel like an affirmation of telling yourself that you’re freeing yourself from oppression and stifle.” This project feels like the soundtrack to the revolution.
“If it aint black, then it aint that”
No Moor Bad Days embodies a modern version of Gill Scott Heron’s 1971 release Pieces Of A Man. Around the time Heron was working on the album, protests against racial discrimination were taking place on college campuses around the world. Media attention was rising after the National Guard had killed four black students at Kent State University in Ohio during a peaceful rally. Supported by bluesey-funk keys and afrocentric drums, Heron delivered his most notable piece, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” explaining that the real war is happening outside your windows, not on your TV screen. Fast forward 50 years later, we’re experiencing the same shit our ancestors endured and even worse, it’s live streamed on our phones. Both artists allowed their current state of mind and environments around them to curate art that rejuvenates and speaks up for their community.
“Yo skin is dangerous/ Entertainment slave trade/ Victim to the melee”
The first track, “One Moor Day,” acknowledges the past and embraces the joy the future could bring. Indigo understands that change can’t happen overnight but you must start somewhere. While it’s obvious that the white man has had their foot on our necks for centuries, generational trauma and enslavement mentality has also been a hindrance to our community. “We’re stuck in a cycle of getting paid, paying bills and using whatever we have left to get a lil drink or some smoke. And it's sad that people are content with that shit” said Indigo.
On “Burn It Down,” he raps about the frustration of talking about change and no change coming about. Indigo describes the financial disadvantages that all Americans face and how it’s a rat race to obtain an elite position in life, as well as the injustice of our justice system that continue to keep the Black community suffering. “Tired of marching for freedom, shit/ I’m just more buy sum guns/ Go to war/ Eat the rich.” Burning the system down symbolizes a necessary rebirth, not a reform.
“Harder to tell whats the facts from the fictional/ When you do everything you’ve been conditioned to”
I had the opportunity to talk to Chuck Indigo about his latest project, social justice issues and the importance of knowing your history.
Our conversation, lightly edited for content and clarity, follows below.
What part of Tennessee do you live in?
I live in Nashville.
What was the drive for the cover art to be claymation?
My guy, SECK. He’s the video director and creative director for the label, Third Eye, and he came up with all that on his own. I sent him the tape once I was done recording and was like “do whatever inspires you.” A few days after sending the project, his reaction was “this project feels black as shit” and asked if I’ve seen The PJ’s. So we have about seven alternative covers in that realm.
Who’s that speaking in the intro about men sticking to their word?
I don’t know the man's name exactly but I was going down a rabbit hole of Black leaders on YouTube. It was literally a 17 minute montage of Black people expressing themselves very eloquently, but you felt the anger. I felt it summed up how I feel towards America, because I don’t think things miss context.
How has being a black man during this time of police brutality and the Black Lives Matter uprising influenced your music?
A lot of what was going on is not shocking to me. It sucks and hurts my heart to see it but it's become a normal thing. Honestly, it encouraged the release of this project because I’ve been wanting to say something, but I’m selective on which platforms I use my voice on. As an artist, I feel I could explain what's on my heart and don’t have to explain it to anyone. But seeing what's going on, knowing that it is repeated, we become emotionally responsible.
On “Burn It Down,” you say “Tired of marching for freedom shit, I’m just more buy sum guns.” Do you feel another solution is needed?
In regards to my emotional response, it's irrational sometimes because yeah, I want to go to war but at the same time, I'm not trying to pose a threat to 12 because I’ll be dead. Shit, I’ll be dead just for putting my hand in my pocket. In the second verse I'm saying “broken simulation over stimulated the whole system made for the elite.” The top people who belong to the 1% as far as wealth owns 83% of the wealth, so we’re all broke then. If 99% is fighting over 13%, the world is definitely fucked up. So when people talk about reform, this shit doesn't work at all. It may look good on paper but there’s no true change. So it’s either present something new or get the fuck out of my face (chuckles). Gotta burn shit down to build.
When did you start recording No Moor Bad Days?
Technically, since 2017, because “Pray For Us” was the first track recorded. But as far as like, intentionally making a project, I started in July. I made about eight of the tracks within a two week span.
How was the session for “Hood Rat Shit?”
Man, so actually, that clip was just the track getting mixed and mastered (chuckles) and we were just in there, goofing around for the final cut. When I recorded the track though, I was by myself. I had to do a lot of vocal stacks, so I was making my voice sound like different people. I enjoyed making that song.
Why moor and not more?
When the Spaniards were trying to conquer America, it was the moors that helped Christopher Columbus “find the land.” Also I believe in England, they call Black people Moors. So it was just a play on words for black.
What's the story behind No Moor Bad Days?
It’s intended to liberate black people and provide healing. I wanted the project to feel like an affirmation of telling yourself that you’re freeing yourself from oppression and stifle. Yeah, I touch on issues of the government and how it affects black people but also I wanted to touch on daily struggles we face. Shit that cripples us.
Can you explain the concept of “Okay Today?”
“Things go wrong, but I won't complain. I'm all right, but I ain't okay today “ As black people, we suppress our feelings a lot. Like, it's not ok to not be ok. It’s a disadvantage that we feel sorry for ourselves.
You show multisided Blackness, which is why I feel the project is important. Where does the confidence to display all sides of your Blackness stem from?
My confidence comes from knowing where I come from. I don’t know my ancestry too well, but I think it’s just as important to be knowledgeable on people who look like us. Like we all were not slaves. Folks are really pulling the wool over eyes to control the narrative.
How would you describe your creative process?
It's sporadic most of the time, but with this project it was more intentional. I knew what I wanted to say with this project back when I caught the wave in July. But, for the most part I try to catch a vibe and write how I feel. Be as real as possible and try not to stress myself out in the process.
What’s next?
With the way the world is right now, I don’t want to set any expectations because we don’t know how tomorrow will play out. But for the most part, I’m a new Dad so I’m focused on being a father to my daughter and obviously sharpening my sword. The next time I drop, I want to release something carefully crafted.
What were the last three albums you listened to?
Chuck Indigo - No Moor Bad Days
Reason - New Beginnings
Giveon - When It’s All Said And Done
