Bernard Farley: The Journey of Black Techno Matters
This is an episode you don’t want to miss! Host Rob Lee sits down with the incredibly talented Bernard Farley, aka OutputMessage – a self-taught artist and founder of the groundbreaking Black Techno Matters initiative. Get ready to be taken on a musical journey as Farley shares how his love for techno was sparked by his mom’s DJ mixes when he was young. You’ll hear all about his deep passion for live improvisation and the authentic creative expression it allows.
But that’s not all! Farley dives into the powerful story behind starting Black Techno Matters – his mission to create a community celebrating black artists in techno while reclaiming the genre’s black roots. The conversation gets real as they discuss the challenges artists face and explore how visuals and technology impact music. Farley also opens up about his unique perspective on what true success means – it’s all about being content and leaving a positive artistic legacy behind. His insights will leave you inspired!
Whether you’re a techno fan or just love hearing about creativity in action, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Tune in for genuine conversations and a fascinating look into the mind of a trailblazing artist.
Episode Highlights:
Authentic Introduction (00:01:17)
Bernard Farley presents himself as an experienced artist, passionate about creating and sharing musical and dance experiences.
Love for Music (00:08:05)
Farley discusses his love for music, influenced by sonic liberation technology, and his focus on live improvisation.
Founding Black Techno Matters (00:17:09)
Farley explains the origin of Black Techno Matters, addressing the underrepresentation of black artists in techno and promoting diversity in the genre.
Techno as Black Music (00:21:56)
Discussion on techno’s roots in black music, the need for awareness among black communities, and efforts to educate and raise awareness.
“Blackness is Revolutionary” Playlist (00:25:36)
Highlighting the significance of the playlist featuring black artists, showcasing diverse music genres.
Jazz Influence and Creativity (00:34:08)
Farley draws parallels between jazz and creative expression, embracing varied song lengths and adopting a punk rock approach to innovation.
Artistic Identity and Photography (00:36:00)
Farley discusses how his photography background influences his music and enhances the overall experience.
Rule for Success (00:48:15)
Sharing his personal definition of success, emphasizing contentment and leaving a positive impact.
Key Takeaways:
- Authentic creative expression is crucial for personal fulfillment and artistic innovation.
- Recognizing and celebrating the black roots of techno is essential for fostering diversity and inclusivity in the genre.
- Live improvisation can lead to genuine and impactful musical experiences.
- True success lies in contentment and leaving a positive legacy through art.
🌐 Website: www.blacktechnomatters.org
Social Media Links:
Instagram: blacktechnomatters
Supporting the Arts:
If you were inspired by Bernard Farley’s insights and want to dive deeper into his world, don’t hesitate to visit his website and follow him on social media. Your support fuels the creative fire for artists like Bernard, and every click, like, and share helps to sustain the vibrant community he’s a part of. But don’t stop there! Show your love for the Truth in This Art podcast by rating and reviewing this episode. Your feedback is invaluable and helps to spread the word about the incredible stories we share.
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This program is supported in part by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.
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Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.
Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.
About “The Truth In This Art“
Hosted by Rob Lee, “The Truth In This Art” podcast dives into the heart of creativity and its influence on the community. This arts and culture podcast from Baltimore highlights artists discussing their ideas, sharing insights, and telling impactful stories. Through these artist interviews, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the creative economy and artistic life in Baltimore.
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