Summer at the MOCAD Homestead feat Princess Nokia, Flint Eastwood, Yoshi Flower
Mike Kelley’s Mobile Homestead is a keystone piece within MOCAD’s collection. More than a structure, this replica of Kelley’s childhood home once served as a vessel for empathy-driven documentation as he travelled from Detroit to his hometown of Westland and back via Michigan Avenue, interviewing people along the way to represent the range of personal experiences sharing the same street. In his death, Kelley hoped that the piece would serve as a space for intentional provocation and communal gathering, a wish that has been honored during its time at MOCAD.
In this spirit, MOCAD and El Club have teamed up to present the Summer on the MOCAD Homestead series, a string of events hosted in the lawn that Mike Kelley knighted, featuring an impressive array of talent ranging from local to international artists, and the kick-off event this Friday is no exception.
Princess Nokia‘s musical progression through the past year and beyond is remarkable; regardless of whether you prefer the bouncing self-assurance of “G.O.A.T.“or the melodically somber tone of “For the Night,” her set will likely feature aspects of both. If you haven’t already familiarized yourself, now is the time- watch this documentary from The Fader released in 2016.
Suzi Analogue‘s musical and technical talents will also make an appearance on the lineup, in a display of creativity that manifests itself in distinct yet intimately related ways. We caught up with her for a quick chat about her musical influences, her connection to Detroit, and more!
What’s the first album you ever purchased?
Memorably, TLC – Crazy Sexy Cool.
If someone had never heard of you or your music before, what’s the first thing you would show them?
My website: suzianalogue.com
What have you been listening to lately?
Music from the Never Normal Soundsystem: artists like Nappy Nappa, JWords, RAFiA, NO EYES, Heavee, DJ Earl, Mastah William, Queens D. Light, Ted Kamal, Amani Fela, Opal Hoyt ~ Other than that all the new raps and KEY!.
If you were to set up your dream bill, past or present, 3-4 acts, what would it be?
Me, Jimi Hendrix, Billie Holiday and DJ Earl , special guest Big L.
If you were in the audience at one of your shows, what would that experience be like? As an artist, what would you hope to feel seeing yourself perform?
My performance is about freeing yourself and connecting with sound in different ways, on multiple levels. It a release of joy.
What is your relationship to Detroit? What are you looking forward to about visiting city with such a strong and varied musical history?
Music from Detroit shaped my perspective of dance music as a kid. Hip-hop music from Detroit opened up my mind and gave me hope at a time I was losing faith in the rap industry. J Dilla will always be the GOAT and my sister found the love of her life in Detroit, so my relationship with Detroit is one of much love.
You’ve been commended for your impressive musicality and prowess with a synthesizer. Do you have a favorite model? What is it about sound design that most intrigues you?
While I don’t have just one current personal favorite synth, I have been blessed enough to tweak a few knobs on the TONTO, the largest multitimbral polyphonic analog synth in the world.
If you had to tell someone what to do to prepare for your show, what would it be? What should we expect from the set at MOCAD?
Stretch, let your mind connect with your body, your body connect with your heart and allow yourself to become free. Expect beats, bass, and the power of voice.
Yoshi Flower will be visiting fresh off a recent trip to Electric Forest, part of a big festival season that has seen him tour with close friend and collaborator Elohim, even making an appearance during her set at Coachella. Since making his debut in the Detroit music scene as one half of the duo Gosh Pith, he has since relocated to California and we can’t wait for his homecoming show. Check out a recent profile on his latest release by The Fader.
Detroit Lines will bring heavy-hitting production mixed with stylistic eccentricity, a vibe that can only come from such a talented crew of collaborators, who just snagged a high-profile spot on a recent Borussia Mönchengladbach x pumafootball collab.
Detroit’s breakout band, Flint Eastwood is co-headlining, bringing the lead Jax Anderson’s potent charisma and animated presence to the stage just in time to celebrate the success of her latest release, “REAL LOVE,” a heartfelt tribute to finding inner-peace in spite of dated tradition and misaligned morality.
In anticipation for this exciting night of music, we caught up with Flint Eastwood’s Jax Anderson to talk local music, her latest single, and more:
What Detroit artist(s) have you been listening to lately?
Tunde Olaniran, NYDGE, Sam Austins, The True Blue, and Siena Liggins.
What’s the first thing you would show someone that had never heard Flint Eastwood before?
Tell us more about that track.
My art has always been my therapy. It’s my way of releasing the bad stuff in my head and letting it go as something that once had power over me.
For this track specifically, I addressed growing up in the church as a gay human and how I found happiness and joy, even though I was told I never could because of who I am. I make music to help people and I feel the best way to do that is by telling my own story and letting others know that they aren’t alone in their struggles.
What do you want the experience as an audience member at one of your shows?
I want listeners at my shows to feel included, safe, inspired and filled with hope when they leave. I want them to feel understood and welcomed.
If you had to tell someone what to do to prepare for your show, what would it be?
Drink lots of water, dress in an outfit that makes you feel confident and mighty, and be ready to move. A lot.
Purchase tickets here
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UPCOMING SUMMER @ THE MOCAD HOMESTEAD EVENTS:
July 22nd: Raphael Saadiq, Ali Shaheed Muhammad (of A Tribe Called Quest) + Tunde Olaniran
August 24th: Tank + The Bangas, Low Cut Connie + Video7
September 28th: Deerhunter, Protomartyr + special guest
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Featured image photo credit, Kenn Taylor.
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