Touring through Europe with Mourning [A] BLKstar, Cleveland singer LaToya Kent and instrumentalist R.A. Washington have more than the successful international trek to celebrate.
As the two gear up for a performance in Italy, their newest project Me:You hits streaming sites in full force for the duo’s first album, Field Tapes In Der Trash, on April 21.
The project takes its roots from improv sets Kent and Washington would do in their free time outside of MAB — the name itself playing on the relationship the two forged over years of collaboration.
“I really think we respond to moments and opportunities without trying to force things, so this project is an outgrowth of that energy,” Washington shares in an email sent during his European tour.
Fans of Me:You can expect the usual, outside-the-box artistry from the duo; however, Kent emphasizes sonic and emotional differences compared to MAB's work.
“It’s guttural, angsty and passionate,” she writes. “That kind of passion that makes you tear at your chest to hold onto life. The textures cut through to the core. Poses some questions and taunts a response emotionally.
“MAB has those same elements, but different ingredients to its stew. Nine different influences all coalescing together.”
Breaking away from the group — which includes other prolific artists like drummer Dante Foley, trumpet player Theresa May and trombonist William Washington — Field Tapes In Der Trash offers up something raw and uncut; an unapologetic taste of what Washington and Kent have to offer.
A punk spirit informs the playful nature of the side project, and the name of the record itself conjures images of lost art — dusted off and laid bare to the world.
The emotional impact of album varies track-to-track, ranging from lovesickness to “lust and power, sensual coaxing, mystical meanderings," Kent says. "That place in meditation where you feel a little off the planet and are unsure if you can manage the world when you open your eyes back up; being brown in the world and carving a groove that collects sparkles, dust, gold and soot, diamonds and precious things."
When Kent and Washington return to Cleveland, fans should look out for an upcoming release show, where tracks like the ethereal “Burn” or the industrial, angsty “Crawl on yer Belly” begin to feel like a “tiny blaze across the skin,” says Washington.
Fans can find the new album streaming on most major platforms, and can purchase the record in vinyl format at the artist’s Bandcamp.
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