Dru Barnes
The talented Dru Barnes, photographed by Alberto Milazzo.
The other week we had honor of debuting “Jean-Michel” from Jamaica by Brooklyn’s Dru Barnes (formerly of the duo JOGYO) where the artist pays homage to Basquiat in haunted nu-trap disciplines that feature his refrain of “I stay fresh like Jean-Michel.” His album Silent Light available now from Dither Down Records was made after surviving a brutal and senseless attack that nearly took his life, losing his left eye in the incident. Working with producer Taavi Haapala, Barnes illustrates sounds that rise up from the bleak void that embrace the artists that influence the creative pulse and drive that engaging art inspires. Fascinated by Dru’s own audio approaches and life experiences, we had the opportunity to talk with Barnes about his new album, Basquiat’s art, life, inspirations, and much more in the following discussion.
Tell us about moving from your duo JOGYO to flying solo under your own name.
When I started JOGYO, it came from an inspired space, and it was the same when I ended it.
There’s no logical reason other than it felt like the right thing to do. My work has its own legs and I do my best to follow.
After surviving such a devastating attack, what sorts of transformations and enlightenment have you discovered along the path of healing and transcendence?
The amount of love and support I received from people all around the world humbled me. Any enlightenment I found was rooted in a deep understanding that love was the only reality. I became hyperconscious of my mission to bring that to the world through my music. It’s been said where there’s love fear can not exist and in that way, I definitely left my body and a part of me never returned.
Interested too in hearing about working with Taavi Haapala on your first album Silent Light.
When Taavi first approached me to work with him we didn’t connect musically. We met in a Buddist center, Eventually we began chanting together, it allowed things to happen on a Kinetic level. When I decided to co-produce with Taavi, I knew that he could follow the vibration I was experiencing after my N.D.E [near death experience]. We’d chant for an hour then start working, the music was channeled, at times the energy in the studio was thick, other times disorienting, but it worked for us we both felt totally free to create.
How do you describe your approach to your solo work, versus your work in JOGYO?
JOGYO is a direct extension of my work as a sound artist. My intention with that work was to bridge conceptual art and dance music. I’m not as focused on dance music currently. I’m not at all focused on genre or labels when it comes to music or art. I think there’s been a shift in culture where that’s allowed.
Love your single “Jean Michel”, was wondering how his message of “create art on your own terms” inspired you and influenced you, along with Basquiat’s own works as well?
Jean Michel was ahead of his time. He understood the space he held as an artist and used it to purposely shift culture. I believe his energy is still available to us, and I connect to him almost daily, he’s like a saint or Christ figure in my mind.
Dru Barnes’ ode to Jean-Michel Basquiat.
“Creating Art On Your Own Terms” means to be okay with being undefined or misunderstood. It’s a way to allow the people That the work was created for find you on their own terms.
What works of visual, audio art, literature, film, and more have you been appreciating as of late?
The Carol Walker Exhibit at M.O.M.A is pretty dope. I’ve also been vibing a lot to Raury’s Indigo Child EP. I’ve definitely been thirsty for something fresh to happen in the art world, but to quote John Cage, “everything You Do is Music and Everywhere is the Best Seat,” so I stay open.
Focuses and philosophies for 2016?
2016 is really bright. I’ve been hearing that and feeling that. I also do my best to stay out of the business of having a future. You could say that’s my philosophy.
Dru Barnes’ upcoming album Silent Light will be available May 6 from Dither Down Records.
