re-OpenLab: Architextures Revisited 03
Architextures Revisited 03 – Francesca – Black Arts Movement
We continue Architextures – a compelling radio show hosted by Francesca on openlab.fm. This program has carved out a distinct niche in the world of radio, offering listeners a journey through diverse musical landscapes.. Francesca, with her deep passion for music and keen ear for unique sounds, curates a show that explores the intricate layers of music and in our partnership with OpenLab.fm we thought we you’d love to revisit Francesca and Architextures with us here on Pen vs Sword re-OpenLab.
Table of Contents
Architextures Concept and Theme
In Architextures, London Based Dj/Producer Francesca presents soundscapes exploring music as ‘an immaterial form of artistic expression; the articulation of modernist movements and cultural philosophies through multisensory meshworks in orbit’. She constructs each episode meticulously, layering different sounds and genres to create a cohesive auditory experience.
Musical Style and Selection
Francesca’s musical selection for Architextures is diverse and expansive. She draws from a wide range of genres, including ambient, electronic, experimental, and world music. Each episode is a tapestry of sounds, woven together to create a mood or tell a story. Francesca has a talent for finding the connections between seemingly disparate pieces of music, blending them seamlessly into a unified whole. This approach not only showcases her deep knowledge and appreciation of music but also introduces listeners to new and unexpected sounds.
This Shows Theme
This episode is inspired by the Black Arts Movement, a pivotal cultural and artistic movement that emerged in the mid-1960s and lasted into the mid-1970s. Spearheaded by African American writers, artists, musicians, and cultural practitioners, the Black Arts Movement was considered the “aesthetic and spiritual sister” of the Black Power Movement. It sought to reclaim and redefine Black identity, promoting pride, self-determination, and empowerment through artistic expression.
The movement placed a strong emphasis on creating art that reflected the realities, struggles, and aspirations of Black communities, with the goal of fostering political consciousness and social change. Rooted in the cultural legacy of African American history, the Black Arts Movement embraced various forms of expression, including literature, theatre, music, visual art, and poetry, often infused with themes of resistance, resilience, and cultural pride.
At its core, the movement sought to break free from mainstream artistic conventions, establishing a distinct Black aesthetic that celebrated African American experiences while challenging systemic racism and oppression. The works produced during this period were often raw, unapologetic, and deeply connected to the socio-political landscape of the time. This episode delves into the creative energy of that era, exploring how the sounds, rhythms, and messages of the Black Arts Movement resonate within the broader struggle for equality and justice. Expect a mix that channels the power and spirit of Black artistic liberation.
Listen to Francesca on re-OpenLab Architextures Revisited 03 – Black Arts Movement:
Originally aired over four years ago, the show often features rare and obscure tracks, providing a platform for lesser-known artists and genres. Francesca’s ability to unearth these hidden gems and present them in an accessible way is one of the hallmarks of Architextures. Her selections often include a mix of contemporary and classic tracks, creating a dialogue between the past and present of musical innovation.
Playlist
James Baldwin – Speech at Cambridge University, 1965
Krishna Krishna – Alice Coltrane (Avatar Book Institute)
Change – Toshio Matsuura Group (Brownswood Recordings) Tranquility (Into Groove) – Cosmic Ritual (Spiritual Life Music) Red Dawn – The Colours that Rise (Rhythm Section International) Nestra – Jay Daniel (Watusi High)
Track 11 – Joaquin Joe Claussel (Sacred Rhythm)
Greeting to Saud (Brother McCoy Tyner) – Pharaoh Sanders (Impulse!)
Butterfly – Herbie Hancock (Columbia)
Black Focus – Yussef Kamaal (Brownswood Recordings)
Getting it Back – Cymande (Janus Records)
Kaleidoscopic Events – Larry Heard (Alleviated Records)
Mango Season (45 Edit) – Don Leisure (First World Records)
Uknowassup – Polyswitch (Astrofever Records)
All I Hear – Mumia Abu-Jamal (Alternative Tentacles)
Impeach the President – The Honeydrippers (Alaga Records)
People of the Moon – Jamael Dean (Stones Throw Records)
Move for Me (Instrumental) – Output (Tuff City)
The World is a Ghetto (Special Disco Mix) – War (MCA Records)
Blacked Out – Yussef Days & Alfa Mist (Cashmere Thoughts)
Haziel’s Tears – Selim X
No Justice, No Peace – CitizenFive
Sage Projection – Afrikan Sciences (Deepblak Recordings)
Change – boogie arkestra (Rotating Souls Records)
Hurricane Dub – Grace Jones (Wall of Sound)
Nightgruv (Unreleased longer edit) – James Mason (Rush Hour)
Kool – Afro-Rican (Hip rock Records)
Love Honey, Love Heartache – Man Friday (Vinylmania)
Was That All It Was (Larry Levan Instrumental) – Jean Carn (Larry Levan Live at the Paradise Garage) American Cars – A Guy Called Gerald (K7 Records)
Work For Peace – Gil Scott-Heron (TVT Records)
Architextures Listening Experience
Listening to Architextures is an immersive experience. Francesca’s thoughtful curation and smooth transitions create a continuous flow of music that captivates the listener from start to finish. The show is designed to be an auditory journey, with each episode offering a unique exploration of sound. Whether it’s the ambient soundscapes that evoke a sense of calm and introspection or the more upbeat electronic tracks that energize and inspire, Architextures caters to a wide range of moods and emotions.
Impact and Reception
Since its inception, Architextures has garnered a dedicated following. Listeners appreciate Francesca’s distinctive approach to music curation and the high-quality production of the show. The program became a staple for those seeking an alternative to mainstream radio, offering a refreshing and innovative perspective on music.
Architextures has also had a positive impact on the broader music community. By featuring a wide range of artists and genres, the show helped to promote diversity and inclusivity in music. It provides a platform for emerging artists and brings attention to music that might otherwise go unheard.
Architextures by Francesca on openlab.fm is more than just a radio show; it’s an artistic endeavour that celebrates the rich and varied landscape of music. Through her careful curation and passion for discovery, Francesca has created a program that still resonates deeply with listeners and contributes meaningfully to the world of music. Architextures stands out as a testament to the power of music to inspire, connect, and transform.
*Resident Advisor Francesca Mackay
**Instagram Francesca Mackay
About OpenLab:
Founded in 2013 by electronic music pioneer, composer and DJ Robert Miles and inspired by the creative spirit of Ibiza. OpenLab was conceived specifically to showcase the best in innovative yet accessible music and visual art.
Broadcasting worldwide via www.openlab.fm and on 106.4 FM in Ibiza and Formentera, OpenLab champions the worlds most exciting producers, artists, DJ’s and visual artists, offering their community a glimpse of ‘Tomorrows World.. Today’.
You can listen to their Live Radio broadcasts here https://openlab.fm/radio/on-air or download their App:
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